This research aims to investigate the effects of the “GameDay Ready” behavioral weight management intervention developed for Black men who live in the rural South compared to a walking and general health education program.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• African American/Black males between 25-70 years old
• Have a body mass index between 27-50 (healthcare provider approval will be required for those with a BMI of 45-50)
• Have lived in Allendale, Hampton, Orangeburg, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, and Colleton counties for at least one year
• Can speak and understand English
• Willing to be randomized to the “GameDay Ready” program or the walking/health education program
  
  

Exclusion Criteria:

• Positive response to any question on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) (Participant may be included if approval is provided and documented by a healthcare provider) 
• Currently participating in another weight loss trial or program or have participated in a trial or program within 6 months prior to starting the intervention
• Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥160 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥100 mm Hg), diabetes, or asthma (Participant may be included if approval is provided and documented by a healthcare provider)
• Pulmonary disease requiring supplemental oxygen or daily use of short-acting bronchodilators
• Any musculoskeletal condition that would preclude meeting recommended levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
• Within 30 days prior to participating in the intervention, have taken prescription or nonprescription medications, herbals, or supplements for weight loss
• On special diet for a serious health condition (does not include general dietary advice from a healthcare provider for common risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia) 
• Major surgery in the past 6 months
• Have undergone weight loss surgery or considering weight loss surgery within the next 6 months
• Have been treated for cancer in the past 12 months (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) 
• Weight loss ≥5% during the past 6 months 
• Plans to move to another country in the next 6 months
• Any other perceived physical or mental health-related condition that would preclude participating in a behavioral program designed to promote weight loss
• Intending to move within 6 months

If eligible, participation involves:

Baseline assessment

1. Completing questionnaires about your health and having your height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure measured (this will be done in a private setting)
2. Wearing a physical activity monitor on your wrist for 7 days
   
   

12-week program

This will be either the “GameDay Ready” program or a walking and health education program. You will be assigned randomly to one of the groups. Program meetings will last about one hour each week.

Post-program assessment

A week after completing the program, you will repeat the same activities from the baseline assessment. This will allow researchers to compare the effectiveness of the two programs.

Focus group interview

Share your thoughts about the program. This interview will last about two hours.

Final assessment

Three months after completing the program, you will repeat the same activities from the baseline assessment.

Compensation of $50 will be provided for completing each assessment for data collection, totaling $150 (baseline assessment, post-program assessment, and final assessment).

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.