FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Welcome to the FAQ section, here, you'll find answers to common questions about the ROBUST study.
General Questions
What is the purpose of the ROBUST Study?
The purpose of the ROBUST study is to determine if including up to two friends, family members, or co-workers in three study coaching sessions helps the enrolled person lose more weight compared to someone without invited attendees.
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Who is conducting the research?
The research is being conducted by Dr. Erica Phillips and her team at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital.
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Where can I find the study's registration information?
The registration information for the ROBUST study can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov, using the NCT# NCT06335810. To view the study's registration, click here.
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Study Procedures
What am I being asked to do?
If you decide to participate in the study, you will first be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. Your study group assignment determines what you will be asked to do throughout the study.
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A control group participant is not required to invite friends or family members.
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An intervention group participant is required to invite at least 2 friends or family members to participate in the study with them.
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If you're invited to join the study in support of another participant, you are a social network member.
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What does participation involve?
Participants will be expected to:
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Attend 15, 60-minute health coaching sessions. 11 sessions will be virtual and 4 will be in-person to collect your body composition measurements.
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Complete a survey at the beginning and end of the study.
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Complete workbook activities.
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Track your eating and physical activity habits.
Social network members will be expected to:
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Attend three Zoom counseling sessions with a trained health coach and your friend or family member who is the study participant.
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Complete a survey at the beginning and end of the study.
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How long will the study last?
Your participation in the study is expected to last 24 weeks.
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Participants
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Over the 24 weeks, you will attend 15 health coaching sessions, including 3 nutrition counseling sessions at weeks 2, 8, and 16. If in the intervention group, this will also include 3 communications skills sessions with your social network members.
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Social Network Members
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​Over the 24 weeks, you only attend 3 of the virtual sessions at weeks 3, 5 and 15 of the study.
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Is participation voluntary?
​Yes, participation in the ROBUST study is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time without affecting your medical care.
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Can I reschedule my session appointments?
Yes, participants are encouraged to reschedule appointments promptly if needed.
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Benefits and Risks
Will I get paid to participate in ROBUST?
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Participants will receive up to $100 in gift cards.
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Social network members will receive up to $50 in gift cards.
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What are the benefits of participating in ROBUST?
Participants will receive:
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Free personalized health coaching
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Tools such as a tailored workbook, Fitbit Inspire 3 activity tracker, measuring cups, electronic scale, and replacement batteries
Social network members will receive:
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Free training to better help your friend, family member, or co-worker in their weight loss journey.
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What are the risks of participating in ROBUST?
​The risks of the study may include feelings related to loss of privacy when sharing personal information, such as how much or what you eat and/ or drink. Sometimes, when people increase their physical activity, they experience muscle soreness and fatigue.
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