Women, Weight, and Well-being

Overview

Women, Weight and Well-Being is a 12-month research study looking at how a supportive lifestyle program may help women whose weight increases their risk for heart disease. We want to understand whether taking part in the program is linked with changes in: body weight and waist size; blood pressure and bloodwork related to heart health (such as cholesterol and A1C); health habits (movement, eating patterns, sleep); well-being and how women feel about their bodies, including the effects of weight stigma. About 60 women aged 35-75 will take part. Participants will attend group sessions and have one-on-one support from a nurse, dietitian, and kinesiologist. Some participants may also use GLP-1 medication (a type of medication that can support weight loss) as part of their regular medical care, if it is right for them. The study does not assign medication. We simply observe outcomes over time. Information will be collected at the start of the program, at 6 months, and at 12 months using measurements (such as weight, waist, blood pressure), routine lab results, and questionnaires about health and well-being.

Women with obesity face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic complications, yet this risk is frequently under addressed, creating a gap in cardiovascular care. Compounding this risk are the psychological impacts of weight stigma, internalized weight bias (IWB), the internal adoption of society's negative stereotypes about body weight, which is more prevalent among women and linked to chronic stress, healthcare avoidance, disruptions in health-promoting behaviours, and increased morbidity and mortality. A 12-month observational study has been designed to address these gaps by offering and assessing the impact of an interdisciplinary lifestyle program on weight loss, cardiovascular, and psychological outcomes in women whose weight poses a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. It integrates medical, nutritional, exercise and psychological support through group-based education, individualized care, and the option to use GLP-1 therapy. The program offers stigma-free, relationship-centred support grounded in the biology of adiposity and the importance of self-compassion, nourishing and non-restrictive nutrition, movement, sleep, and emotional well-being. This study will enroll 60 women aged 35-75 years whose weight poses a CVD risk. Eligibility includes BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² with waist circumference \>88 cm or BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² obesity-related health conditions consistent with Edmonton Obesity Staging System Stage ≥ 1. Participants may choose a lifestyle-only approach or add GLP-1 therapy, with nurse-led titration and monitoring. The program includes three phases: Phase 1 (Weeks 0 to 6) offers weekly group sessions and individual visits; Phase 2 (Weeks 7 to 24) provides biweekly sessions and a midpoint assessment; and Phase 3 (Months 7 to 12) delivers monthly support and long-term follow-up. Collaborating with the participant's cardiologist or primary care provider, an interdisciplinary team (RN, RD, Kinesiologist) will provide group and one-on-one support. RN or RD check-ins occur biweekly during the first six months and monthly thereafter, with RN-led support for medication titration as needed. Data including weight, waist circumference, BP, lipids, HbA1C, exercise capacity (DASI, grip strength, BODY-Q physical function), dietary patterns (24hr Dietary Recall, Mediterranean Diet Score, BODY-Q dietary behavior), food noise (FNQ), psychological well-being (PERMA, EQ-5D-5L, BODY-Q social function, Psychological function, SCS-SF), sleep (STOP-BANG) and internalized weight bias (WBIS) will be collected at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Focus groups will explore participant experience. The findings will inform women-centred care by evaluating whether this interdisciplinary program promotes positive health behaviours, enhances well-being, and improves cardiometabolic risk.