Food Is Medicine Approaches for Obesity

(EatWell Rx Trial)

This trial aims to determine if providing healthy foods, along with a behavioral weight loss program, helps people with obesity and food insecurity lose more weight. Participants are divided into three groups: one follows only the weight loss program, another receives grocery vouchers with the program, and the last receives home-delivered groceries with the program. The trial will also assess improvements in health-related quality of life and diet quality. It is ideal for adults with obesity (BMI over 30), who face food insecurity, and can walk at least two blocks without stopping. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance weight loss strategies for those facing food insecurity.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you recently started or changed the dosage of a medication that can cause significant weight change, you may not be eligible to participate.

Research has shown that "Food Is Medicine" programs, which offer healthy foods and vouchers, are generally safe and well-received. One study found that participants lost weight and improved their eating habits by consuming less salt, sugar, and fat. Another analysis revealed that over 80% of people were satisfied with these programs. Participants also experienced a significant reduction in food insecurity and obesity. These findings suggest that the treatments in this trial are not only safe but also positively impact weight and health.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the "Food Is Medicine" approaches for obesity because these methods aim to integrate dietary changes with behavioral weight loss (BWL) strategies in innovative ways. Unlike standard obesity treatments, which often focus solely on medication or surgery, these approaches incorporate food-based interventions to address the root causes of obesity. The BWL+Voucher arm provides participants with food vouchers, potentially making healthier food more accessible and affordable. The BWL+Home arm takes it a step further by delivering healthy meals directly to participants' homes, simplifying the process of maintaining a nutritious diet. These strategies not only focus on weight loss but also on changing food environments and behaviors, offering a holistic alternative to traditional treatments.

Research has shown that "Food Is Medicine" programs, such as home-delivered groceries and grocery vouchers, can aid in weight loss. In this trial, participants will join different treatment arms: BWL-Alone, BWL+Voucher, and BWL+Home. Participants in these programs have experienced a decrease in body mass index (BMI) and have adopted healthier eating habits, such as consuming less salt, sugar, and fat. One study found that vouchers for fruits and vegetables improved health outcomes in preventing obesity. These findings suggest that making healthy food more accessible can support weight loss, especially when combined with strategies to change eating behaviors. Overall, these approaches appear promising in helping people with obesity, particularly those who struggle to afford food, achieve better health.¹³⁶⁷⁸