Hartford Business Journal

January 3, 2022

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UConn researchers have turned weight loss into a science. Experts from UConn's Weight Management Research Group utilize cutting edge behavioral, social, and cognitive science to help people change their behaviors and lead healthier lifestyles. They use technology to reach people in their day-to-day lives to provide evidence-based tips and strategies to develop new habits. "We help people think differently about their eating and exercise choices and change the social and physical environments in which they live to support these choices," says Amy Gorin, one of the directors. "And we understand that weight management is not a quick fix, but a lifelong effort and we work with people in various stages of this process to help them be successful." Gorin is a psychology sciences professor and the Director of UConn's Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy. She co-leads the Weight Management Research Group along with allied health sciences professor and co- director Tricia Leahey at their facility in downtown Hartford. Their current trial, called Research Intervention to Support healthy Eating and exercise (RISE), is now enrolling participants. It is focused on obesity treatments in lower income adults and utilizes an app and personal coaching to help participants reach their weight loss goals. The trial is testing whether adding motivational strategies to the RISE app experience improves outcomes. All active studies and trials are currently delivered online. For more information or to join a study, visit www.weight.lab.uconn.edu/participate. Regardless of participation in the RISE study, Gorin and Leahey have advice for anyone attempting to lose weight and change their lifestyles. "Weight loss is a journey, and each small step is important," Leahey said. • Focus on things to move in the right direction and set concrete, achievable goals – for example, going for 15-minute walk before dinner three days a week, or cutting out sugary drinks at breakfast. • Enlist the support of family and friends around and letting people know what would be helpful – for example, asking for help in watching the kids to allow for some exercise time. • Think about future goals for which weight management or fitness is important – for example, a long- planned vacation, or being able to play with future grandchildren – and use those images to help stay motivated in the moment. • Look for a structured program that will provide accountability and tools for success. UConn Study Offers Scientific Approach to Weight Loss Technology Seeks to Help Inspire Daily Healthy Habits UConn psychological sciences professor Amy Gorin is the director of the Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy and one of the directors of the Weight Management Research Group. UConn allied health professor Tricia Leahey is one of the the directors of the Institute the Weight Management Research Group, which is currently accepting new participants in its RISE program trials. UConn Research A strong partner in Connecticut's future. research.uconn.edu

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