Stepping Into Lifestyle Change (SILC) is a research study focused on healthy weight loss among African American women, age 30 or older, who are pre-diabetic and/or have high blood pressure and who live, work, or worship in select rural communities throughout Alabama and Mississippi. This project is implementing and evaluating weight loss programs of improved diet and increased physical activity.

The study is enrolling women 30 years or older who self identify as Black and/or African American and live, work, or worship in one of 12 specific intervention communities of rural Alabama counties. These individuals must also have a measured BMI over 25 and at least one other cardiometabolic risk factor (ex. hypertension).

See the link below for more information and additional criteria for eligibility.

PROPEL-IT stands for Promoting Successful Weight Loss in Primary Care in Louisiana using Information Technology. This study is being conducted to determine if a two-year weight loss program that uses virtual health coaching will help Black adults with obesity and diabetes (Type 2) or prediabetes lose more weight and improve their quality of life compared to patients receiving usual medical care.

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you live in Louisiana, have an Ochsner Health primary care provider, identify as Black or African American, are between age 40-70, have a BMI between 30 and 50 and have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Participants must also have an internet-connected device they are willing to use for coaching sessions.

For more information on eligibility and expectations, follow the link below.