Nutrition Research

The Center for Integrative Nutrition (CIN) is involved in a number of studies with nutrition, from lifestyle interventions to dietary assessment for large randomized trials. We have several upcoming exciting interventions involving nutrition research. Some studies include the glycemic index, diabetes, prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, lifestyle study of diet, stress reduction and smoking cessation, obesity studies, and more! Stay tuned for updates or contact CIN staff for more information.

Ongoing Studies

Development and Feasibility of Be Active Mind/Body Treatment for
Depression and Obesity

PI: Sherry Pagoto, Ph.D.
Funded by: The American Cancer Society  
Between 25-50% of treatment-seeking obese patients also have a history of major depressive disorder (MDD). Obesity and MDD have largely been studied independently, so very little is known about the optimal treatment approach for the comorbidity. According to the literature and our preliminary data, both depression and obesity appear to be characterized by inactivity, anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities), reduced exercise self-efficacy, and mood-regulatory eating. Weight loss treatment for depressed patients might be optimized when these issues are addressed. The present study aims to modify evidence-based treatments for depression and obesity to address both conditions concurrently. We developed a 12-week intervention that includes 12 individually-delivered behavior therapy for weight loss in depression counseling sessions and 6-biweekly dietary counseling groups. We will examine the efficacy of this pilot intervention on weight and depressive symptoms among 15 participants who meet criteria for both obesity and major depressive disorder. 

Diabetic Educational Eating Plan (DEEP) Study

PI:

Yunsheng Ma , MD , PhD
Funded by: UMass Diabetes Endocrinology Research Center
The aim of this 2-year study is to gather pilot data on the feasibility of implementing a nutritionist-delivered low glycemic index (GI) intervention to reduce dietary GI in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study will recruit 40 patients with type 2 diabetes and will randomly assign them to one of two groups: a low GI nutrition education group and a standard American Dietetic Association carbohydrate counting dietary education group (20 patients in each group). Our outcomes are recruitment and retention rates, as well as physiological measures such asHbA1c, a measure of long-term blood sugar control, blood pressure, body mass index, and, dietary GI scores and acceptability of the intervention.

Eating and Memories Study

PI: Sherry Pagoto, Ph.D.
The purpose of this study is to see how different everyday situations affect the enjoyment and selection of various foods. More specifically, we will look at how memories affect food preferences. The study includes one screening visit and 3 experimental sessions. During the screening session, we assess height and weight, administer questionnaires, and discuss memories that will be used for the experimental sessions. For the experimental sessions, the participant is asked to recall a memory and will then be able to sample certain snack foods. Compensation is provided to the participant at the end of the study. Any questions regarding study participation can be directed to Jessica Oleski (508)856-1579.

Healthy Living Project: A Systems-based Intervention to Prevent and
Treat Overweight in Pediatric Practice

PI: Lori Pbert, Ph.D.
Funded by: The Obesity Nutrition Research Center (BONRC)
The purpose of this study is to design and test the feasibility of a systems-based intervention to prevent and treat overweight in pediatric primary care practice. The first aim of the study is to conduct a qualitative assessment of the experience with, receptivity to, and preferences for overweight prevention and treatment delivered within pediatric practice by overweight and at-risk adolescents, parents and pediatric providers.  Based on these findings and current recommendations for the prevention and treatment of overweight in adolescents, the second aim of the study is to develop and pilot test a systems-based intervention to determine the feasibility of the intervention and recruitment and data collection procedures, as well as the short-term efficacy of the intervention in improving self-management behaviors (diet, level of physical activity, screen time) and reducing BMI in adolescents. 

Latinos en Control: Intensive Diabetes Self-Management for
Low-Income Hispanic Patients

PI: Milagros C. Rosal, PhD
PD: Mary Jo White, MS, MPH
Funded by: NIH, NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
The overall goal of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) is to test the effectiveness of a diabetes self-management intervention on glycemic control (HbA1c) among low-income Hispanic patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The intervention is based on cognitive-behavior theory and tailored to low literacy/illiteracy and cultural/ethnic needs. It targets self-management behaviors (goal setting, problem solving and self-monitoring for dietary change, increase in physical activity, medication intake, and glucose testing) and emphasizes self-regulation skills. Study providers will use patient-centered counseling and group discussions and “hands-on” activities to facilitate health behavior change and long-term adherence to change. The primary outcome is glycemic control (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes include weight loss, blood pressure, lipids, change in self-management behaviors and psychosocial endpoints (depression and quality of life). The study will enroll 250 patients at three health centers who will be randomized to either control (usual care) or the cognitive behavioral intervention.

The 

Lawrence Latino Diabetes Prevention Project (LLDPP)
Translational Research for the Prevention and Control of Diabetes

PI: Ira Ockene, MD
Funded By: NIH, NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
The purpose of this randomized, controlled nutrition intervention study is to implement and evaluate a diabetes prevention program for low-income, Latino patients at high risk for developing diabetes. Intervention programs include individual and group nutrition classes that integrate literacy-sensitive, culture-specific strategies for improving diet and physical activity. The study goals are aimed at sustained weight loss and reduction of diabetes related risk factors. All sessions are presented by a team of bilingual nutritionists, and supportive materials are available in English and Spanish. The primary aim is to reduce diabetes-related risk factors by 10% in the intervention arm as compared to those patients randomized to the control group and receiving usual care. Secondary aim includes changes in fasting blood sugar, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and Hemoglobin A1C levels (a 3-month measure of blood glucose). This study is a collaborative effort between the UMass Medical School , the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, and the research laboratories at UMass-Lowell.
The study is currently looking for bilingual nutritionists (Spanish-English) to work in our studies in Latino populations. If you are interested in applying for this position, please call Barbara Olendzki, Nutrition Program Director, @ 508-856-5195, or email @ barbara.olendzki@umassmed.edu

Reducing Risk Factors in Peripheral Arterial Disease

PI: Mary McGrea McDermott, MD, Northwestern 

University   Feinberg   School  of Medicine
PI: Ira S. Ockene, MD,  UMass   Medical School
Funded By: NIH, NHLBI
This randomized, controlled clinical trial, in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) will test the ability of a telephone-counseling intervention to reduce Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels as compared to usual care and attention control conditions, respectively. Current published data show that many patients with PAD are unaware of their increased risk of cardiovascular events and the importance of risk factor treatment in PAD. The primary aim is to see if the intervention group will achieve a reduction in LDL-C greater than the reduction in LDL-C for subjects randomized to the attention control and usual care conditions, respectively, at 12-month follow-up. To identify the mediators of the intervention, exploratory aims will determine whether patients in the intervention condition achieve greater improvement in specific behavioral and knowledge and attitude mediators that will be targeted by the intervention, as compared to patients in the attention control and usual care conditions, respectively. The study involves 420 men and women with PAD who have LDL-C levels > 100 mg/dl at baseline identified from non-invasive vascular laboratories in Chicago , IL and Worcester , MA . This study is being done in conjunction with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Chicago , IL .

Soy Isoflavones for Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms Study

PI:Judith K. Ockene, Ph.D
Co-PI: Elizabeth Jackson, M.D., M.P.H.
Funded By: NCCAM
This study is in the recruitment, enrollment and follow-up phase. The investigators and study staff are conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled 12 week pilot study of 180 menopausal women with at least 7 moderate to severe hot flashes. They are investigating isoflavone doses ranging from 33mg to 200 mg for two total daily doses of 100mg/day and 200 mg/day and three dosing frequencies (soy tablets once a day, twice a day and three times a day). This pilot study is very timely, due to the current interest in isoflavone supplements and the lack of a generally accepted alternative to hormone therapy for treatment of menopausal hot flashes.
If interested in this study, please contact Linda Churchill at (508) 856-5691 or Linda.Churchill@umassmed.edu

The Step Ahead Study

PI: Stephanie Lemon, PhD
Funded by: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of NIH
The Step Ahead study is a four-year randomized controlled trial of worksite interventions to prevent obesity in hospital employees. It is one of seven worksite obesity prevention projects funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of NIH. Six member hospitals of UMass Memorial Health Care are participating. The hospitals are pair-matched by size and extent of service, and one in each pair was selected as the intervention site. The primary outcome measure is a small decrease in body mass index (BMI). A comprehensive two-year intervention focusing on the work environment will begin in late spring of 2006. Primary messages of the intervention are to increase physical activity and to improve eating habits at work. Information channels include a website; a weekly newsletter in email and print format; other printed materials; toolkits and consultation for groups of employees to use for starting a walking club or having healthy potluck meals at work; and a series of 30-minute workshops on diet, physical activity and weight loss topics. The intervention also will include events such as a kick-off and a fitness fair, campaigns centered around specific themes or seasonal topics, and competitions and cooperative challenges. The project relies on significant collaboration with hospital leadership, especially food services and facilities departments. Unions, hospital-based fitness facilities, and other departments and divisions are also key collaborators. Stephenie Lemon is the Principal Investigator. Other division faculty who are investigators on the project include Wenjun Li, Milagros Rosal and Jane Zapka.