Frequently Asked Questions

 
What do I I need to know about participating in a research study?

Research studies try to answer important questions.
A research study is an organized program that is designed to answer a question. Any research study that collects information about people or uses existing information is considered human subjects research. This research study hopes to answer questions about whether or not a new program can help African American men lose weight and get fit.
 
Research studies have certain criteria for participation.
All research studies have specific requirements about who can participate. These requirements are called inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria define specific conditions or characteristics that make it appropriate to enroll a person into a study. Exclusion criteria define conditions or characteristics that would make it inappropriate for a person to be enrolled. These criteria are often based on such factors as age, gender, medical history, and health status. A person must qualify for the study before being asked to join. It is important to understand that these criteria are not used to reject people personally. Instead, the criteria identify appropriate participants for whom the research is relevant and help minimize the risks those participants face. The criteria also help researchers answer the research questions.
 
Research studies try to answer important questions.
A research study is an organized program that is designed to answer a question. Any research study that collects information about people or uses existing information is considered human subjects research. This research study hopes to answer questions about whether or not a new program can help African American men lose weight and get it.
 
Research studies have certain criteria for participation.
All research studies have specific requirements about who can participate. These requirements are called inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria define specific conditions or characteristics that make it appropriate to enroll a person into a study. Exclusion criteria define conditions or characteristics that would make it inappropriate for a person to be enrolled. These criteria are often based on such factors as age, gender, medical history, and health status. A person must qualify for the study before being asked to join. It is important to understand that these criteria are not used to reject people personally. Instead, the criteria identify appropriate participants for whom the research is relevant and help minimize the risks those participants face. The criteria also help researchers answer the research questions.
 
Research studies have different groups they are testing.
Research studies compare different treatments. The best research studies randomly assign participants into treatment groups, meaning you can’t choose which group you want to be in. It is like flipping a coin to determine which group you are in. If you do not agree to be randomly assigned to a group, you should not sign up for a research study. In this study, all groups receive a weight loss program. 
 
Research studies require data collection and follow up with participants.
It is CRITICAL that all participants complete data collection visits at all times. You should not participate in this program if you are not willing to complete the data collection. Data collection will include measurements of your height and weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, and questionnaires about your health history, habits, and ideas.
 
Research studies offer cutting edge free treatment.
Research studies are great opportunities to get treatment for free and to contribute to the greater good by helping researchers improve treatment programs. Research studies compare different treatments. The best research studies randomly assign participants into treatment groups, meaning you can’t choose which group you want to be in. It is like flipping a coin to determine which group you are in. If you do not agree to be randomly assigned to a group, you should not sign up for a research study. In this study, all groups receive a weight gain prevention program. 
 
Will I have to take any medications or pills in this program?
What are the cost to participating?
Will I have to follow a special diet?
Will I have to follow a particular exercise program?
Will other people see my weight?
Can I participate if I am currently taking weight loss medication or part of another weigh loss program?
How much weight will I lose? What if I need to lose a lot of weight?
Will I get any monetary compensation for participating?