PROGROUP Online
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility study of a remote group-based behavioural change support for adults living with severe obesity
IRAS ID
333265
Contact name
Dawn Swancutt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study will investigate whether an online version of PROGROUP, a group based behavioural weight management programme for adults living with severe obesity, is acceptable, helpful and practical for both patients and healthcare staff.
Severe obesity affects more than five million adults in the UK, yet many people struggle to access face to face treatment because travel is difficult, expensive or time consuming, and NHS services often lack the space to run regular in person groups. Online delivery may improve access, but it is not yet known how suitable or helpful online support is for people with severe obesity. Understanding this will help improve treatment options and ensure services meet the needs of those who use them.
The study will focus on people referred to two NHS specialist weight management services, who can choose whether to try the online programme. Those who choose the online option may be invited to join the study, and we plan to recruit around 60 participants. We will look at how many people choose online treatment, their reasons for doing so, and how easy it is for services to deliver the programme. Participants will complete the 5 month online programme and will be followed up for 6 months in total. We will also offer every participant the opportunity to take part in a qualitative interview, and some will be invited to join a photovoice exercise, using photographs to reflect their experiences in more depth. Healthcare professionals delivering the programme, and 20 patients who choose not to use the online option, will also be recruited and asked about their views.
By the end of the project we aim to understand whether online PROGROUP can be delivered successfully, who it works best for, and how it can be improved to expand NHS support for people living with severe obesity.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
26/WS/0042
Date of REC Opinion
12 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion