Original Investigation

Enhanced Weight Management Program for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

JAMA Network Open 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.1904

March 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT

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Does an enhanced behavioral weight management intervention tailored to address unique barriers to weight loss for veterans with a body mass index of 25 or higher and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) improve weight loss more than a Veterans Health Administration program?In this randomized clinical trial of 174 participants, 6-month weight loss was modest and did not differ significantly between the study groups. The 6- and 12-month PTSD symptom improvements and 12-month weight loss also did not differ between the study groups.This study’s results suggest that further research is needed to improve care for veterans with PTSD and an elevated body mass index.

Corresponding Author: Katherine D. Hoerster, PhD, MPH, Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, 1660 S Columbian Way, S-152, Seattle, WA 98108 (katherine.hoerster@va.gov).

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