Plant-Based Online Weight Loss Education Program and Study

The registration cost of $645 includes 12 weekly online classes on Mondays, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. E.T. starting on February 16, 2026, or on Wednesdays, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. E.T starting on February 18, 2026, before and after DXA scans for body composition assessment, one-on-one consultation(s) with a registered dietitian, and lab tests to assess cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar control. The DXA scans will be scheduled at our office in Washington, D.C., and all laboratory samples will be collected at a local LabCorp facility.

Sign up today and enjoy this online program from the comfort of your home! The virtual classes will include nutrition education, support, and interactive Q&A with the study team. Class topics will include: 

1. Introduction – How Can a Plant-Based Diet Help You?
2. How to Eat Plant Based – Practical Tips, Dining Out, and Holidays
3. The Role of Binge and Emotional Eating
4. Understanding and Overcoming Addictive Foods
5. How to Eat Mindfully
6. Which Carbohydrates Are Right for You?
7. Dietary Fat and Cholesterol
8. How to Tackle Weight Loss Plateau
9. The Role of Exercise in Weight Management
10. How Much Protein Do You Need?
11. What is the Difference Between Sodium and Salt?
12. Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Reserve your spot today! If you have any questions about this program, please contact 202-567-2546.

Do I need to live in the DC area in order to participate in the program and study?

Any US adult may participate in the program. All elements of the program will be online except for the laboratory studies and DXA scans. The DXA scans must be completed at the start and at the end of the program at our office in Washington DC (5100 Wisconsin Ave, NW., Washington DC 20016). The laboratory studies must be completed at a local LabCorp facility.

What are the steps that need to be completed after registering for this program?

1. After you register for this program, one of the researchers will contact you via telephone to run through the screening questions.
2. If you meet the study criteria, you may continue as a study participant. If you do not meet the criteria, you may continue as a non-study participant (you will have access to the classes, support, DXA scans, and one-on-one dietitian consultation(s); we will be unable to order laboratory studies for you and we will not track your outcomes).
3. The researchers will send each study participant an online informed consent form through DocuSign. You will have an opportunity to ask the researchers any questions about the informed consent form prior to signing it.
4. Study participants will also be required to complete a baseline data and medical history survey online.
5. All participants will need to complete the DXA scans at the Physicians Committee’s office before and after the program.
6. Study participants will be required to complete their laboratory studies at a local LabCorp laboratory before and after the program.
7. The researchers will email all participants a Zoom link before the first class.

Research studies are usually free – why is there a fee for this one?

Research studies are structured in many different ways based upon how they are funded. Studies may be free, provide minimal compensation to participants, or involve a participation fee.  This program’s fee covers the cost of the nutrition education sessions, laboratory testing, one-on-one check-in with the study experts, and DXA scans. The program has been structured as a study so that we may order laboratory tests and monitor clinical outcomes.    

What is your refund policy, and can I pay in installments?

We are currently only accepting single payments. We do not offer refunds for cancellations or missed classes. 

What if I am unable to attend all 12 sessions? Will the classes be recorded?

To protect the privacy of all participants and to foster real-time engagement, we encourage you to attend all 12 sessions so that you get the most benefit from the study program. However, we do understand that at times you may have to miss a class. If you miss a class, we will provide you with the presentation materials from the missed session and answer any questions. However, classes are not recorded to protect the privacy of the participants and will not be available to view on demand.    

How many participants do you expect in the program?

The research study will involve several cohorts, and we expect to have anywhere from 15-40 participants in each cohort. 

Can family or friends join me for the online sessions?

Your family members or friends may sit alongside you for the online sessions. However, we will not be checking or tracking their weight, DXA scans, laboratory tests, or health outcomes. 

Can I get handouts for the program or classes? 

We will provide a resource portal where you can download class handouts and other helpful resources.