Impact of an MRI Body Fat Imaging Report on Obesity-Related Cardiometabolic Risk: Findings From the BODY-REAL Study, A Randomized Trial.

Objective: Advanced imaging can inform risk assessment and preventive/therapeutic decision-making to enhance care. It is not known how quantification of body fat distribution using advanced imaging and communication of the result through a graphic report may impact cardiometabolic risk factors and attitudes/behaviors among persons living with overweight or obesity. The BODY-REAL study assessed whether providing patients with (1) visual body fat MRI reports compared with the weight/body mass index (BMI) alone and (2) direct-to-patient reports versus through providers would improve cardiometabolic risk among individuals at elevated cardiometabolic risk. Methods: Participants were randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial design to receive a BMI or MRI body fat distribution report, provided direct-to-patient report or a report through their healthcare provider. Clinical and psychosocial outcomes were measured at 2 weeks, 3, and 6 months and compared using analysis of covariance and linear models with both fixed and random (time-updated) effects. Results: 29 participants (31% female, mean BMI 33.6 kg/m Conclusions: This pilot feasibility study demonstrated potential for direct-to-patient visualization of body fat distribution to improve risk markers and preventive behaviors. Further investigation in a sufficiently powered study is warranted. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04763772.