Adding yoga to a weight-loss program for adults with overweight or obesity
Official title: Effectiveness of the Addition of Yoga to a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Adults with Overweight or Obesity
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11332631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial compares whether adding regular yoga to a standard behavioral weight-loss program helps adults with overweight or obesity lose more weight over 12 months.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $672,748 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135735-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older with overweight or obesity who want to participate in a structured behavioral weight-loss program and can safely do physical activity are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People under 21, those with normal weight, or those who cannot safely perform physical activity or yoga due to medical restrictions are unlikely to benefit from participating.
What this research studies
You would join a 12-month behavioral weight-loss program and be randomly assigned to follow either a yoga-based physical activity plan or a more standard aerobic activity plan (like brisk walking). Both groups follow the same diet and behavioral support, but the physical activity sessions and home practice differ. Study staff will take regular measurements such as weight, body composition, blood pressure, and mood, and you'll attend scheduled visits and activity sessions. The goal is to see whether yoga adds benefit beyond usual aerobic activity for long-term weight and health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding yoga could help people lose more weight and improve body composition and blood pressure compared with standard aerobic activity in a behavioral program.
How similar studies have gone: Smaller or short-term studies and observational reports suggest yoga can help some health markers, but there are few long-term randomized trials directly comparing yoga to aerobic activity for weight loss.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jakicic, John M — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jakicic, John M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.