Helping bariatric surgery patients stay active and maintain weight loss through therapy.

Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Promote Autonomous Motivation for Increased Physical Activity and Improved Weight Loss Maintenance in Bariatric Surgery Patients: A Randomized Trial

NIH-funded research Hartford Hospital · NIH-11040988

This study is looking at how a special therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people who have had weight loss surgery feel more motivated to stay active and exercise regularly, by connecting their personal values to their health goals.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHartford Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hartford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11040988 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can enhance motivation for physical activity among patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. The approach focuses on helping patients identify their personal values and connect these values to their health behaviors, thereby fostering a stronger internal drive to engage in regular exercise. The study will involve a randomized trial where participants will receive a one-time group workshop along with ongoing support to encourage sustained physical activity. By addressing the psychological barriers to exercise, the research aims to improve long-term weight loss maintenance and overall health outcomes for these patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have undergone bariatric surgery and are struggling with maintaining their weight loss.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had bariatric surgery or those who are not interested in increasing their physical activity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective strategies for bariatric surgery patients to maintain their weight loss and improve their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that ACT-based interventions can effectively promote health behavior changes, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach in bariatric surgery patients.

Where this research is happening

Hartford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.