How exercise and estrogen affect regaining weight after weight loss
Intersection of Exercise and Estrogen in Weight Regain After Weight Loss
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11163371
This work looks at how exercise and estrogen influence why people, especially women, regain weight after losing it.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11163371 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a rat model that mimics weight loss and weight regain to study biological reasons people put weight back on. They compare animals that exercise versus those that do not and include ovariectomized rats to model menopause-related estrogen loss. The team will measure food intake, energy use, gut hormones, eating behaviors, and a biochemical pathway (tryptophan–kynurenine) that may link exercise and appetite. Insights aim to explain why exercise helps some groups more than others and point to ways to prevent relapse after weight loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have lost weight and want to avoid regaining it, especially women going through menopause or with changing estrogen levels, would be most relevant to these findings.
Not a fit: People whose weight issues stem from rare genetic disorders or medical conditions unrelated to appetite, energy balance, or hormone changes may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to exercise- or hormone-related strategies to help people—particularly women around menopause—keep weight off long term.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies show exercise can reduce overeating and boost energy use in males and ovariectomized females, while the role of estrogen and the tryptophan–kynurenine pathway in these sex differences is a newer area of study.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER — Aurora, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MACLEAN, PAUL S. — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- Study coordinator: MACLEAN, PAUL S.
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 below.