Improving recovery from COVID-19 by addressing obesity
Official title: Modifying Adiposity Through Behavioral Strategies to Improve COVID-19 Rehabilitation
Funded at Baltimore VA Medical Center · NIH-11166385 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how losing weight can help older Veterans who are recovering from COVID-19 feel better and improve their health, and it’s designed for those who have been affected by the virus and want to enhance their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baltimore VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004572-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11166385 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older Veterans who are recovering from COVID-19 and are overweight or obese.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not recovering from COVID-19 or who are of normal weight may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how behavioral strategies to reduce obesity can enhance rehabilitation outcomes for individuals recovering from COVID-19. It focuses on understanding the impact of excess body fat on physical functioning and overall health in older Veterans who have experienced post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of weight reduction on health-related quality of life and inflammation levels. Participants will be ethnically diverse older Veterans from specific VA Medical Centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for COVID-19 survivors, particularly those struggling with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited formal research on this specific approach, related studies have shown that addressing obesity can positively impact recovery from various health conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Baltimore VA Medical Center
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ryan, Alice S. — Baltimore VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ryan, Alice S.
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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.