Comparing aerobic exercise with yoga for weight loss in overweight adults
Official title: Effectiveness of the Addition of Yoga to a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Adults With Overweight or Obesity (MOVE for Health)
Run by University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT06636773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if adding yoga to a weight loss program helps overweight adults lose more weight than just doing aerobic exercise alone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 290 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 3, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | January 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06636773 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a BMI of at least 25.0 kg/m2 who are willing to engage in a structured weight loss program.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who regularly engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise more than three days a week may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to determine if adding yoga to a behavioral weight loss program enhances weight loss compared to a program that includes only aerobic exercise. Participants will engage in either aerobic exercise alone or a combination of aerobic exercise and yoga, while also receiving dietary guidance and behavioral sessions. The study will assess differences in weight loss, physical activity levels, and changes in body composition between the two groups. The findings could provide insights into the effectiveness of integrating yoga into weight loss interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a more effective weight loss strategy for adults with overweight or obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with similar behavioral weight loss interventions, but the specific combination of aerobic exercise and yoga is less commonly tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Both males and females of all race/ethnic groups are eligible for participation in this study. * at least 18 years of age. The investigators will not limit enrollment based on an upper age provided that the participant meets the other eligibility requirements. * Body mass index (BMI) of at least 25.0 kg/m2. The investigators will not limit enrollment based on an upper BMI level provided that the participant meets the other eligibility requirements. However, maximal weight to be eligible will be 350 pounds to meet the weight requirements for the equipment that will be used in this study. * Ability to provide informed consent prior to participation in this study. * Ability to provide clearance from their primary care physician to engage in the diet and physical activity components of the weight loss intervention. Exclusion Criteria: * Report moderate-to-vigorous exercise on \>3 days/week or a total of \>60 min/week over the past 3 months. * Engaging in any style of yoga on an average of at least 1 day/week over the past 3 months. * Report weight loss of 3% or more or participating in a weight reduction diet in the past 3 months. * Currently prescribed an anti-obesity medication. * Females who are pregnant or breastfeeding or reporting a planned pregnancy during the study period. * History of bariatric surgery. * Report a current medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that could affect body weight. * Current congestive heart failure, angina, uncontrolled arrhythmia, symptoms indicative of an increased acute risk for a cardiovascular event, prior myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting or angioplasty, conditions requiring chronic anticoagulation (i.e., recent or recurrent DVT). * Resting systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg or more or resting diastolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or more. If medicated for blood pressure control, the medication dose needs to be stable for at least 6 months. * Eating disorders that would contraindicate weight loss or physical activity. * Alcohol or substance abuse. * Current psychological condition that is untreated, hospitalization for a psychological condition within the past 12 months, or not being on a stable dose of treatment for at least 6 months. * Report plans to relocate to a location not accessible to the study site or having employment, personal, or travel commitments that prohibit attendance at scheduled intervention sessions or assessments.
Where it's running
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University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: John M. Jakicic, PhD — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: John M Jakicic, PhD
- Email: jjakicic@kumc.edu
- Phone: 913-588-9078
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.