Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

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.

More Obesity and Overweight trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment290 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Kansas Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kansas City, Kansas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 3, 2025
Main results expectedNovember 30, 2028
Study endsFebruary 28, 2029
Registry record updatedJanuary 9, 2026
Trial IDNCT06636773 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

  • 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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Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.