Weight loss and exercise program for older Veterans recovering from COVID-19
Official title: Modifying Adiposity Through Behavioral Strategies to Improve COVID-19 Rehabilitation
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05880108 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a 12-week weight loss and exercise program can help older Veterans who are recovering from COVID-19 feel better and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | Any age to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 2 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 3, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | June 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05880108 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are U.S. Veterans who are either experiencing post-COVID symptoms or have recovered but are overweight or obese.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant comorbid conditions that limit physical activity or those with uncontrolled diabetes 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 research examines how obesity and Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) affect physical functioning and health-related quality of life in older Veterans. It aims to evaluate the impact of a 12-week weight loss intervention, which includes dietary changes and exercise, on reducing inflammation and promoting recovery from PCC. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of weight loss versus weight stability in Veterans with varying degrees of post-COVID symptoms. The goal is to better understand the relationship between obesity, inflammation, and recovery from PCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve recovery outcomes and quality of life for Veterans suffering from obesity and post-COVID conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on this approach, studies have shown that weight loss and exercise can improve health outcomes in similar populations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. U.S. Veteran 2. Self-reported COVID-19 naïve or COVID-19 \> 90 days ago for lean and obese PCC naïve or documented COVID-19 for the lean and obese PCC groups (At least one PCC symptom \>4 weeks) 3. Body Mass Index: 19-25 or 30-50 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Neurologic, musculoskeletal, or other condition that limits subject's ability to complete study physical assessments 2. Active inflammatory, COVID-19, autoimmune, infectious, hepatic (LFTs \> 2.5 x WNL), renal (eGFR\<45), gastrointestinal, malignant, and psychiatric disease 3. Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c \>10% or the current use of insulin) 4. Weight change within the past month of \>5 kg 5. Self-reported alcohol or drug abuse 6. Anti-coagulant medication usage
Where it's running
-
Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
South Texas Health Care System, San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alice S. Ryan, PhD — Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
- Study coordinator: Kristina Marcus, MS
- Email: kristina.marcus@va.gov
- Phone: (410) 605-7000
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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.