Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages Any age to 80

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 typeInterventional
AgesAny age to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment150 (estimated)
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development
Federal
Locations2 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 3, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2029
Study endsSeptember 30, 2029
Registry record updatedJune 1, 2026
Trial IDNCT05880108 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

Similar studies

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

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.