Weight loss intervention for patients with atrial fibrillation and obesity

A Behavioural Weight Loss Intervention Delivered in Cardiac Rehabilitation for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Obesity: The BeWEL IN CR-AF Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Calgary · NCT05600829

This study tests if a weight loss program combined with heart rehab can help obese adults with atrial fibrillation lose weight and feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Calgary Academic / other
Locations1 site (Calgary, Alberta)
Trial IDNCT05600829 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention combines behavioral weight loss treatment with cardiac rehabilitation to help patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity. The study aims to determine if this combined approach can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in AF symptoms and overall health-related quality of life. Participants will be adults with symptomatic AF who are classified as obese and have a sedentary lifestyle. The intervention will focus on promoting weight-loss behaviors within the context of a structured cardiac rehabilitation program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation, classified as obese, and leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Not a fit: Patients with longstanding-persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation, uncontrolled coronary artery disease, or those who have recently completed a cardiac rehabilitation program may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the health outcomes and quality of life for patients suffering from both atrial fibrillation and obesity.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically combining behavioral weight loss treatment with cardiac rehabilitation for AF, previous studies have shown that weight loss can alleviate AF symptoms, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults of age ≥18 years
* Symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
* Classified as obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2)
* Have a sedentary lifestyle (not currently meeting basic physical activity targets of ≥150 minutes/week)
* Ability to speak and write in English
* Willingness to be referred to a behavioural weight loss treatment (BWLT)
* At least one of the following: obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, dyslipidemia, CAD, peripheral artery, or cerebrovascular disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Longstanding-persistent (defined as ≥ 3 years continuous AF) or permanent AF
* Uncontrolled coronary artery disease
* Completed a CR program within the previous year
* Currently enrolled in a structured behavioural weight loss program
* Currently scheduled to receive catheter ablation in AF
* Currently taking GLP-1 receptor agonist or
* Received bariatric surgery in the previous year prior to enrollment OR scheduled for bariatric surgery during the study period.

Where this trial is running

Calgary, Alberta

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Atrial FibrillationObesity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.