Exercise Snacks in Obesity

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA · Apr 10, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "Exercise Snacks in Obesity," is looking at how short bursts of exercise combined with behavior change support can help improve health in adults with obesity. Over a period of 12 weeks, participants will use technology to do quick exercise sessions, which we call "exercise snacks," and receive guidance on making healthier lifestyle choices. The goal is to see if this approach can enhance fitness and other important health markers, like blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

To be eligible for this trial, you need to be between the ages of 35 and 64, and currently do less than 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each week. You should have a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 45, or a BMI of 27.5 to 45 if you identify as Asian or from certain Central American backgrounds. Additionally, your waist measurement must be above specific thresholds based on your gender and background. Participants should not have serious heart or metabolic diseases and must be able to access a smartphone, tablet, or computer for the study. If you join, you can expect to engage in fun and manageable exercise sessions, while also getting support to help you make lasting changes to your health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 35-64 years.
• • Habitually engaging in \< 150 min moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week.
• • Body mass index 30-45 kg/m2 or 27.5-45 for participants who self-identify as being of Asian or Southeast Asian origin.
• • Waist circumference: \>88cm for females and \>102cm for males, or \>80 cm for females and \>90 cm for male participants who self-identify as being of Asian or Southeast Asian.
• • Not currently diagnosed with a cardiometabolic disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).
• • Taking ≤2 commonly prescribed medications for the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., statins, antihypertensives).
• • Not a current smoker
• • Cleared to engage in physical activity using the Get Active Questionnaire and, if applicable, consultation with a health care provider or Qualified Exercise Professional.
• • Access to a computer, tablet or smartphone for intervention delivery and tracking.
• • Ability to read and write in English.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Chronic musculoskeletal condition or recent (within 2 years) cardiovascular event preventing participation in exercise.
• • Lack of internet access.
• • Angina upon exertion assessed by the Rose Angina Questionnaire.
• • Prescribed beta-blockers that can compromise the validity of heart rate measurements. during the exercise test.
• • Have a scheduled surgical procedure within the next 3-4 months that would prevent exercise participation.
• • Currently participating in another clinical trial that interferes with the study procedures.
• • Currently pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant during the intervention (i.e., within the next 4 months).
• • Uncontrolled high blood pressure (\>160/90 mmHg)