Exercise for Normal-weight Obesity

(AHA-NWO Trial)

Overseen By Bree Baker, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Oklahoma State University

Disqualifiers: Chronic health condition, Excessive alcohol, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

96 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to understand and improve the health of men with normal-weight obesity, a condition characterized by a normal BMI but a high body fat percentage. Researchers seek to determine how different exercise types can enhance body composition and heart health. Participants will engage in either aerobic exercises, such as running, or resistance exercises, like weightlifting, for 12 weeks. Men who can commit to regular exercise and have either too little or too much body fat may be suitable candidates. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to contribute to valuable research that could refine exercise recommendations for better health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial excludes participants who regularly use prescribed medications that would significantly affect the study, so you may need to stop taking certain medications to participate.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that both aerobic and resistance exercises are generally safe for most people. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week can reduce waist size and body fat without serious side effects, indicating that most people tolerate it well.

Studies indicate that resistance training helps build muscle and lose fat, and it can prevent muscle loss during weight loss. These studies have reported no major safety issues.

Both exercise types improve overall body composition and are considered safe treatments. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if there are health concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these exercise treatments for normal-weight obesity because they offer a personalized approach to fitness that targets the condition differently from standard dietary or pharmacological options. Aerobic exercise training focuses on improving cardiovascular health and endurance, while resistance exercise training aims to build muscle strength and mass. These methods are progressive and tailored to individual needs, potentially offering a more holistic and sustainable way to address body composition and metabolic health without relying on medication.

What evidence suggests that this trial's exercise treatments could be effective for normal-weight obesity?

This trial will compare Aerobic Exercise Training and Resistance Exercise Training for individuals with normal-weight obesity. Research has shown that performing aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes a week can reduce waist size and body fat. This exercise type helps the body burn fat and improves overall fitness. Resistance exercise, in contrast, builds muscle and enables the body to burn calories more efficiently, even at rest. Both exercise types have demonstrated benefits for people with obesity, making them promising options for improving health and body composition in those with normal-weight obesity. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Sam Emerson, PhD

Principal Investigator

Oklahoma State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for biological males who are willing to exercise, have a BMI between 18.5 - 24.9 or above 30, and body fat below 20% or above 25%. It's not for those with excessive alcohol, tobacco, vape use, illicit drugs, electrical implants like pacemakers, chronic health conditions or on medications impacting the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability and willingness to engage in an exercise training regimen

BMI 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2 or >/= 30 kg/m2

Body fat <20% or >/= 25%

Exclusion Criteria

Excessive alcohol use or use of tobacco products, vape products, or illicit drugs

Presence of an electrical implant, such as a pacemaker

I have a chronic condition or take regular medication that could affect the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo 12 weeks of progressive and individualized exercise training, either aerobic or resistance

12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Aerobic Exercise Training
• Resistance Exercise Training

Trial Overview The study aims to understand how body composition and sex hormones interact in men with normal weight obesity (NWO) and assesses the effectiveness of resistance versus aerobic exercise training in improving their body composition and cardiometabolic health.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Resistance Exercise Training Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

12-weeks of progressive and individualized resistance exercise training

Group II: Aerobic Exercise Training Active Control 2 Interventions

12-weeks of progressive and individualized aerobic exercise training

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Oklahoma State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

51

Recruited

8,600+

American Heart Association

Collaborator

Trials

352

Recruited

6,196,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11974552/

Diet and Physical Activity Intervention in Normal Weight ... The aim of this 12-week trial is to assess the efficacy of different lifestyle interventions, including diet control only, aerobic training only, resistance ...

2. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2828487

Aerobic Exercise and Weight Loss in Adults: A Systematic ... Aerobic exercise at least 150 minutes per week was associated with clinically important reductions in waist circumference and measures of body fat.

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-025-11076-w

Effects of resistance training and aerobic ... Long-term resistance training significantly improves weight management, posture, and body composition in middle-aged individuals with obesity. ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0939475324002977

A systematic review of physical activity and nutritional ... found that both low and high-intensity training significantly reduced body weight and fat mass, and increased fat-free mass in individuals with obesity [33].

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11672165/

Aerobic Exercise and Weight Loss in Adults - PubMed Central Aerobic exercise at least 150 minutes per week was associated with clinically important reductions in waist circumference and measures of body fat.

6. bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-025-24757-y

Effects of aerobic exercise on body composition in children ... This study's results suggest that engaging in aerobic exercise significantly lowers BW, BMI, and WC among overweight and obese children and ...

7. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39724371/

Aerobic Exercise and Weight Loss in Adults Engaging in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per week was associated with modest reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and body fat measures among ...

8. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1409660/full

Effects of aerobic exercise combined with resistance ... The combination of aerobic and resistance training significantly reduces body composition and metabolic health in children and adolescents with overweight or ...