Exercise and Diet for Metabolic Disorders
(MsFIT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how exercise and diet might reduce heart and metabolic risks in women. Participants will join one of three groups: guidelines-based physical activity (exercise), guidelines-based physical activity combined with healthy eating, or stretching exercise. The trial aims to determine which combination works best, especially in relation to menopause status. Women who are mostly inactive, with higher body weight or conditions like high blood pressure or high blood sugar, might be suitable candidates. Participants must visit the university once a week for 24 weeks.
As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding lifestyle impacts on women's health.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are taking weight loss medications, you may not be eligible to participate.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that most adults can safely follow physical activity guidelines. Studies suggest that engaging in 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week improves cholesterol, blood pressure, and bone strength. This type of exercise is generally manageable and rarely causes serious side effects.
Incorporating healthy eating into an exercise routine is also safe. Following Canada's Dietary Guidelines, which emphasize balanced nutrition, supports overall health. Those who combine exercise with healthy eating often experience better health outcomes without major negative effects.
Both exercise alone and exercise combined with healthy eating rely on well-researched guidelines. These guidelines have been tested and found safe for many people, including older adults. Therefore, participants in the trial can expect these activities to be safe.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the exercise and diet protocols for metabolic disorders because they combine regular, structured physical activity with healthy eating habits, which isn't commonly emphasized in current treatments. While most treatments focus on medication or isolated lifestyle changes, this approach integrates 150 weekly minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and muscle strengthening with dietary guidance from Canada's Food Guide. This dual-focus strategy aims to tackle metabolic disorders holistically, potentially offering a more sustainable and effective way to manage these conditions compared to standard medication or diet-alone strategies. Additionally, the inclusion of stretching as a placebo comparator highlights the specific impact of these comprehensive lifestyle changes.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for cardiometabolic risk reduction in women?
This trial will compare different approaches to improving health through exercise and diet. Participants in one arm will engage in guidelines-based physical activity, which includes 150 weekly minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and twice-weekly whole-body muscle strengthening. Another arm will combine this physical activity with healthy eating, including counseling to follow Canada's Food Guide. A third arm will focus on stretching exercises as a comparator. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease and improve health by reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and strengthening the heart and lungs. Research indicates that combining exercise with a healthy diet can further reduce disease risk and improve overall health. Eating well can enhance the benefits of exercise, leading to a healthier heart and less body fat. The evidence is clear: staying active and eating a balanced diet are powerful ways to improve health and prevent disease.23678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Amy A Kirkham, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Toronto
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for pre and postmenopausal women who are dealing with metabolic disorders due to a sedentary lifestyle. Participants should be interested in improving their health through physical activity and possibly dietary changes.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are assigned to one of three groups: exercise following Health Canada guidelines, exercise plus dietary counseling, or a stretching group for 6 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Guidelines-based physical activity
- Guidelines-based physical activity and healthy eating
- Stretching exercise
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Toronto
Lead Sponsor
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborator