Tai Chi for Obesity

(ACHIEVE Trial)

Overseen By Yin Wu, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Hartford Hospital

Disqualifiers: Uncontrolled mental health, Severe arthritis, Pregnancy, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 10 weeks

24 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines the effectiveness of a 10-week Tai Chi program for individuals planning weight loss surgery. The goal is to determine if participants attend classes regularly and find Tai Chi enjoyable and beneficial. Participants will attend ten weekly in-person Tai Chi classes and practice at home using online videos. The trial is suitable for English-speaking adults who are physically inactive, have a high body weight, and can attend classes independently. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore the benefits of Tai Chi before surgery, potentially enhancing overall well-being.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the Tai Chi for Obesity trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to consult with the trial coordinators for guidance.

What prior data suggests that Tai Chi is safe for individuals seeking metabolic and bariatric surgery?

Research has shown that Tai Chi is a safe and generally easy exercise for people with obesity. Studies have found that Tai Chi can help reduce waist size and lower blood pressure, indicating its positive effects on health. Importantly, these studies did not identify any major safety issues or negative effects from practicing Tai Chi. Participants manage the exercise well, making it a promising choice for those seeking to improve their overall health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard treatments for obesity, which often involve medication, surgical interventions, or intensive lifestyle changes, Tai Chi offers a low-impact, holistic approach. It combines gentle physical activity with mindfulness and stress reduction, which can be particularly appealing for individuals seeking a non-invasive and sustainable way to manage weight. Researchers are excited about Tai Chi because it not only promotes physical health but also enhances mental well-being, potentially leading to better adherence and long-term results compared to more conventional methods.

What evidence suggests that Tai Chi might be an effective treatment for obesity?

Research has shown that Tai Chi, which participants in this trial will practice, can aid in weight loss. It significantly reduces body weight, body fat, and waist size in individuals with obesity. In one study, participants practicing Tai Chi lost an average of 0.50 kg in body weight and 0.47 kg in fat. Another study indicated that Tai Chi might improve the function of genes related to obesity. These findings suggest that Tai Chi could be a useful exercise for managing obesity. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults who are physically inactive and planning to undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery. They should be willing to attend Tai Chi classes in person, practice at home using online videos, and participate in study assessments.

Inclusion Criteria

Absence of cognitive impairment (must score ≥24 Mini-Mental State Examination)

Have BMI≥35 kg/m2

I can travel to the HH Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Center for tests and classes.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have severe mental health issues or physical conditions like severe arthritis that would stop me from following the study's requirements.

Pregnant women

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 10-week hybrid Tai Chi program with in-person classes and online videos

10 weeks

4 individual in-person visits, 10 weekly group in-person classes

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for feasibility and acceptability of the Tai Chi program

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Tai Chi

Trial Overview The trial is testing a hybrid Tai Chi program consisting of weekly group classes and online instructional videos over a period of 10 weeks. The focus is on determining if the program is feasible and acceptable for participants.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Tai Chi class Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participation in ten weekly group in-person Tai Chi classes

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Hartford Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

140

Recruited

19,700+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 213 centrally obese participants, a 24-week Tai Chi program significantly reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to a control group, with improvements noted as early as 12 weeks.

The Tai Chi group also showed enhanced leg strength, indicating that this low-impact therapy not only helps with mental health but may also improve physical fitness in individuals with elevated depression symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of tai chi in centrally obese adults with depression symptoms. Liu, X., Vitetta, L., Kostner, K., et al.[2022]

A systematic review of 25 randomized controlled trials involving 1,947 participants found that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) significantly reduced Body Mass Index (BMI), weight, waist circumference, and improved cholesterol levels compared to placebo, indicating its efficacy in treating obesity.

TCM preparations were also shown to lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, while demonstrating good safety profiles, suggesting they may be a suitable long-term treatment option for overweight and obesity in adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of traditional chinese medicine treatment for overweight and obese individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Wen, ZG., Zhang, QQ., Zhang, LL., et al.[2022]

In a study of 1,054 elderly residents in Guangzhou, a significant correlation was found between obesity/overweight and specific Chinese medicine constitution types, particularly phlegm dampness, dampness heat, and qi deficiency, which were more prevalent in obese individuals.

Obese and overweight elderly individuals exhibited higher incidences of cardiovascular risk factors, including abdominal obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, compared to those with normal weight, indicating a need for targeted health interventions in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Correlation Analyses between Obesity/Overweight and Constitutions of Chinese Medicine/Cardio- vascular Risk Factors in Elderly Residents of a Community in Guangzhou]. Huang, Q., Zhao, XS., Sun, SN., et al.[2019]

A review of 256 randomized controlled trials involving tai chi (TC) found that it does not lead to a higher frequency of adverse events (AEs) compared to both active and inactive control groups, indicating its safety as an intervention.

In studies involving participants with heart failure, tai chi was associated with fewer serious adverse events compared to inactive interventions, suggesting it may be a safer option for this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The safety of tai chi: A meta-analysis of adverse events in randomized controlled trials. Cui, H., Wang, Q., Pedersen, M., et al.[2020]

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxibustion as a treatment for obesity, addressing a gap in the existing literature by combining evidence from multiple databases.

The primary outcome of the analysis will focus on body weight reduction, with secondary outcomes including body mass index and waist measurements, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of moxibustion's effects on obesity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of moxibustion for obesity: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Kim, H., Kim, KW., Chung, WS.[2022]

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of various academic schools of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating obesity, addressing a gap in the current literature.

By analyzing clinical randomized controlled trials, the study seeks to provide a broader range of treatment options for obesity, potentially improving patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness and safety of different academic schools of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of obesity: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Gang, X., Gao, T., Han, Y., et al.[2023]

A significant increase in clinical studies on Tai Chi was observed from 2010 to 2020, with 987 studies identified, primarily randomized controlled trials, indicating growing interest in its health benefits, especially for older adults and conditions like hypertension and depression.

Most studies showed positive outcomes for Tai Chi, with 93.8% reporting at least one favorable result, although adverse events were underreported, highlighting the need for better reporting standards in Tai Chi research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tai Chi for health and well-being: A bibliometric analysis of published clinical studies between 2010 and 2020. Yang, GY., Sabag, A., Hao, WL., et al.[2021]

A systematic review of 20 studies found that comprehensive interventions combining physical activity, dietary changes, and health education were effective in reducing obesity among Chinese children, with 85% of studies reporting significant improvements in body measurements.

Current evidence for effective obesity interventions in adults is limited, highlighting a need for more research in this area, especially considering the unique family dynamics in China, such as the role of grandparents in child care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community-based interventions to reduce overweight and obesity in China: a systematic review of the Chinese and English literature. Gao, Y., Griffiths, S., Chan, EY.[2018]

By 2002, China faced significant rates of overweight (18.9%) and obesity (2.9%) among adults, largely due to the shift from traditional diets to Western diets and increased sedentary lifestyles.

Despite the introduction of various guidelines and policies aimed at preventing obesity, such as the 2010 Nutrition Improvement Work Management Approach, effective education programs and comprehensive interventions targeting the entire population remain limited, highlighting the need for stronger government policies and community involvement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Programme and policy options for preventing obesity in China. Wang, H., Zhai, F.[2022]

Tai chi (TC) is generally safe, with no serious adverse events reported in a review of 153 randomized controlled trials, primarily involving older adults, although minor musculoskeletal issues like knee and back pain were noted.

Only 33% of the trials reported adverse events, and just 12% had a clear protocol for monitoring them, indicating that the inconsistent reporting limits our understanding of TC's safety profile.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

What do we really know about the safety of tai chi?: A systematic review of adverse event reports in randomized trials. Wayne, PM., Berkowitz, DL., Litrownik, DE., et al.[2022]

China faces a significant obesity challenge, with a lack of evidence-based clinical guidelines tailored to its population, highlighting the need for large-scale clinical trials to improve obesity management.

A tiered approach combining health management centers, lifestyle interventions, and medical treatments, along with public education and support, is essential for effective obesity prevention and treatment in China.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical management and treatment of obesity in China. Zeng, Q., Li, N., Pan, XF., et al.[2021]

A consensus report drafted by 34 experts highlights the ongoing challenge of obesity and related chronic diseases in China, despite existing prevention and control policies.

The report provides comprehensive strategies for obesity prevention and treatment across the entire life cycle, aiming to enhance societal participation and support the national 'Healthy China' goals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Expert Consensus on Obesity Prevention and Treatment in China]. [2022]

Acupuncture using magnetic needles showed a high total effective rate of 97% in treating obesity after 15 sessions.

The treatment appears to aid weight loss by increasing digestive movement (peristalsis) and reducing feelings of hunger.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acupuncture treatment of obesity with magnetic needles--a report of 100 cases. Wang, B., Lei, F., Cheng, G.[2016]

This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treating simple obesity by analyzing data from various clinical trials, focusing on outcomes like body mass index (BMI) and lipid levels.

The findings will help establish guidelines for acupuncture treatment in simple obesity, providing a prioritized regimen based on the effectiveness and safety of different acupuncture approaches.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A prioritization regimen of the acupuncture treatment for simple obesity: Protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis. Zhou, R., Wang, Z., Chen, W., et al.[2022]

Traditional Chinese exercises, such as Tai Chi and Ba Duan Jin, have shown beneficial effects in treating simple obesity, highlighting their potential as effective weight loss interventions.

To enhance the effectiveness of these exercises, it is important to tailor the type or combination of exercises to the specific characteristics of different obese populations, which can help improve weight loss efficiency and reduce the risk of injury.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Beneficial Effect of Traditional Chinese Exercises on the Management of Obesity. Qin, Y., Xia, W., Huang, W., et al.[2020]

Citations

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Efficacy of traditional Chinese exercise for obesity We have shown that TCE works significantly in decreasing BW, BMI, BFM, WC, HC, and WHR, which means it plays a positive role in weight reduction ...

2. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-025-06285-2

The effects of Tai Chi exercise on body composition and ... ... Taichi exercise was effective for university students with obesity to reduce waist circumference. However, while the mean of the Taichi ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4620402/

Effects of Tai Chi and Walking Exercises on Weight Loss ... On average, Tai Chi and walking groups lost 0.50 and 0.76 kg of body weight and 0.47 and 0.59 kg of fat mass after intervention, respectively. The between-group ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229923000584

Effect of Taichi Chuan on health-related physical fitness in ... The meta-analysis results showed that Tai chi can significantly reduce body fat compared to all control groups but with high heterogeneity (Fig. 6, SMD = − 0. ...

5. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2023/03240/efficacy_of_traditional_chinese_exercises_in.35.aspx

Efficacy of traditional Chinese exercises in improving... Studies have found that tai chi exercise can gradually restore the normal activity of abnormally expressed AMPK genes in obese patients and ...

6. bmccardiovascdisord.biomedcentral.com bmccardiovascdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12872-025-05084-x

Effects of six traditional Chinese mind-body exercises on ... Tai Chi effectively lowers blood pressure and reduces abdominal obesity, while Baduanjin improves BMI. Personalized interventions with ...

7. liebertpub.com liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/imr.2024.0042

A Pilot Study on the Response of Overweight Students to ... Tai Chi has been demonstrated to improve risk factors associated with overweight or obesity ... Results from these studies have proven that short-term Tai Chi ...