Exercise for Stress-Related Eating
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how exercise might alter brain responses to thinking tasks and images of food. Researchers are also examining how hormones, which can differ between men and women, might affect these brain changes. Participants will either join an exercise program or continue their usual activities for 12 weeks. The study seeks veterans with a BMI of 25 or greater, who are physically inactive, and can attend sessions in Aurora, CO. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the impact of exercise on brain function.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that exercise is safe for stress-related eating?
Research shows that exercise is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. It effectively relieves stress and boosts mood by releasing feel-good chemicals in the brain. Studies consistently find that regular exercise helps manage stress and improves overall mental health.
However, excessive exercise can have negative effects, potentially causing injuries or becoming addictive, which may concern individuals with certain mental health conditions. These issues are uncommon with moderate exercise routines like the one in this trial, which gradually increases in intensity and duration.
In this study's exercise program, participants will begin with 15-minute sessions and gradually work up to 45 minutes. This gradual approach reduces the risk of injury and keeps the exercise safe and manageable. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if existing health concerns are present.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using exercise to tackle stress-related eating because it's a natural and accessible way to manage the condition. Unlike traditional approaches that might focus on dietary restrictions or medications to control eating habits, exercise offers a holistic benefit. It not only helps in managing stress but also boosts mood and energy levels, making it easier for individuals to cope with triggers that lead to overeating. Plus, incorporating regular exercise can improve overall health, providing a dual benefit of physical fitness and emotional well-being.
What evidence suggests that exercise might be an effective treatment for stress-related eating?
Research shows that exercise, which participants in this trial may engage in, can improve mood and self-esteem while reducing stress, often leading to stress-related eating. Studies have found that regular physical activity boosts self-confidence and helps control behaviors like stress eating. Exercise also protects against stress and negative feelings, leading to a better overall mood. These benefits make exercise a promising way to manage stress-related eating.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kristina T. Legget, PhD
Principal Investigator
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for veterans struggling with obesity and stress-related eating behaviors. Participants should be able to perform physical activities as the study involves exercise interventions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete initial assessments including serum cortisol response, BOLD response to visual food cues, heart rate response, body fat, and body weight measurements
Intervention
Participants either engage in 4 aerobic exercise sessions per week or continue usual activities for 12 weeks
Post-Intervention Assessment
Participants complete follow-up assessments including serum cortisol response, BOLD response to visual food cues, heart rate response, body fat, and body weight measurements
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any long-term effects of the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Exercise
Trial Overview
The study is examining how exercise affects brain responses during cognitive tasks and when viewing food images, considering hormonal differences between genders that may influence these effects.
How Is the Trial Designed?
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Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will complete 4 aerobic exercise training sessions per week for 12 weeks. The exercise program will begin at 15 minutes per session and duration will be gradually increased by 5 minutes each week until participants reach 30 minutes per session (with 5 min warm-up and cool-down). Exercise will be performed at a "moderate" intensity, which will be about 60-70% of your predicted maximal level. Participants will meet with study personnel once per week.
Participants will keep doing what they usually do for the 12-week intervention period. They will be asked not to change their usual physical activity levels during this period. They will meet with study personnel once per week
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor
Published Research Related to This Trial
Citations
Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being
According to general results, exercise enhances mood and self-esteem while decreasing stress tendencies, a factor known to aggravate mental and ...
Effects of combining physical activity with mindfulness on ...
Interventions combining physical activity with mindfulness are effective for improving mental health and wellbeing, possibly more so than either approach alone.
Physical activity and mental health: a systematic review and ...
The purpose of this study was to systematically review and synthesise evidence of all mediators and moderators of the relationship between physical activity ...
The relationship between physical activity and depression ...
Regular physical activity enhances self-efficacy and reduces stress-related eating behaviors.
Bidirectional relationship of stress and affect with physical ...
Physical activity and healthy eating seem to be protective against experiencing stress and negative affect as well as increase positive affect.
NEDA | Eating Disorders Support, Awareness & Recovery
Access support, explore resources, join community events, and take a free eating disorders screening—start your recovery journey with NEDA!
The Effects of Stress on Physical Activity and Exercise - PMC
Psychological stress and physical activity (PA) are believed to be reciprocally related; however, most research examining the relationship between these ...
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mayoclinic.org
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress
Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries.
When Exercise Becomes Too Much of a Good Thing
What is exercise addiction and how closely related is it to psychiatric conditions like anorexia and bulimia? Although there is no formal ...
Medical and physiological complications of exercise for ...
Individuals with eating disorders (ED) experience prolonged malnutrition, binge episodes, and compensatory behaviours that affect every ...
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