NCT06627569 · VA Office of Research and Development
Exercise Effects on the Neurobiology Underlying Stress-related Eating Behaviors in Veterans
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to learn more about how common lifestyle interventions, such as exercise, affect how our brains respond to performing thinking tasks and to viewing pictures of foods and various other objects. The investigators are also interested in how changes in hormones that might be different in men and women could affect how lifestyle interventions change these brain responses.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to learn more about how common lifestyle interventions, such as exercise, affect how our brains respond to performing thinking tasks and to viewing pictures of foods and various other objects. The investigators are also interested in how changes in hormones that might be different in men and women could affect how lifestyle interventions change these brain responses.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Exercise
12 weeks of aerobic exercise, with 4 sessions per week.
Primary outcome measures
Percent change in blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response to visual food cues as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
Percent change in blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response from baseline to after the 12-week intervention period while viewing visual food cues. The primary contrast of interest is the comparison of high-calorie food images to nonfood object images.
Change in serum cortisol response to counting task
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change from baseline to after the 12-week intervention period in serum cortisol levels (micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL)) throughout a counting task involving mental math (measured as area under the curve).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater
- Physically inactive
- Able to attend study visits in person in Aurora, CO
Exclusion criteria
- Currently pregnant
- History of bariatric surgery
- Current eating disorder
- Current treatment with appetite-altering medications (e.g., glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists)
- Contraindication to MRI (weight \> 500 pounds (lbs); claustrophobia; metal or electronic devices in the body)
- Cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary disease, or diabetes
- Unable to exercise due to cardiac, pulmonary, neurologic, or orthopedic reasons
Where
- Aurora, Colorado
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations