Actively Recruiting
Exercise Effects on Adipose Tissue Structure and Function
Led by University of Michigan · Updated on 2026-06-04
46
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
104 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how exercise affects fat tissue structure and function in people with obesity and related metabolic conditions. The study aims to understand how exercise influences key processes in subcutaneous fat that may improve body fat storage capacity without increasing fat mass. This knowledge could help develop new ways to prevent and treat insulin resistance and other obesity-related diseases. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: an exercise group or a no-exercise control group. Those in the exercise group will perform moderate-intensity continuous exercise, such as brisk walking, for 45 minutes at 70% of their maximum heart rate, four days a week to burn 250 calories per session. The control group will remain sedentary with no planned exercise. The study includes a 10% weight loss program followed by a high-calorie diet to regain half the lost weight, with metabolic tests conducted before and after these phases. During the study, participants will undergo a series of metabolic tests including oral glucose tolerance tests, assessments of fat cell size, adipose tissue fibrosis, and capillarization of muscle and fat tissue. Blood lipid profiles and blood pressure will also be monitored. The total duration of participation is approximately 8 to 10 months, including support to help participants lose additional weight after completing the study.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Exercise Effects on Adipose Tissue Structure and Function
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 40 years
- Body Mass Index between 27 and 45 kg/m2
- No regular planned exercise or physical activity for at least 6 months
- Women must have regularly occurring menstrual cycles and be premenopausal
You will not qualify if you...
- History or evidence of cardiovascular or metabolic disease
- Use of medications that affect lipid or glucose metabolism, or inflammation
- Weight changes of 6 pounds or more in the last 3 months
- Use of tobacco or e-cigarettes
- Women who are pregnant or actively breastfeeding
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Varies until 10% weight loss is achieved
Participants undergo a 10% weight loss program, with the exercise group completing moderate intensity continuous exercise 4 days per week and the control group remaining sedentary.
Multiple visits during the weight loss period
Duration - Varies during weight regain phase
Participants follow a high calorie diet program to regain half of the weight lost, followed by metabolic testing.
Visits for metabolic tests before and after weight regain
Duration - Ongoing after study completion
After completing the study, participants receive support to lose additional weight.
Support visits as needed
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, 48109
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Suzette Howton
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here