Exercise, Brain Activity, and Weight Maintenance

Effects of Exercise Training on Brain Activity and Its Relation to Weight Maintenance and Appetite Regulation

This study aims to explore how HIIT influences brain function, neural and molecular pathways related to weight control, setting the stage for future obesity intervention research.

This study will include adults aged 18-70 years with a BMI >19 kg/m², both with and without prior bariatric surgery. Those with bariatric surgery must have experienced clinically significant weight regain (>10% of maximum weight lost) within 1 to 5 years post-surgery.

Participants will complete three initial clinical visits before beginning a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program, followed by three post-training clinical visits. During visit 1, participants will undergo anthropometric assessments, baseline blood draw, oral glucose tolerance test, psychometric evaluations, and complete an MRI safety screening. At visit 2, participants will complete a resting metabolic rate assessment and a VO₂peak test. During visit 3, participants will have another baseline blood draw and undergo a functional MRI (fMRI).

The HIIT program will consist of four weekly 28-minute sessions conducted at the Joslin Diabetes and at home. Each exercise session will include a 3-minute warm-up, six rounds of 40 seconds high-intensity followed by 3 minutes of moderate intensity, and will conclude with a 3-minute cool-down.

After completing the 12-week program, participants will return for clinical visits 4-6, repeating all baseline assessments.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-70 years
• Body mass index (BMI) >19 kg/m2 and body weight< 250kg
• Participants must have experienced a clinically significant weight regain, defined as over 10% of their maximum weight lost, within 1 to 5 years following their bariatric surgery. They will be asked to self-report their weight loss history. Participants must also provide the operative report from their bariatric surgery for reference.
• In good general health with no conditions that could influence the outcome of the trial, and in the judgment of the investigator is a good candidate for the study based on review of available medical history, physical examination and clinical laboratory evaluations
• Willing to adhere to the protocol requirements for the duration of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Peripheral neuropathy with insensate feet
• Recent blood donation within the last 2 months
• Use of beta-blockers
• Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active Heart or lung disease
• Severe hypertension (systolic >160 mmHg or diastolic >90 mmHg)
• Inability to exercise for any reason
• Any known contraindication to exercise testing based on current ACSM guidelines
• MRI contraindications, such as presence of pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments, or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body
• Known presence of a structural brain lesion (e.g. tumor, cortical infarct)
• Presence of another neurologic disorder, which could impact findings (e.g. multiple sclerosis)
• History of cardiovascular disease, stroke, congestive heart failure
• Active hematological, renal, pulmonary or hepatic disorders
• Active treatment for cancer
• A history of active alcohol or substance abuse
• Any significant systemic illness or unstable medical condition which could lead to difficulty complying with the study protocol
• History of claustrophobia and inability to tolerate an MRI
• Body weight >250kgr and largest body diameter of 70cm as there is a certain weight and diameter limit of the MRI scanner
• Unwilling or unable to return for study visits, undergo neuropsychological testing and MRI imaging
• Left-handedness