Modifying Adiposity Through Behavioral Strategies to Improve COVID-19 Rehabilitation
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
The research in this VA Merit will examine the effects of obesity and Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) on physical functioning, health-related quality of life, and adipose tissue inflammatory and cellular senescence profiles in older Veterans. Further, it will evaluate whether a weight loss intervention, including dietary modification and exercise, in obese Veterans with and without PCC will reduce systemic and adipose tissue inflammation and senescence and promote PCC recovery.
Description
Findings of post-acute sequelae of Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) manifestations of fatigue, pain, dyspnea, and muscle weakness, provide a strong rationale for rehabilitation; yet few formal studies exist and the effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection on function are not well described. Notably, two-thirds of Veterans are overweight and obese, rendering excess adiposity a significant risk factor and a high-priority area related to PCC prevention and care. Obesity increases the risk of severe illness in Veterans recovering from PCC, but how it does so is not fully und…
Eligibility
- Age range
- Up to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. U.S. Veteran 2. Self-reported COVID-19 naïve or COVID-19 \> 90 days ago for lean and obese PCC naïve or documented COVID-19 for the lean and obese PCC groups (At least one PCC symptom \>4 weeks) 3. Body Mass Index: 19-25 or 30-50 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Neurologic, musculoskeletal, or other condition that limits subject's ability to complete study physical assessments 2. Active inflammatory, COVID-19, autoimmune, infectious, hepatic (LFTs \> 2.5 x WNL), renal (eGFR\<45), gastrointestinal, malignant, and psychiatric disease 3. Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c \>10% or…
Interventions
- Behavioral12-weeks of Weight Loss
Participants will be asked to participate in a 1x/week center-based or tele-health nutrition diet class, 2x/week center-based exercise classes, and 1x/week exercise session conducted on their own for \~12 weeks.
- Behavioral12-weeks of Weight Stability
Participants will be asked to participate in a 1x/week center-based or tele-health education class, 2x/week center-based stretching/balance classes, and 1x/week stretching/balance session conducted on their own for \~12 weeks.
Locations (2)
- Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MDBaltimore, Maryland
- South Texas Health Care System, San Antonio, TXSan Antonio, Texas