Supervised exercise program for adults with obesity and depression
Tests whether a supervised exercise program is workable for adults with obesity and depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Physical Activity for Depressive Symptoms in Adults With Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial
Key facts
- Where
- Gatineau, Montreal, and Québec, CanadaSee the 3 sites
Where in Canada
- Université du Québec en OutaouaisGatineau, CanadaNo longer taking part
- Centre de recherche de l'institut universitaire en santé mentale de MontréalMontreal, CanadaNo longer taking part
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ)Québec, CanadaNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Universite du Quebec en Outaouais
- Trial code
- NCT07836582
- Record updated
- 23 September 2026
- Original description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a supervised physical activity program can be successfully carried out for adults living with obesity and depression, and whether people are willing to take part in this kind of research. The main questions it aims to answer are:Read full original descriptionShow less
Effects of Physical Activity on the Dynamics of Depressive Symptoms in People Living With Obesity and Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a supervised physical activity program can be successfully carried out for adults living with obesity and depression, and whether people are willing to take part in this kind of research. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Can researchers recruit enough participants and keep them in the study? Will participants attend the physical activity sessions? Does physical activity change how depression symptoms are connected to each other over time?
Researchers expect that the study procedures and the physical activity program will be feasible and acceptable, based on goals set before the study began. Researchers also expect that physical activity will weaken the connections between depression symptoms over time and will lower depression symptoms overall. This second idea will be tested more fully in a future, larger trial.
Researchers will compare a supervised physical activity program to usual care to see whether the program can be delivered as planned and is acceptable to participants.
Participants will:
* Take part in a physical activity program led by a kinesiologist, twice a week for 9 weeks, or receive usual care plus information about physical activity and mental health support * Have a health check-up before and after the program * Answer short questions about their mood several times a day using a phone app * Take part in an interview after the program ends
Inclusion: Adult (≥ 18 years old); Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m²; Mild to moderate depressive symptoms (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression -Rating Scale [MADRS] score ≥ 7 and < 35); Less than 90 minutes of moderate physical activity per week; Fewer than 2 structured physical activity sessions per week.
Exclusion: Unstable treatment or symptoms: any change to background treatment (pharmacological and/or psychotherapeutic) within the past 3 months, OR unstable symptoms over the past 3 months if not on medication; Severe psychiatric comorbidity likely to interfere with participation or interpretation of results (bipolar affective disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, or severe post-traumatic stress disorder); Pregnant or breastfeeding; Absolute contraindication to physical activity (as determined by the Get Active Questionnaire).