Reprogramming Energy Homeostasis in Overweight Individuals Via Exercise, Cognitive, and Social Training
Resilient
1 other identifier
interventional
240
1 country
2
Brief Summary
The RESILIENT project is a clinical trial investigating leptin sensitivity in both children and adults with overweight or obesity. The study examines the additive effects of Cognitive Training (CT) and Social Training (ST) on leptin sensitivity, compared to stand-alone Intensive Health Behaviour Treatment (IHBT), which includes diet and Physical Activity (PA). The intervention will last for 8 weeks, followed by a 12-week washout period. A multilevel assessment will be conducted, evaluating in vivo leptin sensitivity (through the ratio of leptin levels to caloric intake) as well as ex vivo molecular analysis of leptin signaling in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs). Additionally, clinical, psychological, cognitive, and physiological assessments will be performed to assess the efficacy of each intervention. By investigating leptin resistance as a potential molecular bridge between metabolic dysregulation and cognitive dysfunctions, this study may contribute to the development of more effective, long-term treatments for obesity and overweight. Additionally, in vivo investigation of leptin sensitivity may be particularly important for providing evidence of the metabolic and cognitive effects necessary for developing novel anti-obesity treatments.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P75+ for not_applicable
Started Feb 2024
Typical duration for not_applicable
2 active sites
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
Click on a node to explore related trials.
Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
Study Start
First participant enrolled
February 8, 2024
CompletedFirst Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
March 24, 2025
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
April 17, 2025
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
December 31, 2025
CompletedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
December 31, 2025
CompletedApril 17, 2025
March 1, 2025
1.9 years
March 24, 2025
April 9, 2025
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (6)
In Vivo Leptin Sensitivity
Leptin sensitivity will be evaluated as the ratio between caloric intake during an experimental meal and circulating leptin levels. Participants will receive a standardized breakfast and after 3 hours an ad libitum lunch, with detailed records of consumption, additional food requests, and portion sizes. Hunger and satiety will be measured using a 5-item Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at multiple time points, recorded in millimeters. Energy and nutrient intake will be assessed using nutritional labels from each food item, and leptin sensitivity will be determined via plasma fasting.
At baseline (T0), at the end of the 8-week intervention (T1, end of month 2), and 12 weeks after the intervention (T2, end of month 5) to verify the persistence of effects.
Ex Vivo Leptin Sensitivity
Since direct assessment of leptin sensitivity in the central nervous system is not feasible in humans, peripheral leptin sensitivity ex vivo will be evaluated using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs). PBMCs will be collected from the same individuals before and after the intervention and exposed to recombinant leptin to assess intracellular signalling activation. The primary leptin effector pathway is Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3), though Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation has also been reported among others. The activation of these pathways will be measured using immunoassays such as Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Western blot, quantifying the ratio of phosphorylated to total protein levels for each intracellular effector.
At baseline (T0), at the end of the 8-week intervention (T1, end of month 2), and 12 weeks after the intervention (T2, end of month 5) to verify the persistence of effects.
Insulin Sensitivity and Secretion
Insulin sensitivity and secretion will be assessed both during fasting and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
At baseline (T0), at the end of the 8-week intervention (T1, end of month 2), and 12 weeks after the intervention (T2, end of month 5) to verify the persistence of effects.
Energy Metabolism
Energy metabolism, including resting metabolic rate and diet-induced thermogenesis, will be measured by indirect calorimetry.
At baseline (T0), at the end of the 8-week intervention (T1, end of month 2), and 12 weeks after the intervention (T2, end of month 5) to verify the persistence of effects.
Fat Mass (percentage)
Fat mass will be estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis and expressed as a percentage of total body weight.
At baseline (T0), at the end of the 8-week intervention (T1, end of month 2), and 12 weeks after the intervention (T2, end of month 5) to verify the persistence of effects.
Fat Mass (kilograms)
Fat mass will be estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis and expressed in kilograms.
At baseline (T0), at the end of the 8-week intervention (T1, end of month 2), and 12 weeks after the intervention (T2, end of month 5) to verify the persistence of effects.
Secondary Outcomes (26)
Non-Verbal Fluid Intelligence
At baseline (T0)
Working Memory
At baseline (T0), at the end of the 8-week intervention (T1, end of month 2), and 12 weeks after the intervention (T2, end of month 5) to verify the persistence of effects.
Sustained Attention and inhibitory control
At baseline (T0), at the end of the 8-week intervention (T1, end of month 2), and 12 weeks after the intervention (T2, end of month 5) to verify the persistence of effects.
Episodic Long-Term Memory
At baseline (T0), at the end of the 8-week intervention (T1, end of month 2), and 12 weeks after the intervention (T2, end of month 5) to verify the persistence of effects.
Visual-Motor Integration
At baseline (T0), at the end of the 8-week intervention (T1, end of month 2), and 12 weeks after the intervention (T2, end of month 5) to verify the persistence of effects.
- +21 more secondary outcomes
Study Arms (3)
Intensive Health Behavior Treatment group: Physical Activity and Diet
ACTIVE COMPARATORParticipants will be provided with a personalized dietary plan and a Physical Activity training
Cognitive Training group: Physical Activity, Diet and an online cognitive training
ACTIVE COMPARATORParticipants will be provided with personalized dietary plan, a Physical Activity training, and an online cognitive training.
Social Training group: Physical Activity, Diet and cognitive training
ACTIVE COMPARATORParticipants will be provided with personalized dietary plan, a Physical Activity training, and a peer interaction program in ecological context.
Interventions
Participants will receive comprehensive dietary education from the nutritionists of the research team, aimed at improving their baseline diet by incorporating nutritional recommendations based on the Mediterranean diet and the Italian dietary guidelines for healthy eating.
Participants will engage in a structured exercise program designed to improve motor competence and confidence. Tailored to each individual's baseline physical abilities and cardiorespiratory capacity, the program will focus on enhancing aerobic fitness, flexibility, and coordination.
Participants will undergo an online cognitive training program, with a particular focus on memory enhancement.
A peer interaction program within an ecological setting, meant as a natural context of daily life, will be offered to participants. The program aims to improve active listening skills, comprehension of various communication styles (passive, assertive, aggressive), and the efficient recognition and management of emotions.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- a condition of overweight or obesity
- Intelligence Quotient (IQ) ≥ 85
You may not qualify if:
- genetic or syndromic obesity;
- reduced mobility;
- systemic diseases;
- ongoing pharmacological treatment for chronic conditions.
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (2)
Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù
Rome, Italy, 00146, Italy
Bambino Gesù Hospital and Research Institute,
Rome, Rome, 00165, Italy
Related Publications (1)
Russo V, Menghini D, Mainardi M, Fintini D, Aureli A, Gianni N, Rava L, Rea MA, Scozia G, Spiezia C, Scabia G, Furini G, Vicari S, Cianfarani S, Maffei M, Manco M. Reprogramming energy homeostasis in children with overweight through cognitive training and social interaction. A study protocol to estimate leptin sensitivity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2025 Jun 18;16:1606132. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2025.1606132. eCollection 2025.
PMID: 40607230DERIVED
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Interventions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- NONE
- Purpose
- TREATMENT
- Intervention Model
- FACTORIAL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Medical Director, Preventive and Predictive Medicine
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
March 24, 2025
First Posted
April 17, 2025
Study Start
February 8, 2024
Primary Completion
December 31, 2025
Study Completion
December 31, 2025
Last Updated
April 17, 2025
Record last verified: 2025-03
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will share
- Shared Documents
- STUDY PROTOCOL
- Time Frame
- The time frame for data availability will be determined in accordance with GDPR and relevant European regulations.
- Access Criteria
- Access to the IPD and supporting information will be granted to the Principal Investigator (PI) of the research, Dr. Melania Manco (melania.manco@opbg.net).
Data will be shared upon reasonable request, subject to validation by the OPBG Ethics Committee, in compliance with GDPR and European regulations. Alternatively, aggregated data may be considered.