Harvard tests cooking classes as a prescription for obesity

NCT ID NCT05628649

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a year-long program that teaches cooking, nutrition, mindfulness, and exercise can help adults with obesity improve their health. 320 participants will attend weekly classes for 16 weeks, then monthly boosters. Researchers will measure changes in eating habits, lab values, and weight. The goal is to see if this approach is practical and effective when added to regular doctor care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Teaching Kitchen Collaborative Curriculum (behavioral program: cooking, nutrition, mindfulness, exercise, health coaching)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a practical, non-drug way for doctors to help patients with obesity improve eating habits, activity, and weight.

What could go wrong

This is an early feasibility study, not a large-scale effectiveness trial. Results may not apply to everyone, and long-term weight loss is hard to sustain.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Obesity obesity disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Dartmouth Health

    Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03766, United States

  • Harvard Coordinating Site

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • UTHealth Houston

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • University of California Irvine

    Irvine, California, 92697, United States

  • University of California Los Angelos

    Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States