Harvard tests cooking classes as a prescription for obesity

NCT ID NCT05628649

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

OBESITY

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

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