obesity Clinical Trials and Research
Also known as: overweight, morbid obesity, high bmi, adiposity, severe obesity, excess weight · ICD-10: E66
Obesity is a complex medical condition characterized by excessive body fat that can lead to various health problems. Clinical trial research is focused on developing new treatments, understanding its causes, and improving prevention strategies. Find a Trial helps patients search for active studies.
Common questions about obesity clinical trials
What is obesity and how is it diagnosed in clinical trials?
Obesity is defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or by excess body fat that impacts health. Diagnosis in trials often involves BMI calculation, waist circumference, and sometimes body composition scans to assess fat levels, according to ClinicalTrials.gov.
What types of clinical trials are being conducted for obesity?
Research includes studies on new medications, surgical interventions, behavioral therapies, and dietary changes. Trials also investigate genetic factors and metabolic pathways to better understand and treat obesity, as reported by ClinicalTrials.gov and NIH RePORTER.
Who can participate in obesity clinical trials?
Eligibility varies widely by study, often based on age, BMI, presence of related health conditions, and overall health status. Each trial has specific criteria to ensure patient safety and research validity, as detailed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
What are common interventions studied in obesity clinical trials?
Common interventions include investigational drugs that affect appetite or metabolism, various surgical procedures like bariatric surgery, and comprehensive lifestyle programs focusing on diet and physical activity. These are often explored in studies listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Are there different phases of clinical trials for obesity treatments?
Yes, like other conditions, obesity trials progress through phases. Phase 1 tests safety, Phase 2 evaluates effectiveness and side effects, and Phase 3 compares new treatments to existing ones. Phase 4 monitors long-term effects, as described on ClinicalTrials.gov.
What are researchers learning about the causes of obesity?
Researchers are investigating complex interactions of genetics, environment, metabolism, and behavior. Studies explore how hormones, the gut microbiome, and brain signals influence appetite and energy expenditure, as reported by NIH RePORTER.
Do patients have to pay to participate in obesity clinical trials?
Generally, study-related medical care and investigational treatments are provided at no cost to participants. However, some costs like travel or non-study medical care may not be covered. This varies by trial, according to information on ClinicalTrials.gov.
What are some common exclusion criteria for obesity studies?
Common exclusions might include certain co-existing medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease, pregnancy, or use of medications that could interfere with the study. Specific criteria ensure patient safety and data integrity, as outlined on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How to find a obesity trial that fits you
- Describe your obesity situation in detail — stage if applicable, prior treatments, age, and other relevant conditions.
- Use the location filter (worldwide, US, US & Canada, Europe) to narrow to trials near you.
- Review each trial's eligibility criteria carefully. Save 2–5 candidates with their NCT numbers.
- Discuss with your treating clinician before contacting the research site.