Combining medication and behavioral therapy to improve weight after weight-loss surgery

Behavioral and Pharmacological Treatments to Enhance Weight Outcomes after Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11162361

This project compares medication plus structured behavior therapy to help adults keep weight off after bariatric (metabolic) surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11162361 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you join, you would be randomly assigned to receive medication, a manualized behavioral weight-loss program, both together, or usual post-surgery care. The team will monitor your weight, health measures, medication effects, and behavior over time and provide regular counseling sessions. The researchers aim to find which approach—or combination—best prevents weight regain after surgery. All treatments would be delivered under medical supervision with standardized materials and follow-up visits.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults (age 21 and over) who have undergone metabolic or bariatric surgery and are concerned about inadequate weight loss or weight regain are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who have not had bariatric surgery or who are medically ineligible for the study medications would not benefit from or be eligible for this specific project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help people maintain greater long-term weight loss after bariatric surgery and lower obesity-related health risks.

How similar studies have performed: Previous behavioral trials after bariatric surgery are few and limited, and combining pharmacologic and manualized behavioral treatments in a rigorous randomized trial is largely new.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.