NIH-funded research R01 grant

Comparing the effectiveness of weight loss medications for heart and metabolic health

Official title: Comparative effectiveness of anti-obesity medications for cardiometabolic health outcomes and health services use

Funded at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. · NIH-10997392 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how various weight loss medications can help improve heart and overall health in adults with obesity, so doctors can better choose the right options for their patients trying to manage their weight and related health concerns.

More Obesity research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Canton, UNITED STATES)
Project startDecember 15, 2023
Project endNovember 30, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$636,686
NIH project number5R01HL171293-02
Project IDNIH-10997392 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are struggling with obesity and related conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not affected by obesity or do not have related health complications may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how different anti-obesity medications (AOMs) affect heart and metabolic health outcomes in adults with obesity. By analyzing a large dataset of insurance claims, the study aims to determine which medications are most effective and safe for long-term weight management. The findings could help guide doctors in prescribing AOMs and improve treatment options for patients struggling with obesity and related health issues. The research will also explore the impact of these medications on healthcare utilization.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with more effective and safer options for managing obesity and its related health complications.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with anti-obesity medications, but this study aims to provide the first comprehensive comparative effectiveness analysis, making it a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC.
    Canton, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Toh, Darren — Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Toh, Darren

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Childhood obesity and cardiometabolic health in Latino youth from low-income families

    This project follows Mexican American kids from birth through mid-adolescence to understand how weight and heart health develop over time.

    NIH research Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · Scottsdale, United States · NIH-11369846

  • Recipe4Health program for weight and heart health

    This project compares Medi‑Cal patients who get Recipe4Health’s produce prescriptions and health coaching with similar patients who don’t, to see if it helps weight and heart-related health.

    NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11290301

  • Comparing prescription weight-loss medicines for heart and metabolic health

    This project compares different prescription weight-loss medicines to see how they affect heart health, diabetes-related outcomes, and use of health care among adults.

    NIH research Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. · Canton, UNITED STATES · NIH-11238523

  • Understanding Childhood Obesity and Heart Health in Mexican American Youth

    This project looks at existing information to understand why obesity and heart-related health issues are common in Mexican American children and teenagers from low-income families.

    NIH research Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · Scottsdale, United States · NIH-11088893

  • Evaluating the impact of a nutrition program on obesity and heart health

    This study is looking at how a cooking program called Recipe4Health can help people on Medi-Cal in California who are dealing with obesity and heart health issues, by comparing those who join the program to others in the same community who don’t, all while focusing on making healthy food more accessible.

    NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11030829

  • Training new researchers to help reduce obesity and improve heart health

    This study is all about finding new ways to help people manage their weight and improve their heart and metabolic health, focusing on what really works for keeping weight off and making healthy lifestyle changes.

    NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-10904768

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.