Early use of semaglutide after weight-loss surgery in teens and young adults
Official title: Early Re-Initiation of Semaglutide After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Youth: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-11366452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A trial tests starting the obesity drug semaglutide soon after bariatric surgery in teens and young adults to help keep weight off.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $884,146 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK144100-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11366452 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are youths aged 12-18 with class III obesity who have undergone MBS and are already on semaglutide.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience additional weight benefits or may have adverse effects from the medication.
What this research studies
This study will enroll 80 youths aged 12 to 18 who have had metabolic and bariatric surgery and are using semaglutide before surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to continue/adjust semaglutide early after surgery along with lifestyle support, to see if this helps maintain BMI reduction. The trial lasts 24 months and measures weight, appetite, and related health outcomes to guide future care after MBS in youth. Parents and participants will be asked about their experiences, challenges, and any side effects to ensure safety and real-world relevance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, early semaglutide after surgery could improve weight maintenance and health outcomes for youths with severe obesity.
How similar studies have gone: This approach is novel in youth; prior pediatric data suggest potential benefit but has not been tested in this exact post-surgery window.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vidmar, Alaina P — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Vidmar, Alaina P
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.