Off-Ramp Feasibility: finding better ways to taper GLP-1 obesity medicines without weight regain
Official title: OFF-RAMP Feasibility: a pilot trial comparing different off-ramping strategies for maintaining weight loss among adults using incretin based therapies for obesity
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11425980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, patient-friendly trial tests how to taper off GLP-1 obesity medicines without quickly regaining weight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $307,380 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK148666-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11425980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older who have used GLP-1 obesity medications and may need to discontinue or switch therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not currently using GLP-1 therapies or not planning to discontinue within the study period may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This pilot study will explore practical strategies for gradually stopping or tapering GLP-1-based therapies used for obesity, with a focus on maintaining weight loss. It builds on real-world data and clinician input to design tapering plans that patients can follow if they need to discontinue or switch therapies. The team will test different withdrawal approaches and monitor weight and metabolic health to identify what works best for adults who have used GLP-1 medications. Participants will be supported with clinical guidance and follow-up to understand tolerability and outcomes during tapering.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could give patients a safer, more predictable way to stop GLP-1 therapy while keeping weight loss.
How similar studies have gone: Prior clinical data and real-world analyses suggest tapering strategies can affect weight maintenance, making this a timely and plausible next step.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luo, Jing — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Luo, Jing
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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.