Understanding why adolescents regain weight after losing it

Adaptive Mechanisms Responsible for Weight Regain in Youth with Obesity and the Influence of Sex

NIH-funded research Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-11004328

This study is looking into why teenagers who have lost weight sometimes gain it back, focusing on how changes in their bodies during puberty affect their hunger and energy, so we can create better ways to help them keep the weight off for good.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11004328 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the reasons behind weight regain in adolescents who have previously lost weight. It focuses on understanding the neuroendocrine changes in the gut-brain axis that affect appetite and energy regulation, particularly during puberty. By examining how these mechanisms differ between sexes and how they relate to growth and hormonal changes, the study aims to develop more effective weight management strategies tailored for young people. The findings could lead to new interventions that help maintain weight loss in adolescents over the long term.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have experienced obesity and are seeking effective weight management solutions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not have a history of obesity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies to help adolescents maintain weight loss and improve their overall health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding neuroendocrine mechanisms in adults can inform treatment strategies, but this approach in adolescents is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.