Understanding why weight loss stops in people
Official title: Physiological changes underlying the weight loss plateau in humans
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10893498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why people often hit a weight loss plateau after shedding some pounds, focusing on how our body's metabolism and appetite play a role, so we can find better ways to help you keep the weight off for good.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $720,797 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134417-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced a weight loss plateau after losing 7-10% of their body weight.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not attempted weight loss or those who are not experiencing a weight loss plateau may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind the weight loss plateau that many individuals experience after losing a certain amount of weight. It focuses on how metabolic, appetitive, and neurological factors contribute to this phenomenon, which often leads to weight regain. The study will analyze changes in cellular energy metabolism in various tissues, including blood cells, muscle, and fat, to identify specific biological responses that occur during this plateau phase. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to develop more effective strategies for sustained weight loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved weight loss strategies that help individuals maintain their weight loss over the long term.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding metabolic and neurological responses to weight loss can lead to better treatment approaches, indicating that this area of study has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schur, Ellen a — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Schur, Ellen a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Predicting Weight Regain After Weight Loss Through Body Signals
A study with people who are losing weight will check how their body’s metabolism and appetite signals might influence if they regain weight later.
-
Engaging men in weight loss with a game-based mental training and app program
A game-based mobile program designed for American men to help them lose weight by combining engaging gaming features with brain training.
-
Simplifying dietary self-monitoring to boost weight loss success
A study tests a lighter, easier way to track food to help adults with overweight or obesity lose weight through a digital program.
-
Activin signaling in muscles, aging, and weight loss
Aims to understand how activin signals in muscle affect aging, weight loss, and daily function, especially in older adults.
-
How the brain drives overeating and weight loss with GLP-1 medications
Scientists are studying how brain circuits that control food seeking respond to obesity and weight loss with a GLP-1 drug, to understand why weight loss often doesn’t hold.
-
Off-Ramp Feasibility: finding better ways to taper GLP-1 obesity medicines without weight regain
A small, patient-friendly trial tests how to taper off GLP-1 obesity medicines without quickly regaining weight.
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.