Using bisphosphonates to prevent bone loss after weight loss surgery

Bisphosphonate Use to Mitigate Bone Loss Secondary to Bariatric Surgery

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University · NIH-10832532

This study is looking at whether a monthly medication called risedronate can help people who have had sleeve gastrectomy surgery keep their bones strong and reduce the risk of fractures as they lose weight.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-10832532 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of a medication called risedronate, a type of bisphosphonate, to help prevent bone loss in patients who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for weight loss. The study aims to determine if risedronate can reduce the risk of fractures by inhibiting bone resorption, which tends to increase after SG. Patients will receive this medication once a month, and the research will assess its effectiveness in preserving bone density and potentially lean muscle mass over time. The findings could lead to improved management strategies for patients recovering from bariatric surgery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy and are at risk for bone loss.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had bariatric surgery or those with pre-existing severe bone conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of bone fractures in patients who have had bariatric surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with bisphosphonates in reducing bone loss, suggesting that this approach may be effective in the context of bariatric surgery as well.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, 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.