Using medications to treat severe obesity in adolescents

SMART Use of Medication for the Treatment ofAdolescent Severe Obesity

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10657656

This study is looking at the best ways to help teenagers with severe obesity by figuring out when and how to use medications after trying lifestyle changes, so they can get the most effective treatment tailored just for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10657656 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the treatment of severe obesity in adolescents, focusing on the timing and sequence of medication use after lifestyle modifications. It aims to determine the most effective approach for introducing pharmacotherapy, especially for those who do not respond adequately to lifestyle changes alone. The study will explore whether switching medications is more beneficial than adding additional drugs, addressing the unique needs of adolescents who may be sensitive to medication exposure. By analyzing patient responses, the research seeks to create evidence-based guidelines for better management of severe obesity in this age group.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 18 who are classified as severely obese.

Not a fit: Patients who are not classified as severely obese or those who do not wish to pursue pharmacotherapy after lifestyle modifications may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for adolescents suffering from severe obesity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research in adult obesity treatment has shown success with similar pharmacotherapy approaches, but this specific focus on adolescents is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, 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.
Conditions DiseaseDisorder
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.