Using oxytocin to help reduce obesity in young people
Oxytocin as a Neuroendocrine Therapy for Obesity in Youth
This study is looking at whether a hormone called oxytocin can help teenagers and young adults lose weight and improve their health, by giving it as a nasal spray for 12 weeks and comparing the results to those who receive a placebo.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10878668 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of oxytocin, a hormone that helps regulate food intake and energy metabolism, as a treatment for obesity in adolescents and young adults. The study will involve administering intranasal oxytocin over a twelve-week period to assess its effects on weight loss and metabolic health markers. Participants will be compared to a placebo group to determine the effectiveness of oxytocin in reducing body mass index (BMI) and improving overall health. The approach is based on previous findings that oxytocin can lead to significant weight loss and is well tolerated in younger populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 5 to 18 years who are struggling with obesity.
Not a fit: Patients who are not obese or who have other underlying health conditions that may complicate treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for obesity in youth, potentially leading to improved long-term health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with oxytocin in adults, suggesting potential for success in this younger demographic.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lawson, Elizabeth Austen — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lawson, Elizabeth Austen
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 below.