Why weight loss stalls: body, brain, and cellular changes
Physiological changes underlying the weight loss plateau in humans
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11141902
This project looks at how adults' bodies and brains change when weight loss levels off so we can find ways to help people keep weight off.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141902 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would join as an adult participant and the team will follow changes when weight loss begins and then levels off. They will measure hunger and brain responses, track energy use, and take small samples of blood, muscle, and fat to study cellular metabolism—especially mitochondrial function. The researchers compare measurements taken during initial weight loss, the plateau phase, and later to see which biological changes line up with the plateau. Most visits and tests are done in person at the University of Washington and include imaging and metabolic testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older with overweight or obesity, particularly those who have lost weight and experienced a plateau or are actively trying to lose weight, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People under 21, those without excess weight, or individuals unable to travel to Seattle for in-person testing are unlikely to be eligible or directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent weight regain and help people keep off lost weight.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows appetite increases and energy use falls after weight loss, but linking these changes to mitochondrial shifts across blood, muscle, fat, and brain responses during the plateau is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHUR, ELLEN A — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: SCHUR, ELLEN A
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.