Assessing brown fat activity in obese patients using semaglutide

Brown Adipose Tissue Activity in Response to Semaglutide Administered to Obese Subjects.

University of California, Los Angeles · NCT05419726

This study is trying to see if the weight loss medication semaglutide can boost the activity of brown fat in obese people to help them lose weight.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles (other)
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT05419726 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in obese individuals who are starting treatment with semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist. Participants will undergo infrared thermography imaging to measure BAT activity at baseline, and again at 2-4 weeks and 18-20 weeks after starting the medication. The study hypothesizes that semaglutide will enhance BAT activity, leading to increased metabolic rates and weight loss. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms of weight loss associated with GLP-1 agonists.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled to start semaglutide for weight loss.

Not a fit: Patients with significant chronic diseases, cancer, or those currently smoking may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how semaglutide aids weight loss through the activation of brown adipose tissue, potentially leading to improved obesity treatments.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on GLP-1 agonists have shown varying results, this specific approach focusing on BAT activity with semaglutide is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects scheduled to start semaglutide for weight loss (drug not provided by or paid for by the study)
* \>18 years of age and willing to participate
* Male or post-menopausal females

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of prior neck surgery and /or neck irradiation

  * Use of beta blocker agents
  * Use of any other glucose lowering medication
  * History of neuropathic disorders (e.g. diabetic neuropathy)
  * Diabetic patients
  * Individuals without normal thyroid function
  * Individuals with cancer
  * Any significant chronic disease or renal, hepatic or endocrine disease
  * Current smokers
  * Inability of patient to provide consent either for medical reasons or psychiatric reasons

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Obesity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.