Comparing intensive weight loss methods to bariatric surgery for severe obesity

Intensive Weight Loss Intervention Versus Bariatric Surgery for Adults With Severe and Complex Obesity: the LightBAR Randomised Trial. Lighthouse Consortium on Obesity Management (LightCOM) Trial no 4

This study is testing a new weight loss program that combines diet changes, support, and medication to see if it works as well as surgery for adults with severe obesity.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 500 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre (Academic / other)
• Locations: 10 sites (Aarhus and 9 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06309238 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a non-surgical intensive weight loss intervention, which includes total dietary replacements, behavioral support, and weight-loss medication, against traditional bariatric surgery options for adults with severe and complex obesity. The intervention is structured in three phases: an induction phase focusing on total dietary replacement, a continuation phase that reintroduces healthy foods and physical activity, and a maintenance phase to sustain weight loss. The results will help shape future treatment pathways for obesity, particularly for those who may not have access to surgical options.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 60 with a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher and related health conditions, who are eligible for bariatric surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone bariatric surgery or do not meet the eligibility criteria for surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a viable non-surgical alternative for effective weight management in patients with severe obesity.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with intensive weight loss interventions, but this specific comparison with bariatric surgery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Please note that participants need to be invited in order to take part in the trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 to 60 years (inclusive) at time of screening.
* Eligible for and willing to undergo bariatric surgery, i.e., fulfilment of criteria for bariatric surgery from the respective national health authorities:

  * DK: BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 with one or more of the following: T2D, severe hypertension, sleep apnoea requiring treatment, symptomatic arthrosis in lower extremities, female infertility related to overweight, or BMI\>40 kg/m2 with other strong medical reasons for weight loss (28). Prior to surgery, an 8% weight loss is required as well as smoking cessation.
  * UK: BMI of 35 kg/m2 to 40 kg/m2 and other significant disease (e.g., type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure), or BMI ≥40 kg/m2. Has been or is willing to receive intensive management in a specialist tier 3 obesity service (29).
* Fit for anaesthesia and surgery.
* Informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior bariatric or hiatal surgery, not including intragastric balloons or duodenal-jejunal bypass sleeve (Endobarrier™ or similar) if the device has been removed \>1 year before screening.
* Use of any WLM (including liraglutide and semaglutide for diabetes) within last 3 months.
* Conditions that contraindicate or complicate total diet replacement (including type 1 diabetes or other diabetes requiring basal bolus insulin therapy or insulin pump therapy (for Denmark) and any diabetes requiring insulin therapy (for UK), phenylketonuria, or other conditions requiring strict adherence to special diets).
* Conditions that contraindicate or complicate treatment with GLP-1 receptor analogues (including history of pancreatitis or known allergies).
* Conditions that contraindicate or complicate bariatric surgery (GI motility disorders, large abdominal wall hernia, large hiatus hernia (\>5cm), Crohn's disease, liver cirrhosis, or other conditions preventing laparoscopic bariatric surgery e.g. multiple previous abdominal surgery).
* Conditions that contraindicate or complicate study adherence and bariatric surgery (mental disorder, unstable psychiatric disease, recent history of alcohol/medication abuse, cancer treatment within 5 years).
* Pregnant or planning pregnancy in the next two years or currently breast feeding.
* Not achieving a 5% weight loss within 12 weeks prior to randomisation.
* People taking part in other research involving multidisciplinary obesity treatment that would compromise their participation in this trial.
* Another member of the household enrolled in the trial.
* Diagnosis of or treatment for severe eating disorder within the last 6 months.

Where this trial is running

Aarhus and 9 other locations

• Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus Universitets Hospital — Aarhus, Denmark (Recruiting)
• The Department of Medicine and Department of Surgery, University Hospital of South West Jutland — Esbjerg, Denmark (Recruiting)
• The Department of Medicine and the Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre — Hvidovre, Denmark (Recruiting)
• Department of Surgery, Viborg Regional Hospital — Viborg, Denmark (Recruiting)
• St Richard's Hospital — Chichester, Sussex, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
• Hartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust — Birmingham, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
• Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust — Bristol, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
• The Whittington Hospital — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
• Sunderland Royal Hospital — Sunderland, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
• Musgrove Park Hospital, Somerset Foundation NHS Trust — Taunton, United Kingdom (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Kirstine N Bojsen-Møller, MD, PhD

Conditions Obesity