Comparing Mediterranean and High Protein/Low Carb Diets for Obese Patients on Semaglutide

The Effect of Mediterranean or High Protein/Low Carbohydrate Diet on Arterial Stiffness in Non-diabetic, Obese Patients on Semaglutide: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional American University of Beirut Medical Center · NCT04990024

This study is testing whether a Mediterranean diet or a high protein/low carb diet can help Lebanese adults with obesity improve their health while using Semaglutide for weight loss.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 49 Years
SexAll
SponsorAmerican University of Beirut Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beirut, Riad El Solh)
Trial IDNCT04990024 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of two different dietary approaches, the Mediterranean diet and a high protein/low carbohydrate diet, on arterial stiffness and metabolic indicators in obese patients starting Semaglutide for weight management. The study will involve Lebanese adults aged 18-49 with obesity, who will be randomized into one of the two diet groups for a duration of six months. Key measurements will include arterial stiffness assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and changes in visceral adipose tissue. Participants will be recruited from the Endocrine clinics at the American University of Beirut Medical Center and nearby clinics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and premenopausal women aged 18-49 with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) who are starting Semaglutide for weight management.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimal dietary strategies for improving cardiovascular health in obese patients undergoing weight management with Semaglutide.

How similar studies have performed: While similar dietary interventions have been explored, this specific comparison in the context of Semaglutide is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and premenopausal women, 18-49 years, with obesity defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2
* Upon the initiation of Semaglutide (within the first 1-4 weeks) for medical weight management, for clinical purposes, as advised by the primary physician
* Able to commit for a 6-month trial visits

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women
* Patients who are taking or have taken other weight reducing drug therapies in the previous 6 months
* Patients who have undergone metabolic weight loss surgery
* Patients known to have diabetes (HbA1c ≥6.5% at screening)
* Patients with uncontrolled hypertension
* Patients with uncontrolled cardiac disease, pulmonary, renal or liver diseases, active cancer or psychiatric diseases
* Patients with excessive alcohol intake, defined as ≥ 2 glasses per day
* Patients known to have uncontrolled/ untreated thyroid disorders.
* Patients with cushing disease or polycystic ovaries, and those with neuro-endocrine or drug induced obesity (such as anti-psychotic, steroids, hormonal therapy): Such patients are resistant to weight loss, and they need treatment of their primary disease and/or cessation of the culprit medication to lose weight
* Patients with untreated gout
* Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery

Where this trial is running

Beirut, Riad El Solh

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.
Conditions ObesityWeight Loss
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.