Comparing treatments for weight loss after bariatric surgery

Behavioral and Pharmacological Treatments to Enhance Weight Outcomes After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Yale University · NCT05157698

This study is testing whether a combination of a weight loss program and a medication can help people who have had bariatric surgery lose more weight and improve their overall health.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorYale University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Haven, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT05157698 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of behavioral and pharmacological treatments, both individually and in combination, to improve weight loss, cardiovascular health, and psychosocial well-being in patients who have undergone metabolic and bariatric surgery. It employs a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled design to assess the impact of a manualized behavioral weight loss program and an FDA-approved medication (naltrexone+bupropion) on patients with suboptimal weight outcomes. The study aims to generate new clinical insights that could enhance management strategies for obesity following surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a BMI between 30 and 50 who have undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy and are experiencing suboptimal weight loss.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had bariatric surgery or those with uncontrolled medical problems may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved weight loss and overall health outcomes for patients struggling with obesity after bariatric surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in combining behavioral and pharmacological approaches for obesity treatment, suggesting potential success for this study's methodology.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study (up to 18 months: 6-month treatment plus 12-month follow up)
* Have a BMI ≥30 (or BMI ≥27 with a medical comorbidity) and BMI ≤50 kg/m2
* Have had laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy
* Suboptimal weight outcomes after MBS
* Be an otherwise healthy subject without uncontrolled medical problems, as determined by the study physician and medical co-investigators (physical examination, laboratory studies).
* Have had a physical in the past year
* Read, comprehend, and write English at a sufficient level to complete study-related materials.
* For females of reproductive potential: use of highly effective contraception and agreement to use such a method during study participation
* For males of reproductive potential: use of condoms or other methods to ensure effective contraception with partner

Exclusion Criteria:

* Has a predisposition to seizures (e.g., subject with a history or evidence of seizure disorder, febrile seizures during childhood, brain tumor, cerebrovascular disease, or significant head trauma; has a family history of idiopathic seizure disorder or is currently being treated with medications or treatment regimens that lower seizure threshold).
* Has a history of anorexia nervosa or history of bulimia nervosa.
* Is currently taking a medication that is a contraindication to NB medication (e.g., MAOI, opiates).
* Is currently using other medications for weight loss.
* Has a history of allergy or sensitivity to bupropion or naltrexone.
* Has a co-existing psychiatric condition that requires hospitalization or more intensive treatment (such as bipolar mood disorders, psychotic illnesses, or severe depression)
* Has untreated hypertension with a seated systolic blood pressure \> 160 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure \> 100 mmHg, or heart rate \> 100 beats/minute.
* Has a history of congenital heart disease, cardiovascular disease, cardiac arrhythmias requiring medication, or a history of cerebrovascular pathology including stroke.
* Has current uncontrolled hypertension.
* Has current uncontrolled Type I or Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
* Has untreated hypothyroidism with a TSH \> 1.5 times the upper limit of normal for the test laboratory with repeat value that also exceeds this limit.
* Has gallbladder disease.
* Has a history of severe renal, hepatic, neurological, chronic pulmonary disease, or any other unstable medical disorder.
* Has a recent history of drug or alcohol dependence.
* Is currently in active effective treatment for eating or weight loss such as behavioral weight loss of FDA-approved weight loss medications.
* Is currently participating in another clinical study in which the subject is or will be exposed to an investigational or a non-investigational drug or device.
* Is breast-feeding or is pregnant or is not using a reliable form of birth control.
* Reports active suicidal or homicidal ideation.
* Has poor eye health

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut

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 Obesity
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.