Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Effects of Bariatric Surgery and Lifestyle Changes on Fat and Liver Health

Official title: Change of Adipose Tissues and Triglyceride in Obese Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease After Bariatric Surgery or Life-style Intervention

Run by Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT03875625 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing how bariatric surgery and lifestyle changes affect fat and liver health in people with obesity and related metabolic issues.

More Diabetes Mellitus trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong, Shatin)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 1, 2019
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2025
Study endsJune 30, 2026
Registry record updatedFebruary 13, 2025
Trial IDNCT03875625 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include individuals with a BMI of 25 or higher, particularly those with metabolic syndrome or morbid obesity.

Probably not a fit

Patients with other hepatic diseases or those on medications affecting liver fat may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to quantify changes in adipose tissues, liver triglycerides, and cholesterol levels following lifestyle interventions or bariatric surgery in patients with obesity and related metabolic disorders. It will investigate the role of brown adipose tissue as a potential biomarker for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and explore the relationship between brown fat, obesity, and NAFLD. The research will involve measuring various adipose tissue types and assessing liver inflammation and fibrosis through biopsies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective treatments for obesity and NAFLD, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown associations between obesity and NAFLD, but the specific role of brown adipose tissue as a biomarker is still being explored, making this approach novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* BMI ≥ 25-30 kg/m2
* BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 with Metabolic syndrome
* BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 for morbid obesity

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other kind of hepatic diseases
* Under medications known to affect liver fat
* Waist circumference ≥ 150 cm
* Weight ≥ 250 kg
* MRI contraindications

Where it's running

  • The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wale Hospital
    Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.