How GLP-1 in the brain responds to sugar in people of different weights

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

Researchers will examine brain responses to sugar under different GLP-1 conditions in adults with normal weight or obesity. On four test days, GLP-1 will be blocked, increased, or left the same, while sugar is delivered either to the stomach or intravenously. Brain activity will be measured by MRI during each session to see how GLP-1 influences sugar sensing in the brain. The trial includes screening and four full clinic days with imaging and hormonal interventions, conducted at the University of Copenhagen and affiliated centers. The study aims to clarify whether GLP-1 drives brain responses to sugar and whether obesity alters this relationship.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Group 1:

* Age 18-75 years
* BMI 18.5-25 kg/m²
* Normal glucose tolerance (Fasting glucose \< 5.6 mmol/L)

Group 2:

* Age and sex-matched with group 1
* BMI≥30 kg/m²
* Impaired glucose tolerance (Fasting glucose 5.6 - 6.9 mmol/L)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2, or fasting plasma glucose \> 7.0 mmol/L
* Treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists or other GLP-1-based therapies within the past three months
* Use of medication affecting appetite, body weight, or glucose metabolism within the past three months
* Current eating disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa)
* Known serious chronic disease, including but not limited to:

  * Heart disease
  * Anemia (hemoglobin \<7.0 mmol/L for women, \<8.0 mmol/L for men)
  * Renal impairment (eGFR \<60 mL/min/1.73m²)
  * Hepatic impairment (ALT or AST \>3 times upper limit of normal)
* Known monogenic obesity
* Substance abuse (current or within the past year)
* Previous bariatric surgery
* Contraindications to study procedures, including:

  * Esophageal or nasal obstruction (e.g. tumors, strictures)
  * Coagulopathy
  * History of skull base trauma
  * Esophageal varices
  * Hiatal hernia
  * Claustrophobia
  * Inability to comply with MRI requirements (e.g. remaining still)
  * Presence of non-removable magnetic objects incompatible with MRI
  * Any other condition or circumstance that, in the opinion of the study physician, may compromise safe participation in the study.

Exclusion criteria for women:

* Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or wish to become pregnant during the study period
* Women of childbearing potential not using adequate contraception
* Women using hormonal contraception (oral contraceptives, progestin- containing implants or hormonal intrauterine device.)

Where it's running

• University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical Sciences
  Copenhagen, Denmark Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sarah Byberg, MD, PhD — University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical Sciences
• Study coordinator: Sarah Byberg, MD
• Email: sarah.byberg@sund.ku.dk
• Phone: +45 50247452

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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.