Investigating the links between obesity, insulin resistance, and long COVID
Official title: Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and PASC: Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Inflammation in Human Adipose Tissue
Run by Stanford University · NCT05833217 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see if obesity and insulin resistance make long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms worse, by looking at fat tissue and its role in inflammation and the virus.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 55 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Palo Alto, California and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 6, 2023 |
| Main results expected | May 2, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | December 4, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT05833217 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 80 with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or higher who are not currently pregnant.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with major organ diseases, diabetes, or those who have undergone bariatric surgery 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 examines how obesity and insulin resistance may contribute to persistent symptoms following COVID-19, known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Researchers will analyze adipose tissue to determine if it plays a role in chronic inflammation or serves as a reservoir for the virus. The study involves procedures such as adipose tissue biopsies and steady state plasma glucose tests to gather data on these relationships. The findings aim to identify risk factors and biological mechanisms that could lead to new treatment options for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to targeted therapies for individuals suffering from long COVID, particularly those with obesity and insulin resistance.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking obesity and insulin resistance to long COVID is novel, related studies have shown success in understanding the impacts of obesity on various health conditions.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18 to 80 * BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 * not currently pregnant Exclusion Criteria: Arm 2 (Adipose Tissue Biopsy) exclusions include * pregnancy * prior liposuction * recent change in weight (\> 2 kg in one month) * bleeding disorders * anticoagulant use Arm 3 (healthy controls only) exclusions include patients with * major organ disease * diabetes * history of liposuction * bariatric surgery * eating disorders * psychiatric disorders * pregnancy or lactation * recent change in weight (over the past 12 weeks), * use of weight loss medication or oral steroids * hematocrit \< 33% * fasting glucose \>= 126 mg/dL * blood pressure \>160/100 mmHg
Where it's running
-
Stanford Health
Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting -
Clinical and Translational Research Unit
Palo Alto, California, United States Enrolling by invitation
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tracey McLaughlin, MD — Stanford School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Nicole Turk, BS
- Email: nturk@stanford.edu
- Phone: 6508880144
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Investigating the impact of a GLP-1 medication on brain insulin response
This study is testing if a medication called semaglutide can change how the brain responds to insulin in people of different weights to see if it helps with thinking and eating habits.
-
Evaluating the best time for resistance exercise to improve insulin sensitivity and sleep
This study is testing whether doing resistance exercises in the morning or evening helps people aged 50-74 with overweight or obesity improve their insulin sensitivity and sleep quality.
-
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty for people with obesity and MASH
This study will test whether endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty plus lifestyle changes helps adults with obesity and MASH lose weight and improve liver health compared with lifestyle changes alone.
-
Impact of weight loss on fat tissue signaling in muscles
This study is testing how losing weight affects fat tissue in muscles and whether it helps people with obesity improve their insulin sensitivity.
-
Effects of weight loss with and without exercise on metabolic health
This study is testing whether losing weight with exercise helps improve metabolic health more than just losing weight through dieting alone for people with obesity.
-
Asprosin and miRNA Profiles in Young Women with Metabolic Syndrome
This study tests whether certain blood biomarkers, including asprosin and six microRNAs, differ between young women with metabolic syndrome and healthy peers.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.