Investigating the nasal environment in obese and lean individuals

Role of the Nasal Microbiota in Obesity - the microNASA Study

Observational University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06153654

This study looks at how the nasal environment differs between people who are obese and those who are lean to see what role it might play in weight issues.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other
Locations1 site (Basel)
Trial IDNCT06153654 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the differences in the nasal environment between individuals with obesity and those who are lean. It will include 150 participants, divided into three groups: obese individuals, lean individuals, and obese individuals scheduled for bariatric surgery. The study will assess factors such as olfactory function and the nasal microbiome to understand their roles in adiposity. Participants will be aged 18-55 and must meet specific BMI criteria to qualify.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-55 with either obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) or who are lean (BMI 18-25 kg/m2).

Not a fit: Patients with chronic or acute sinusitis, recent nasal surgery, or severe chronic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the relationship between nasal health and obesity, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on the nasal environment in relation to obesity is novel, related studies on the microbiome and obesity have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

N=50 adult male and female patients with obesity will be included in this study.

Inclusion criteria:

Inclusion criteria:

* Age 18-55 years
* Written informed consent
* BMI \> 30 kg/m2

N=50 adult lean patients age- and sex-matched to the group of obese patients will be included in this study.

Inclusion criteria:

* Age 18-55 years
* Written informed consent
* BMI 18-25 kg/m2

N=50 adult male and female patients with obesity with scheduled bariatric will be included in this study

Inclusion criteria:

* Age 18-55 years
* Written informed consent
* BMI \> 35 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Smoking
* Chronic or acute sinusitis
* Surgical intervention of the nasal cavity or the paranasal sinus
* Use of antibiotics within the last 31 days18
* Current illicit drug abuse including daily marijuana or CBD consumption (≤ 24 g of alcohol per day allowed)
* Any kind of severe chronic disease (e.g. severe heart failure, active cancer disease)
* Use of any kind of decongestant more than twice a week
* Use of cortisone-containing nasal spray within the last 3 months
* Acute allergic rhinitis
* History of neurodegenerative diseases
* History of severe head trauma
* Severe renal impairment (e.g. estimated glomerular filtration rate \<30 ml/min/m2)

Where this trial is running

Basel

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 AdiposityOlfactory FunctionMicrobiome
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.