Understanding how super lean individuals avoid weight gain

The Investigation of Lifestyle and Genetics in Super Lean Subjects That Keep Them Resistant to Weight Gain

Observational ChineseAMS · NCT03221322

This study is trying to understand how super lean people manage to stay thin by looking at their lifestyles and genetics compared to those with a normal weight.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorChineseAMS
Locations1 site (Beijing)
Trial IDNCT03221322 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the lifestyles and genetic factors of 'super lean' individuals, defined as those with a BMI between 15 and 18.5 kg/m2, who remain resistant to weight gain despite the global obesity epidemic. The study will recruit 150 super lean volunteers and a control group of 150 individuals with a BMI between 22 and 25 kg/m2, both aged 20-40 years. Researchers will analyze physical activity patterns, food intake through diaries, and conduct metabolomics analyses of urine to identify dietary biomarkers. Additionally, saliva samples will be collected for genotyping to investigate genetic profiles associated with leanness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals aged 20-40 years with a BMI between 15 and 18.5 kg/m2 or a BMI between 22 and 25 kg/m2.

Not a fit: Patients with eating disorders or diabetes, as well as pregnant or lactating women, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the mechanisms that allow certain individuals to maintain a healthy weight, potentially informing obesity prevention strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on 'super lean' individuals, studies on genetic and lifestyle factors influencing weight maintenance have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* control: BMI 20-25 kg/m2, healthy, age 20-40 years old superlean: BMI 15-18 kg/m2, healthy, with no eating disorders and diabetes, age 20-40 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women and women in lactation Subjects are suffering from eating disorders or diabetes.

Where this trial is running

Beijing

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 ThinnessHealth BehaviorGenetics
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.