Understanding how weight-loss surgery affects cell aging

Long-term Impact of Surgically Induced Rapid Weight Loss on Telomere Length and Its Potential Implications in the Genesis and Prevention of Neoplastic Disease Processes in Subjects With Severe Obesity

Observational The Cleveland Clinic · NCT05903521

This study is trying to see how weight-loss surgery affects aging at the cellular level in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes compared to those who haven't had the surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment126 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Weston, Florida)
Trial IDNCT05903521 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effects of metabolic and bariatric surgery on telomere length, a marker of biological aging. It aims to evaluate how the resolution of type 2 diabetes and improvements in oxidative stress contribute to changes in telomere length following surgery. The study includes patients with obesity class II or higher who have undergone surgery more than 12 months ago, as well as a control group of patients with similar obesity levels who have not had surgery. By analyzing these factors, the study seeks to uncover potential mechanisms behind cancer risk reduction associated with weight-loss surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or higher, either post-bariatric surgery for more than 12 months or not having undergone surgery.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years of age or those unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how weight-loss surgery may help reverse biological aging and reduce cancer risk in obese patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between obesity, telomere length, and metabolic surgery is being explored, this specific approach to studying telomere length changes post-surgery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 without previous bariatric surgery (control group) OR
* Having had Sleeve Gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass more than 12 months ago and without a weight regain of ≥ 15% of nadir weight (treatment group)

Exclusion Criteria:

* under 18 years of age
* no informed consent

Where this trial is running

Weston, Florida

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 Obesity, MorbidTelomere lengthMetabolic and bariatric surgery
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.