Understanding weight regain in youth with obesity

Adaptive Mechanisms Responsible for Weight Change in Youth With Obesity

Not applicable Interventional Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NCT05125822

This study is testing how meal replacement therapy and counseling can help young people who have lost weight understand and prevent regaining it by looking at the role of hormones.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment260 (estimated)
Ages11 Years to 15 Years
SexAll
SponsorAnn & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05125822 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the reasons behind weight regain in youth who have lost weight, focusing on the role of hormones. Participants will undergo an 8-week meal replacement therapy, consuming shakes and frozen meals while adhering to a calorie-controlled diet. They will also receive bi-weekly lifestyle and behavioral modification counseling to support their weight loss efforts. The study will track compliance through dietary logs and assess the effectiveness of the interventions over a 35-week period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 11 to less than 16 years with a BMI over 30 kg/m² or at the 95th percentile.

Not a fit: Patients with certain medical conditions, such as diagnosed eating disorders or those who have had prior bariatric surgery, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective weight management strategies for youth with obesity.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using meal replacement and behavioral modification for weight management, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 11 to less than 16 years old
* BMI \> 30 kg/m\^2 or 95th BMI percentile
* Tanner stage 2, 3, or 4

Exclusion Criteria:

* Tanner stage 1 and 5
* Prior bariatric surgery
* Current or recent (\< 3 months prior to enrollment) use of anti-obesity medication(s) defined as orlistat, metformin, phentermine, topiramate, combination phentermine/topiramate, liraglutide, and/or combination naltrexone/bupropion (monotherapy use of naltrexone or bupropion is not an exclusion)
* Monogenic and hypothalamic obesity
* Polycystic ovary syndrome (diagnosed by a physician)
* Pregnancy or planned pregnancy
* Current use of supplemental hormones
* Individuals with a diagnosed eating disorder of anorexia nervosa, bulimia or binge eating disorder
* Type 1 or 2 diabetes
* Treatment with growth hormones
* Thyroid disease/problem
* Has had cancer in the last 10 years

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

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 Childhood Obesity
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.