Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 3 Interventional Ages 30 and up

Using risedronate to prevent bone loss after bariatric surgery

Official title: Bisphosphonate Use to Mitigate Bone Loss Secondary to Bariatric Surgery

Run by Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT04922333 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if the medication risedronate can help prevent bone and muscle loss in people who have had bariatric surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages30 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SponsorWake Forest University Health Sciences
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 28, 2023
Main results expectedApril 30, 2028
Study endsApril 30, 2028
Registry record updatedFebruary 19, 2026
Trial IDNCT04922333 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are middle-aged and older adults (≥40 years) who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a weight greater than 450 lbs or those currently using osteoporosis medications 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 clinical trial aims to determine if the medication risedronate can effectively reduce bone and muscle loss in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, specifically vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Participants will be randomized to receive either risedronate or a placebo for six months, with assessments of musculoskeletal outcomes at baseline, six months, and twelve months. The study will utilize advanced imaging techniques and biomarkers to evaluate changes in bone density, muscle function, and other relevant health indicators. The trial will involve up to six visits over the course of one year, including monthly follow-ups to monitor participant health and adherence to the medication regimen.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new preventive treatment option for patients at risk of bone loss following bariatric surgery.

How similar studies have gone: While bisphosphonates have been effective in treating osteoporosis, this specific application for preventing bone loss after bariatric surgery is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects who have had sleeve gastrectomy
* Willing to provide informed consent
* Agree to all study procedures and assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Weight greater than 450 lbs
* Regular use of growth hormones, oral steroids, or prescription osteoporosis medications;
* Known allergies to bisphosphonates
* Unstable gastric reflux requiring two or more additional doses per month of anti-reflux medication.
* Current participation in other research study
* Unable to provide own transportation to study visits
* Unable to position on scanner independently.

Where it's running

  • Wake Forest School of Medicine
    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Kristen Beavers, PhD, MPH, RD — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Kristen Beavers, PhD, MPH, RD
  • Email: beaverkm@wfu.edu
  • Phone: 336-758-5855

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.