Weight loss program using anti-obesity medications and lifestyle changes

Sequential or CombinaTion Anti-obesitY Medication With Muscle Preservation for Weight Loss and MaintEnance: A PragmAtic Randomized CoNtrolled Trial (STAY-LEAN Trial)

Phase 4 Interventional The Cleveland Clinic · NCT06854614

This study is testing a weight loss program that combines two different anti-obesity medications with lifestyle changes to see how much weight people can lose over 21 months.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsprednisone
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06854614 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of sequential anti-obesity medications combined with enhanced lifestyle changes over a 21-month period. Participants will first receive tirzepatide or semaglutide for 9 months, followed by a different oral anti-obesity medication for an additional 12 months. The study aims to assess the percentage of weight loss achieved at the end of the trial compared to the initial weight loss after the first phase. The trial is conducted at the Cleveland Clinic, utilizing a medically-supervised weight management program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 25 to 65 with a BMI between 30 and 45 who are covered by the Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of diabetes or those currently on anti-obesity medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to significant and sustained weight loss for patients struggling with obesity.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar combinations of anti-obesity medications and lifestyle interventions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Gender: men and women
2. Ethnicity: all ethnic groups
3. Age: ≥ 25, \< 65 years

5. Obesity, BMI ≥ 30 and BMI \< 45 6. An Employee, or the significant other of an employee, that is covered by the Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with history of diabetes
2. Glomerular Filtration Rate \<30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (calculated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration Equation, CKD-EPI)
3. Current glucocorticoid therapy, except for maintenance glucocorticoid therapy of prednisone 5 mg or equivalent
4. Currently or within the past 6 months receiving an anti-obesity medication, or any other medication used for the primary intent of weight loss
5. Any condition, unwillingness, or inability, not covered by any of the other exclusion criteria, which, in the study clinician's opinion, might jeopardize the subject's safety or compliance with the protocol
6. Mental incapacity or language barrier
7. Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant within the next 2 years
8. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
9. Personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
10. previous history of pancreatitis, history of severe liver disease (Cirrhosis), or severe disease of digestive tract
11. History of congestive heart failure
12. History of bariatric or metabolic surgery/procedure
13. Prior participation in the Endocrinology and Metabolism Institutes Integrated Weight Management Program within the past 3 months
14. Contraindication for physical activity or significant physical limitation
15. Smoking
16. Cardiovascular disease including uncontrolled hypertension, history of arrhythmias or coronary artery disease
17. History of recurrent kidney stones
18. History of glaucoma
19. History of seizure disorders
20. Uncontrolled lung disease (difficult to control Asthma or COPD)
21. Medications that affect physical performance (beta-blocker or others)
22. Uncontrolled thyroid disease
23. Patients with personal commitments that limit optimal participation
24. Concurrent use of bupropion or naltrexone or previous intolerance to any of these medic
25. Previous intolerance to use or allergy to any of the anti-obesity medications approved in this study
26. History of malabsorptive disorders or cholestasis
27. Conductive implanted devices (i.e. cardiac pacemaker, cardioverter-defibrillators)

Where this trial is running

Cleveland, Ohio

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 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.