Clinical Research Directory

Physical and Behavioral Traits of Overweight and Obese Adults

This study will describe the phenotype (physical and behavioral traits) of overweight and obese people. It will characterize the hormones, metabolism, food preferences, fitness and physical activity levels, sleep patterns and thought processes in people with and without weight problems. Genetic material will be collected for studies of the internal codes that influence body weight. People over 18 years of age from all weight categories (lean, overweight, obese) who are reasonably healthy may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo the following tests and procedures: * Physical exam, electrocardiogram, blood and urine tests, instructions for recording food intake for 7 days * Metabolic studies for menstruating women. * Resting metabolic rate to study how many calories the body burns at rest. * Mixed meal test to measure hormones such as insulin that regulate blood sugar. * Glucose tolerance test to determine how sensitive the body is to insulin. * 24-hour energy expenditure to measure the amount of oxygen breathed in and the amount of carbon dioxide breathed out. * Repeat 24-hour energy expenditure. * Diurnal blood sampling and temperature assessment to study the body s internal clock. * Air-displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod) to measure body composition. * Dual energy x-ray absortiometry (DEXA) to measure body fat and bone density. * Repeat Bod Pod and DEXA. * Anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance to measure height, weight, and circumferences, skinfold thickness, fluid status and percentage body fat. * Bromide dilution to measure the amount of water not in cells in the body. * Doubly labeled water to measure the amount of calories burned in a 7-day period. * 24-hour diet reports. * Endothelial reactivity to measure how the blood vessels stretch or dilate for assessing cardiovascular health. * Treadmill or bicycle exercise capacity test. * Physical activity monitor. * Unicorder to detect any breathing difficulties that may interfere with sleep. * Fat and muscle biopsy to look for variations in gene expression in fat tissue and muscle. * Neurocognitive testing to check memory, decision-making, hand-eye coordination, and reasoning. * Evaluation of mood problems and assess personality type. * Evaluation to assess the quantity and quality of pain experienced. * Taste testing to determine the response to bitter, salty, sweet and sour substances. * Occupational therapy evaluation to explore the subject's adaptations, if any, for performing personal, social or professional activities; the subject's views on his or her weight, body size and shape, and strategies to control weight.

A Natural History of Genetic and Environmental Predictors of Pubertal Timing Among Youth With Obesity

Background: Obesity affects 1 in 5 children in the United States. Childhood obesity often persists into adolescence and adulthood. It can also raise the risk of sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and fluid buildup in the brain and lead to early-onset puberty. This natural history study will explore how factors such as genes, hormones, diet, and chemical exposures affect puberty in children with obesity. Objective: To learn which factors predict the early start of puberty in children with obesity vs those of normal weight. Eligibility: Children aged 5 to 7 years with obesity or of normal weight. Design: Participants will have clinic visits every 6 months until they reach age 12. Each clinic visit will include these tests and procedures: A physical exam. Collection of blood, urine, and saliva samples. Some samples will be used for genetic tests. Questions about medical history and medications and supplements. A questionnaire about their physical activity over the previous week. A silicone wrist band. Participants will wear a soft wristband for a week prior to each visit. It will tell researchers what chemicals the children were exposed to during that time. Breast ultrasound, for girls. A gel will be applied, and a wand will be pressed against the skin. The wand uses sound waves to see the tissue inside the breast. DXA whole body scan. Once a year, participants will have a DXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan. This scan measures the amount of bone, muscle, and fat in the body. Optional food diary. Parents may record everything the participant eats for two 24-hour periods ...

Characterization of Patients With Uncommon Presentations and/or Uncommon Diseases Associated With the Cardiovascular System

Background: \- Researchers are interested in studying individuals who have known or suspected metabolic, inflammatory or genetic diseases that may put them at a high risk for heart diseases or diseases of their blood vessels. Depending on the condition being studied, both affected and nonaffected individuals may be asked to provide blood and other samples and may undergo tests to evaluate the heart, blood vessels and lung function. The testing is tailored to the individual and/or condition being studied. Nonaffected individuals may include relatives of affected individuals and healthy nonrelated volunteers. Objectives: \- To study individuals who have or are at risk for cardiovascular diseases, and in some cases their unaffected relatives and healthy volunteers. Eligibility: \- Individuals between 1 and 100 years of age. Participants may be healthy volunteers, individuals with cardiovascular diseases, or unaffected relatives of individuals with cardiovascular diseases. Design: * Participants will have some or all of the following tests, as directed by the study researchers: * Photography of the face and full body * Body measurements * Radiography, including chest or limb x-rays * Metabolic stress testing to study heart and muscle function * Echocardiography to study heart function * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, including cardiovascular MRI, angiography, and contrast MRI, to study heart function and performance * Computed tomography (CT) angiogram to obtain images of the heart and lungs * Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to study possible fat infiltration of the heart * Six-minute walk test to study heart, lung, and muscle function and performance * Vascular ultrasound to study blood vessel walls * Blood, tissue, and other specimens will be collected for research and testing, and will be taken either as part of the clinical study or during surgical procedures. * Follow-up studies may be performed under separate research protocols.

Children s Growth and Behavior Study

Background: \- Studies show that many factors affect children's eating behavior and health. These include sleep, mood, thinking skills, and genetics. Studying children over time may identify children at higher risk for eating-related health concerns. Objective: \- To understand how genes and environment influence eating behavior and health over time. Eligibility: \- Children ages 8-17 in good general health. Design: * Screening visit 1: Medical history, physical exam, body measurements, and questions. * 14 days: Participants will wear a wrist monitor and answer smartphone prompts about eating and mood. They may give a stool sample. * Screening visit 2: * Body measurements. * Saliva, urine, and blood samples. * Heart tests. * Meals provided (after fasting overnight). * Questionnaires and interview. * Behavior, thinking, and exercise tests. * X-ray of left wrist and full body.\<TAB\> * Some parents may have medical history, physical exam, and questions at screening visits. They may answer questions at the yearly visits. * Participants will have up to 6 yearly visits. They will give a urine sample and body measurements, and repeat the X-rays. They will have questions and behavior and thinking tasks. They may give stool samples. Visits will range from 3 to 8 hours. * Participants may choose to participate in other studies: * Stress and Hormones, 1 visit: While resting, participants will give saliva samples and have their heart monitored. Then they will do math. They will repeat the resting part, then do a computer task. * Brain Imaging, 2 visits: Twice, participants will perform tasks with a magnetic cone on their head then answer questions. Once, they will have an MRI, lying still in a scanner with a coil on their head. Before the first visit, participants will collect at-home saliva samples once a day for three days. During both visits, participants will perform tasks and answer questions that gauge their thinking skills and mood. * Experiment 3 (sleep/fatigue): Participants will complete 2 additional visits. During these visits, participants will complete a task on the computer for 2 hours, or watch a movie for two hours. After completion of the task/movie, they will answer questions and be provided with food. Participants will be compensated for the time and inconvenience involved with completing study procedures. ...

Evaluation of the Clinical Spectrum of Diabetes and Obesity in Youth and Adults

Background: Diabetes and obesity are chronic diseases. They can affect blood flow and how the body processes nutrients, and complications over time can lead to early death. Diabetes can affect children as well as adults, but the disease seems to be more severe and to progress faster when it appears in younger people. Researchers want to understand more about how diabetes and obesity develop and change over time. Objective: To collect data and samples regularly from people with obesity and diabetes. Eligibility: People aged 8 to 65 years. They must be overweight or obese; or have high blood sugar; or have problems with how their body uses food for energy. Design: Participants will have additional procedures during routine care visits at the NIH clinic. Data collected for the study will include the following: Information from the participant s medical chart will be kept for research. Questionnaires will ask about participant s eating habits, feelings, sleep, and substance use. They will take 30 to 60 minutes. Care providers will address any issues revealed in these surveys. Blood, saliva, urine, and stool samples will be collected. Samples may be used for genetic tests. Data and samples will be kept for future research. Participants may remain in the study up to 30 years.

Moderately Carbohydrate-restricted Diet to Treat NAFLD in Adolescents

This will be a 6-month randomized clinical trial with two arms: moderately carbohydrate-restricted diet and a fat-restricted control diet. This 6-month study will have 2 phases: a 12-week controlled feeding phase and a 12-week "free living" phase. During the controlled feeding phase, all food will be provided to the families of the participants for the entirety of the 12 weeks. Participants (n=80) will have been diagnosed with NAFLD based on the presence of current evidence of active disease, which will be determined by the ongoing presence of hepatic steatosis estimated by diffusely echogenic liver via ultrasound suggestive of fatty liver and a serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level of 45 U/L or greater. All participants will be children and adolescents age 10-17 yrs.; will have an HbA1c \<7.0; and will be overweight or obese (BMI \>85th percentile). It is anticipated that most participants will be sedentary. The investigators will inquire as to routine physical activity at screening. All participants will be asked to maintain their usual level of physical activity throughout the study. Physical activity will be monitored via a smart watch provided to each participant at the beginning of the study, and participants will be queried weekly by the study dietitian regarding changes in physical activity. Participants who use oral contraceptives will be asked to maintain consistent use of these preparations throughout the study. Hormone use will be examined as a potential covariate in statistical analyses.

GLP-1R Actions on Muscle and the Skeleton

The GRAMS study objectives are to assess the musculoskeletal changes that occur after weight loss using GLP-1 based therapy. A lifestyle intervention with diet and exercise is included to assess any mitigating effects are provided, versus a control group with regular exercise and diet.

Tailoring Mobile Health Technology to Reduce Obesity and Improve Cardiovascular Health in Resource-Limited Neighborhood Environments

Background: Heart disease is a leading cause of death. People can reduce their heart disease risk by exercising more. Mobile health technology may make people more successful at increasing their exercise. This includes things like physical activity monitors and smartphone apps. Objective: To find out if mobile health technology can increase physical activity. Eligibility: African American women ages 21-75 who: * Are overweight or obese * Live in certain areas near Washington, DC * Have a smartphone that can use the study app Design: At visit 1, participants will * Answer survey questions. These may be about medical history, physical activity, and weight. They may also cover body image, health perception, and spirituality. * Have body size measured and get blood tests * Get a device to wear on the wrist. It will record physical activity and hours of sleep. * Learn how to download and use the study mobile app For 2 weeks, researchers will collect data about participants physical activity. Then participants will have a study visit with additional blood tests. All participants will get messages from the app that encourage exercise. Some participants will get data from the app about exercise near their home or work. Some participants may get face-to-face coaching. Participants may get wireless devices. These measure body weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Participants can measure these at home and upload the data to the app for the study. Participants will have visits after 3 and 6 months. They will repeat the visit 1 tests.

A Study to Test the Effect of Survodutide (BI 456906) on Cardiovascular Safety in People With Overweight or Obesity (SYNCHRONIZE™ - CVOT)

This study is open to adults who are at least 18 years old and have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or more. People can take part if they have cardiovascular or chronic kidney disease. People who have at least 2 health problems related to their weight or risks of cardiovascular disease can participate. Participants must have previously tried to lose weight by changing their diet. The purpose of this study is to find out whether people with overweight or obesity who take a medicine called survodutide (BI 456906) are less or more likely to develop serious cardiovascular problems. It also aims to find out whether health parameters like blood pressure improve. Overweight and obesity are linked to cardiovascular disease. Survodutide is a medicine that is developed to help people with obesity or overweight to lose weight. Participants are divided into 3 groups of almost equal size. 2 groups get different doses of survodutide and 1 group gets placebo. Placebo looks like survodutide but does not contain any medicine. Every participant has a 2 in 3 chance of getting survodutide. Participants inject survodutide or placebo under the skin once a week. All participants also receive counselling on diet and physical activity. Participants are in the study for up to 2 years and 3 months. During this time, it is planned that participants visit the study site up to 21 times and attend remote visits by video calls. During these visits, the doctors check participants' cardiovascular and overall health. The results are compared between survodutide and placebo groups. The study staff also takes note of any unwanted effects.

Trial of the Combination of Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Mirabegron in Women and in Men With Obesity

Background: Obesity and related illnesses cause at least 2.8 million deaths each year worldwide. Few treatments exist for obesity that are safe and widely available. A study drug (mirabegron \[MG\]) combined with a supplement (alpha-lipoic acid \[ALA\]) may help. Objective: To learn how MG and ALA can help the body process food. Eligibility: People aged 18 to 65 years with a body mass index between 30 and 45 kg/m2. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam. They will have blood and urine tests and a test of their heart function. They will speak with a dietician. The study has two phases. Each phase begins with a 2-day stay in the clinic; then the participant will take the study drugs at home for about 4 weeks, followed by another 2-day stay in the clinic. They will also have outpatient visits about 2 weeks after each clinic stay. During the clinic stays, participants will undergo many tests: They will have a plastic tube (catheter) inserted into a vein in each arm. These will be used to draw blood and to infuse glucose (sugar) and insulin. They will have imaging scans. They will have a clear hard plastic shield placed over their head to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide as they breathe. Participants will take the study drugs at home. Both MG and ALA are taken by mouth with water. During one phase, participants will take MG plus a placebo. A placebo looks like the study drug but doesn t contain medicine....

Experimental Approach to Test Predictions of Body Weight Regulation Models

The regulation of human body weight and fatness is not fully understood. Although some models of regulation have been proposed (set point, dual-intervention point, others), no studies have been designed to test their predictions. In this pilot and feasibility study, the investigators will implement an experimental approach to test the predictions of models of body weight regulation in humans. Men and women with either low body weight or obesity will be exposed to a 2-day fasting followed by a 2-day ad-libitum refeeding. During the entire fasting-refeeding period, energy intake and expenditure will be accurately measured within metabolic chambers. The investigators will therefore determine the compensatory responses to fasting elicited to prevent weight loss. The results will serve to design and power future studies to better understand body weight regulation.

Evaluating the Health Outcomes of the Joslin Why WAIT Program

Evaluating the health outcomes of patients that were enrolled in Joslin's Why WAIT Program. These outcomes include BMI, A1C, lipid profile.

Analysis of Varus Collapse in Obese Patients With Stem and Non-Stem Tibial Components Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

The purpose of this study is to compare rates of varus collapse, aseptic loosening, and implant failure in female obese patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and will review the degree of influence of stemmed tibial components versus non-stemmed tibial components on varus collapse and aseptic loosening, a consequence of implant micromotion.

Digital Implementation of the German S3 Clinical Practice Guideline for Multimorbidity

The web application gp-multitool.de is a digital tool for implementing the German S3 clinical practice guideline for multimorbidity of the German Society of General Practitioners and Family Physicians in primary care. The tool enhances evidence-based and patient-centered care by assessing and providing information relevant for the primary care of this patient group. This cluster-randomised clinical evaluation study examines the effectiveness of an intervention based on gp-multitool.de in general practitioner (GP) practices in Germany.

Efficacy and Safety of Ribupatide (KAI-9531) Administered Once Weekly in Participants Living With Obesity Who Do Not Have Diabetes

The primary objective of this study is to determine the effects of ribupatide administered by subcutaneous (SC) injection once weekly compared to placebo on percent change in body weight.

Evaluating the Impact of Maridebart Cafraglutide on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Participants With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and Overweight or Obesity

The primary objective of this trial is to demonstrate that maridebart cafraglutide is superior to placebo when given as an adjunct to standard of care with respect to reducing cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality.

Investigating the Impact of Obesity on Pubertal Development in Girls

Background: Studies suggest that overweight girls may be developing breast tissue, and therefore starting puberty, earlier than normal weight girls. However, it is hard to distinguish breast tissue from fatty tissue. Researchers think that by using breast ultrasound, among other tests, they can do a better job of telling whether an overweight girl has breast tissue. This will help them understand if overweight girls are truly entering puberty before normal weight girls. Objective: To find out if overweight girls go through puberty earlier than normal weight girls. Eligibility: Healthy girls 8-14 years old who: * Are normal weight or overweight * Have some breast development * Have not started their first period Design: Parents of participants will be screened over the phone. Most participants will have 1 visit. However, they can choose to have multiple visits within 4 weeks. The visit will include: * Physical exam that includes examination of the breasts and genital area * Breast ultrasound: A small hand-held device will be passed back and forth over the chest. It uses sound waves to create a picture of the breast tissue. * Pelvic ultrasound: A small, handheld device will be passed back and forth over the lower belly. It uses sound waves to create a picture of the ovaries. * Urine and blood test * A special x-ray called a DXA to measure the amount of fat in the body: The participant will lie still on a table while the x-ray takes pictures of the body. X-ray of the hand: The picture will tell researchers how mature the participant s bones are. Participants may be asked to come back 6 months later to repeat these tests.

A Research Study to Look at How Two Different Doses of CagriSema and One Dose of Semaglutide Help People Living With Obesity With or Without Type 2 Diabetes Lose Weight

This clinical study is testing how the study medicine CagriSema helps people living with obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D), lose weight. The purpose of the study is to find out how safe and effective CagriSema is for body weight loss in these participants. Participants will receive either CagriSema or semaglutide, and which treatment participants receive is decided by chance. CagriSema is a new study medicine being tested, while semaglutide is a medicine that doctors can already prescribe. The study will last for about 83 weeks

A Phase 2b Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Once-Monthly MET097 in Adults With Obesity or Overweight

This study is designed to test the weight loss effects, safety, and tolerability of multiple monthly doses of MET097 after 12 weekly doses, compared to placebo. Participants are eligible if they have overweight or obesity and do not have type 2 diabetes.

A Phase 2b Study to Examine the Safety and Efficacy of Once-Weekly MET097 in Adults With Obesity or Overweight

This study is designed to test how well MET097, an active drug, works to treat individuals with obesity or overweight when compared to placebo. MET097 or placebo will be given to individuals weekly for 28 weeks. If an individual is assigned to MET097 they will receive one of four different dose levels. Participants who have completed the first 28 weeks may participate in an exploratory extension study.

Periodontal Inflammation and Epigenetics in Obese Individuals

The goal of this study is to investigate the long-term changes in host epigenetic modifications in obese individuals with periodontitis. The aims of the study are: • To monitor longitudinal changes in host epigenetic modifiers following non-surgical periodontal therapy in periodontitis patients Study subjects would be categorized into two groups, non-obese with periodontitis, and obese with periodontitis. The study will primarily evaluate changes among these groups cross-sectionally, then longitudinally following non-surgical periodontal therapy (deep cleaning) to determine if any changes occur with treatment.

The Effect of Time-Restricted Eating in Cardiometabolic Health

Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a dietary manipulation that involves restricting food intake to 6-12 h/day with no energy intake the rest of the day. In rodents, TRE improves metabolic function without caloric restriction, potentially by activating nutrient sensing mechanisms and effects on circadian oscillations. However, an understanding of the effect of TRE on cardiometabolic health in people is not clear and few studies have evaluated this issue. Accordingly, the investigators propose to conduct a randomized controlled trial in people with obesity and prediabetes to determine the effect of 9 h TRE for 12 weeks, without a change in body weight, on key metabolic outcomes that are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD): 1) multi-organ insulin sensitivity; 2) 24 h metabolic homeostasis and diurnal rhythm; and 3) adipose tissue and skeletal muscle biology. The proposed studies will elucidate the cardiometabolic implications of TRE in people with obesity and prediabetes.

Effects of Tirzepatide on Blood, Imaging and Breast Tissue Biomarkers

Evaluation of biomarkers for risk of developing breast cancer in women with obesity who are using tirzepatide to achieve weight loss.

Graded Insulin Suppression Test P&F

The goal of this study is to learn about how the hormone insulin controls blood sugar in a variety of people. The main question it aims to answer is about how much insulin the body actually needs to maintain a normal blood sugar level. Participants will be asked to come in for a one-day study visit in which they will undergo a "graded insulin suppression test" ("GIST"). The GIST involves intravenous (into the vein) infusions of octreotide, a medication that turns off the body's own production of insulin, as well as replacement of insulin at two different levels (low and high), with or without replacement of glucagon, and glucose (sugar). The study investigators will check blood sugar levels every few minutes during the procedure to determine the effect of the two different insulin levels. This study will evaluate the GIST in both healthy volunteers and those at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.