Clinical Research Directory

Xanthigen and Its Impact on Weight and Metabolic Health

Randomized, controlled, triple-blind clinical trial with three parallel arms based on the product consumed (low-dose experimental product, high-dose experimental product, and placebo product) and conducted at a single center to measure the efficacy of a product (Xanthigen®) on overweight or obesity during 16 weeks of consumption.

Acute Sauna Session and Glucose Control

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effect of a single 40-minute sauna session on glucose control in individuals at risk for metabolic impairments. Research Questions: * Can a single sauna session completed before a meal reduce the post-meal blood glucose response? * Can a single sauna session improve 24-hour glucose control? Study Design: Participants will complete two lab visits: one involving a sauna session and one placebo visit (resting condition). Researchers will compare the effects on glucose control using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). What Participants Will Do: Attend a sauna familiarization session Have a CGM sensor placed on the upper arm Visit the lab twice (once for sauna, once for placebo) Consume three standardized meals at home after each session

SHAPE-ENDO: Multimodal Pre-Surgical Optimization in Patients With Obesity and Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer

SHAPE-ENDO is a prospective observational study conducted at Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge evaluating a multimodal pre-surgical optimization strategy for women with obesity (BMI ≥35) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia or early-stage endometrial cancer. Participants receive standard-of-care interventions including GLP1 RA therapy, levonorgestrel intrauterine device (with or without oral progestins), structured nutrition and exercise programs, and scheduled endometrial surveillance. The study aims to assess whether this multimodal strategy improves metabolic health, promotes weight loss, and increases eligibility for minimally invasive surgery while maintaining oncologic safety during the optimization period. Participants are followed for 12 months with monitoring of anthropometric and metabolic parameters, histological response, quality of life, and treatment adherence. All interventions are part of routine clinical care. Findings from this study may inform future comparative trials evaluating metabolic optimization strategies in patients with obesity and early-stage endometrial cancer.

Postural Habits, Body Awareness, and Functional Performance Across BMI Categories in Women

This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between postural habits and body awareness with functional performance across different body mass index (BMI) categories in women. Participants will be categorized into four groups based on BMI (normal weight, overweight, obesity class I, and obesity class II-III). Postural habits and awareness, body awareness, and functional performance will be assessed using validated questionnaires and performance-based tests. The study also aims to explore the potential contribution of central adiposity (waist circumference) and psychological factors to these relationships. Findings are expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the biomechanical and perceptual factors associated with obesity.

Acute and Chronic Effects of Obesity

The goal of this study is to understand if there are differences in the fat, muscle and metabolism of individuals who developed obesity during childhood versus those who developed obesity in adulthood. We will do this by having recruited participants undergo subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies in the abdomen and thigh, a muscle biopsy in the thigh, collect blood and urine samples, a DEXA scan and 3 submaximal exercise tests. participants will also have their resting energy expenditure measured through indirect calorimetry to tailor a targeted weight loss protocol through caloric restriction and cardiovascular exercise (3 times a week). After 10% of weight loss is completed, study participants will repeat all tests during a 2 week weight stabilization period. At 12 weeks into the intervention, indirect calorimetry, DEXA scan and blood tests will be repeated.

Optimizing Lifestyles Through Increased Vegetable-rich Eating Pilot Study

The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to examine how receipt of ingredients for a Mediterranean diet (with or without nutrition classes) impacts Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus risk factors among adults in the US South. The main question it aims to answer is: \- Will greater improvements in diet quality (HEI Score) and body weight be seen in the group that receives grocery delivery and nutrition classes (TK+FiM) compared to the group receiving grocery delivery only (FiM only)? Researchers will evaluate the changes in diet quality and body weight among participants in each group to see which group experiences greater improvements. Participants will: * be randomly assigned to either receive weekly grocery deliveries and attend weekly virtual nutrition classes for 4 weeks or receive weekly grocery deliveries only. * be asked to complete surveys/questionnaires at the baseline and 4-week timepoints in the study. * be asked to participate in a post-study focus group to talk about their experiences during the intervention.

The Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glucose Variability and Weight Loss in Individuals With Prediabetes and Obesity

This randomized, crossover interventional study evaluates the effects of real-time (open) versus blinded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on glycemic variability, lifestyle behaviors, and metabolic outcomes in adults with prediabetes and overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²). Thirty participants will undergo both open and blinded CGM phases, separated by a washout period. The study aims to assess whether access to real-time glucose data promotes behavioral change and improves metabolic health compared with blinded CGM use.

Development and Multicenter Validation of an AI-Based Remote Photoplethysmography (rPPG) Facial Scan for Multimodal Health Assessment

The goal of this observational study is to learn if a non-contact facial scan using artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to check health status in adults living in urban areas such as Jakarta. The facial scan uses a method called remote photoplethysmography (rPPG), which measures small changes in blood flow from the face using a camera. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. How close are the results from the facial scan to standard medical measurements, such as heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels? 2. Can the facial scan estimate other health indicators, such as blood sugar, lipid profile, HbA1c, and hemoglobin levels? 3. Is there a relationship between the facial scan results and mental health, such as stress, anxiety, and depression? Participants will take part in several simple and mostly non-invasive procedures: 1. Answer questionnaires about their mental health and daily habits 2. Have basic health checks, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and body measurements 3. Provide a blood sample for laboratory testing 4. Complete a facial scan using a camera for about 1 to 3 minutes Researchers will compare the results from the facial scan with standard clinical and laboratory tests to see how well the technology works. This study may help develop a simple and accessible screening tool that can be used for early detection of health risks. It may also support the use of digital health and telemedicine in community and clinical settings.

Pancreatic Polypeptide as a Modulator of Amylin- Induced Satiety in Healthy Humans

The two pancreatic hormones amylin and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) has been linked to satiety and energy metabolism. The goal of this this study is to determine the separate and combined effects of the two hormones on food intake and other exploratory endpoints related to metabolism in healthy humans. The aim of this study is to investigate the interaction between the hormones and obtain insight into the physiology of the hormones. The healthy participants will undergo 4 study days in a randomised order receiving the following infusions for 5 hours: A) Amylin + PP B) Amylin + Placebo C) Placebo + PP D) Placebo + Placebo Throughout the day blood samples will be collected and gallbladder motility will be evaluated. Further, indirect calorimetry and heart rate/blood pressure measurement will be performed.

Examining Valence-based Effects in Self-Monitoring Feedback Messages

The purpose of this research study is to learn how to identify the most effective ways to provide weekly feedback on participants' progress toward intervention goals during a weight loss program.

A Prospective Cohort Study on Patient With Obesity Undergoing Weight Change

This prospective cohort study collected baseline data and followed up obese patients at their first visit to a weight loss clinic. The study examined the impact of various predictors and biomarkers on weight loss outcomes, aiming to establish an evidence-based foundation for personalized weight loss treatment. Participants underwent a battery of measurements and questionnaires, including height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood tests, and questionnaires addressing diet, exercise, stress, sleep, measure handgrip strength ,and psychological well-being.

Function and Lean Mass Preservation With Resistance Exercise During a GLP-1RA Treatment

This study aims to investigate the effect that a structured, progressive resistance exercise program may have on maintaining the muscle mass and physical function of overweight/ obese females whilst they experience a tirzepatide (GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist) induced weight loss. Overweight and obese females aged 25-50 will be recruited for the study, they will require a BMI of \>30 or \>27 with one obesity related comorbidity (excluding diabetes). They will be screened, prescribed tirzepatide and then randomly assigned to either the intervention (GLP-1/GIP + Exercise) or the control group (GLP-1/GIP). Groups will then be split into pre and peri menopausal groups to provide a further exploratory pathway looking analysing if the menopause transition may have any effect on our outcome variables. This was proposed as in the UK females are more likely to begin GLP-1RA treatment. Both groups will be given an industry standard treatment of tirzepatide over 20 weeks starting at a dose of 2.5mg/week and following the dose titration process of +2.5mg/week every four weeks outlined by its manufacturers. The Exercise Group (GLP-1 +EXC) will be given the same tirzepatide prescription alongside following a progressive resistance exercise program. The exercise program will follow a similar structure to previous work in which participants will complete a propriety 20-wk whole body, low impact resistance exercise training program four times a week. The exercise sessions will be up to an hour and will be instructor lead by video and supervised by a member of the research team at The University of Exeter.

Proof-of-Concept Study Evaluating Total Body Weight, Physical Function & Safety of Enobosarm in Patients Treated With GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, for Weight Loss

The primary objective of this study is to assess the effect of enobosarm on total body weight

A Food-Effect Study of CX11 in Healthy Participants

This study is to evaluate the food effect (FE) on the PK of 200 mg CX11 in healthy participants

The Laparoscopic Transit Bipartition With Use Metalic Anastomosis Clip

This study evaluates a new surgical device - the Metallic Anastomotic Clip (MAC) - for performing a laparoscopic bypass gastroenteroanastomosis with entero-enteric anastomosis (transit bipartition / "dual-path" procedure) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who have overweight or Class I obesity (BMI 25-34.9 kg/m²). Currently, most bariatric and metabolic surgery procedures are only approved for patients with a BMI above 35 kg/m². However, many T2DM patients fall below this threshold and cannot access surgical treatment under existing guidelines. The transit bipartition procedure addresses this gap by creating a second food pathway from the stomach to the ileum while preserving normal duodenal digestion - producing a strong incretin (GLP-1) effect similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide), without causing excessive weight loss or requiring lifelong vitamin supplementation. The MAC is a novel compression anastomotic device designed to replace conventional hand-sewn or stapled anastomoses, potentially reducing complications such as anastomotic leak, bleeding, marginal ulcers, and strictures, while also lowering operative costs. Participants will be randomised into three groups: MAC-assisted anastomosis, hand-sewn anastomosis, or stapled anastomosis. The study will assess metabolic outcomes (T2DM remission, glycaemic control), surgical safety, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness over a follow-up period of 2026-2027.

Effect of a Food for Special Medical Purposes on Muscle Mass Preservation During GLP-1 RAs Weight Loss Treatment

This study evaluates whether a Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) can help to preserve appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) in adults undergoing weight loss treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists or dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. Participants will receive the FSMP or a matching placebo for 24 weeks while continuing standard GLP-1-based therapy. ASMM will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA).

Development of Human Motor Skills and the Promotion of Motivation for Physical Activity

This study is conducted within the University Centre of Excellence for Studies of Human Motoric at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University. The project focuses on research investigating mechanisms that support motivation for participation in physical activity among children and youth. In recent decades, participation in physical activity has been declining globally, including among children and adolescents. Understanding the factors that influence motivation for physical activity is essential for developing effective strategies to support long-term engagement in physical activity. The study aims to contribute to knowledge about the role of physical activity and physical education in promoting children's long-term physical and mental development.

Trial of Food Is Medicine Approaches for Obesity Treatment in Adults With Food Insecurity

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if increased access to healthy foods, combined with behavioral weight loss (BWL) interventions, results in greater weight loss for adults with obesity and food insecurity. It will also learn about changes in health-quality of life and dietary quality. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does BWL, combined with either home-delivered, medically-tailored (HOME) groceries or grocery vouchers (VOUCHER), result in greater weight loss than BWL alone? * Is the addition of HOME to BWL more effective at supporting adults with food insecurity and obesity to lose weight when compared to BWL and VOUCHER?

Effects of Ramadan Fasting With Exercise on Cardiometabolic Health

The goal of this interventional study is to examine the effects of Ramadan diurnal fasting alone and in combination with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on cardiometabolic health in adults with overweight and obesity. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does Ramadan diurnal fasting lead to changes in body composition and cardiometabolic health outcomes? 2. Does adding moderate-intensity aerobic exercise during Ramadan fasting result in greater improvements in cardiometabolic health compared with fasting alone? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Ramadan diurnal fasting only or Ramadan diurnal fasting combined with a supervised moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program. Cardiometabolic, metabolic, and behavioral outcomes will be assessed before Ramadan and during the last week of Ramadan.

Frequency of MAFLD and Its Association With Nutritional Status and Metabolic Risk Factors in a Rural Population of Bangladesh

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is an increasingly recognized cause of chronic liver disease and is closely linked with obesity, metabolic abnormalities, and nutritional status. Data on the frequency of MAFLD and its associated metabolic and nutritional factors in rural populations of Bangladesh are not up to date. This study aims to determine the frequency of MAFLD and to evaluate its association with nutritional status and metabolic risk factors among adults in a rural population of Bangladesh. Eligible participants will undergo clinical assessment, anthropometric measurements, laboratory evaluation of metabolic parameters, and abdominal ultrasonography for the detection of hepatic steatosis. Nutritional status will be assessed using standard anthropometric and clinical criteria. The findings of this study are expected to provide baseline epidemiological data on MAFLD in rural Bangladesh and to help identify associated metabolic and nutritional risk factors.

Lifestyle Intervention for Obesity and Eating Disorder Prevention in Transgender Adolescents

Transgender and gender-diverse adolescents are at increased risk for obesity, disordered eating behaviors, body dissatisfaction, and reduced quality of life due to minority stress and structural inequities. However, no structured lifestyle interventions specifically tailored to this population have been developed. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-month interdisciplinary lifestyle intervention designed to prevent obesity and eating disorders in transgender and gender-diverse adolescents aged 10-14 years. Participants will be randomized (1:1) to either an intervention group receiving monthly group sessions (for adolescents and caregivers separately) and weekly supportive messages, or a control group receiving standard outpatient care and general health recommendations. The primary outcome is quality of life measured by the WHOQOL-BREF. Secondary outcomes include eating disorder symptoms, body image, diet quality, physical activity levels, sedentary behavior, body composition, and anthropometric measures.

Isoleucine Addition Treatment Effects in a Controlled Diet Study

The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether isoleucine repletion attenuates increases in insulin sensitivity typically observed when people with obesity follow a healthy, low-isoleucine diet.

MRI Assessment of Pancreatic Fat Changes and Islet Function Recovery After Bariatric Surgery in Obese Patients

This study evaluates changes in pancreatic fat and recovery of pancreatic function in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), a weight-loss surgery. Obesity can cause fat to accumulate in the pancreas, which may impair insulin production and lead to type 2 diabetes. This study uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure pancreatic fat before and after surgery to understand how weight loss affects pancreatic function. About 50 obese patients (BMI \> 32 kg/m²) aged 16-60 years who are scheduled for LSG will be enrolled. Participants will undergo MRI scans of the pancreas and blood tests before surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. The MRI uses a safe, non-invasive technique called Dixon imaging to measure fat content in different parts of the pancreas (head, body, and tail). Blood tests will measure fasting glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and HbA1c to assess pancreatic function. The study aims to determine whether reduction in pancreatic fat after weight-loss surgery is associated with improved insulin secretion and reduced insulin resistance. This information may help doctors better understand how bariatric surgery improves metabolic health and guide postoperative patient management. Participation involves no additional risk beyond routine clinical care. All MRI scans and blood tests are part of standard postoperative monitoring for bariatric surgery patients.

Evaluation of a Mobile Wellness Application and Wearable Fitness Tracker on Weight Management and Health Outcomes

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile wellness application, both alone and in combination with a wearable fitness tracker, for supporting weight management, physical activity, and mental well-being. Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 will be randomized to one of three groups: (1) mobile wellness application + wearable tracker, (2) mobile wellness application only, or (3) control receiving standard health information. Participants will use the interventions over a 12-week period, and outcomes including weight change, activity levels, and self-reported mental health will be assessed.