GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have changed obesity treatment more than any drug in decades, with many patients losing 15 to 22 percent of their body weight. Research is now expanding to next-generation drugs, oral versions, and longer-acting injections, while studying who benefits most and how to keep weight off long term.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing newer hormone-based medications that target multiple pathways at once, weekly and monthly injections, and pills that may rival injections. Studies are also evaluating bariatric surgery alternatives, behavioral programs combined with medication, and how these treatments affect heart disease, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and diabetes risk.
New medications
Drugs that mimic gut hormones (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon) are producing weight loss that used to require surgery. Newer triple-action drugs and oral versions are in late-stage testing.
Beyond weight loss
Studies show these medications also reduce heart attacks, kidney decline, and sleep apnea. Trials are mapping which conditions improve most and at what dose.
Long-term strategies
Most patients regain weight if they stop the medication. Research is testing maintenance doses, pairing drugs with behavior programs, and what to do when weight loss plateaus.
What to know before you search
Eligibility usually depends on body mass index (BMI), related conditions like type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea, and prior treatments tried.
What types of trials are currently open
- New medication trials — Testing weight-loss drugs, often newer hormone-based injections or pills, to see how much weight people lose and what side effects occur.
- Surgical trials — Studies comparing different bariatric surgeries or testing newer endoscopic procedures.
- Lifestyle and behavior trials — Testing structured eating, activity, or coaching programs, sometimes combined with medication.
- Device trials — Testing implants, balloons, or stimulators designed to support weight loss without major surgery.
- Prevention trials — Testing strategies in people at high risk of weight gain, including after pregnancy or starting certain medications.
Recently added Obesity trials
Impact of Obesity on Microvascular Insulin Action and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Type 1 Diabetes
The purpose of this study is: * To see if insulin resistance (how sensitive your muscle tissue is to insulin) is associated with lower cardio fitness in people with Type 1 diabetes compared to healthy controls, before and after a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercise program. * To see if being overweight and having Type 1 diabetes is associated with lower cardio fitness compared to overweight healthy controls, before and after a HIIT exercise program.
Evaluation of the Stress Response in Anesthesia Use Inhalation Anesthetic (Desflurane) Versus TIVA for Bariatric Surgery
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of Opioid Free Anesthesia (OFA) with and without volatile anesthetics (in this case desflurane) in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The main question it aims to answer : -Will there be a difference in the perioperative stress between patients receiving OFA with and without desflurane? Participants will undergoing sleeve gastrectomy or gastric by pass, will be administered OFA with and without desflurane and blood tests (cortisole, ACTH,dopamine, PRL, adrenaline, noradrenaline, lactate) will be collected perioperatively to compare stress in the two groups.
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