Obesity affects more than 40% of adults in the United States and contributes to diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, and certain cancers. Treatment options have expanded beyond diet and lifestyle changes to include several FDA-approved medications and bariatric surgery. Research now focuses on drugs that work through multiple pathways, understanding individual differences in metabolism, and addressing obesity as a chronic disease requiring long-term management.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide at higher doses, combination therapies that target multiple hunger and metabolism pathways, and drugs that mimic the effects of bariatric surgery without an operation. Researchers are studying why some people respond better to certain treatments, how to prevent weight regain, and whether early treatment can prevent complications like diabetes and heart disease.
Multi-receptor agonists
Drugs that activate GLP-1 along with other receptors like GIP or glucagon are showing weight loss beyond what single-target medications achieve. Tirzepatide is FDA-approved, and triple agonists are in testing.
Metabolic surgery alternatives
Researchers are testing drugs and devices that replicate the metabolic changes seen after bariatric surgery. These approaches aim to deliver similar benefits without the risks and recovery time of surgery.
Personalized treatment
Studies are identifying genetic and metabolic markers that predict who will respond to specific obesity medications. This could help match people to the most effective treatment for their biology.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on BMI threshold, presence of weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, and previous weight loss attempts.
What types of trials are currently open
- Weight loss medication trials — Testing new drugs or drug combinations to see how much weight people lose and whether they can maintain that loss. Most compare the new treatment to placebo or existing medications.
- Metabolic health trials — Studying whether obesity treatments improve blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and liver health beyond just reducing weight.
- Cardiovascular outcome trials — Large studies following people for years to see if obesity medications reduce heart attacks, strokes, and deaths in people with existing heart disease or risk factors.
- Pediatric trials — Testing weight loss medications in adolescents and children with obesity, since treatment options for young people have been limited.
- Maintenance trials — Studying strategies to prevent weight regain after initial weight loss, including continued medication, lifestyle programs, or step-down approaches.
Recently added Obesity trials
Nudge-Based Exercise Intervention for Adolescents With Obesity
This study will evaluate whether a nudge-based exercise program can improve body mass index (BMI) and physical activity in adolescents with obesity. About 140 adolescents aged 10-19 years will participate. Participants will be placed into one of two groups according to the order in which they are admitted to the hospital. One group will receive a standard exercise intervention, while the other group will receive an 8-week nudge-based exercise program designed to make regular physical activity easier to start and maintain. The nudge-based program uses simple behavioral strategies to make exercise easier to start and maintain, including framed and visual information, default exercise options, reminders, peer comparison and support, goal commitment, progress feedback, and small incentives. The program combines face-to-face sessions during hospitalization with home-based support, exercise tools, activity recording, and online follow-up. The main outcomes are changes in BMI and physical activity. Other outcomes include body composition, blood metabolic markers, health-related quality of life, and exercise self-efficacy. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention, with follow-up assessments used to examine whether the effects are maintained over time.
Try a guided eating program designed for menopausal symptom relief
The menopausal transition is associated with significant hormonal changes that negatively impact many women's quality of life. Vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and genitourinary symptoms are frequently reported during this period. Concurrently, there is a tendency toward increased body weight and fat redistribution, specifically central fat accumulation, which raises the risk of metabolic diseases. Although hormonal therapy is effective, it is not suitable for all women, necessitating the consideration of non-pharmacological strategies as therapeutic alternatives. Scientific evidence indicates that healthy dietary patterns and weight loss are associated with reduced menopausal symptom severity. The objective of the research is to evaluate the effects of a dietary intervention based on the guidelines of the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population (GAPB) on the reduction of menopausal symptoms. A randomized clinical trial will be conducted to assess whether improving dietary quality and reducing body weight contribute to alleviating menopausal symptoms. Participants will be assigned to two groups: a control group (CG) and an intervention group (IG). Both groups will receive nutritional guidance based on the GAPB; however, the CG will receive the guidelines in printed format, whereas the IG will receive them through group sessions. The study will include perimenopausal or postmenopausal women who are overweight or obese and experiencing menopausal symptoms. Validated instruments will be administered at the beginning and end of the study to assess dietary patterns, menopausal symptoms, and nutritional status.
Find Obesity trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.