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
Effects of "Exercise Snack" in Individuals With Obesity
Obesity is associated with reduced physical fitness, functional limitations, and poorer quality of life (Kell et al., 2001). Nutritional support and supervised exercise can improve weight management and physical health, but low motivation and perceived lack of time often limit participation to physical activity (Alberga et al., 2013; Baillot et al., 2021). Evidence shows that shorter-time exercise strategies may help overcome these barriers and support training adherence (Poon et al., 2020). Brief activity bouts distributed throughout the day, including vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity and structured "exercise snacks," may help to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle function, and metabolic health (Islam et al., 2022; Ahmadi et al., 2024; Wang et al., 2024). Observational evidence also links VILPA to lower mortality risk (Stamatakis et al., 2023). Combining brief exercise bouts with education to interrupt prolonged sitting may therefore address both insufficient physical activity and sedentary behaviour (Dunstan et al., 2021; Dogra et al., 2022; Pinto et al., 2023). Generally, research has largely focused on healthy, inactive adults, with limited evidence in people with overweight or obesity (Jones et al., 2024). Rafiei et al. (2021) reported acute improvements in insulin and non-esterified fatty acid responses following brief stair-climbing bouts compared with prolonged sitting in adults with obesity. Schmidt et al. (2001) found comparable improvements in body composition and aerobic fitness following accumulated or continuous exercise during caloric restriction. The effects of exercise snacks combined with education to reduce sedentary behaviour nevertheless remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effects of an exercise-snacking programme on body composition, physical fitness, quality of life, and exercise adherence in adults with obesity.
Intragastric Balloon and Time-Restricted Eating for Weight Loss in Adults With Overweight or Obesity
The goal of this non-randomized clinical study is to learn whether an intragastric balloon (IGB) and time-restricted eating (TRE; 16-hour daily fast with an 8-hour eating window), used alone or together, improve weight loss, body composition, and metabolic parameters in adults aged 18 to 65 years with overweight or obesity (body mass index 27.0 to 39.9 kg/m²). Participants are followed in four groups according to whether they have an IGB (placed as part of routine clinical care, not assigned by the study) and whether they choose to follow TRE: (1) standard nutrition therapy, (2) IGB plus standard nutrition therapy, (3) TRE plus standard nutrition therapy, and (4) IGB plus TRE plus standard nutrition therapy. All participants receive the same individualized energy-restricted diet, dietitian follow-up, behavioral education, and physical activity advice. Body weight and body composition are measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months; routine laboratory results are recorded at baseline and 6 months.
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