Plain-English translation of NCT04326192 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
Researchers want to see if spinal cord stimulation — a device already used to treat chronic pain — can also activate brown fat, a type of fat that burns calories to generate heat in your body. If this works, it could become a new way to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study will use special imaging scans to measure brown fat activity before and after the stimulation is turned on.
Current treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes don't work well enough for everyone. This research explores whether spinal cord stimulation might offer a new path, since brown fat naturally burns calories and could help people lose weight and improve blood sugar control.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
You will have a spinal cord stimulation device implanted for your pain as part of your regular care. On days 3 and 5 after implantation, you'll return for two imaging scans (PET/CT scans) that measure brown fat activity. One scan will be done with the device turned off and one with it turned on. The two scans will be conducted under identical, controlled conditions so researchers can compare the results.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Sep 5, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Oregon Health and Science University
Enrollment target
~10 participants
Started
February 2021
Primary completion
December 2028
Age range
21 Years – 70 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in August 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Kim Burchiel, MD
Oregon Health and Science University
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.