Recruiting

Testing a weight-loss medication during smoking cessation

Plain-English translation of NCT06173778 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing semaglutide, a medication already used for weight loss, to see if it can help prevent weight gain when people quit smoking. Smoking cessation often leads to weight gain, which can discourage people from staying smoke-free. This study will examine whether this medication can help control appetite and weight during this critical time.

Many people who successfully quit smoking gain significant weight afterward, which can be frustrating and sometimes leads people to start smoking again. Researchers want to know if this medication can help people maintain a healthy weight while they're focusing on staying smoke-free.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least overweight or have obesity (BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition like high blood pressure or sleep apnea)
you have been smoking at least 5 cigarettes per day for at least one year
you want to quit smoking within the next month
you are willing to use birth control if you're a woman who could become pregnant
you do not have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2

You likely don't qualify if…

you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes
you have severe kidney disease or a history of pancreatitis
you have had a heart attack, stroke, or hospitalization for chest pain in the past 60 days
you are currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant
you have a history of certain cancers in the past 5 years (other than skin cancer)

What participation looks like

You would receive either the active medication or a placebo (inactive injection) once per week as you work toward quitting smoking. The study will track your body weight, body composition, and how hungry you feel over time. You'll attend study visits for physical exams, blood tests, and questionnaires about your smoking status and eating habits throughout the study period.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

United States

The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas