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Home › Conditions › Obesity

Obesity

172 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Obesity

833 trials tracked for Obesity: 164 in phase 3 or 4 and 73 with published results. The most-cited published study has 6076 citations.

833Trials tracked
164Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
73With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 76 Phase 3 88 Phase 2 98 Phase 1 32 Other / NA 539
  1. Phase 4 The Effect of GLP-1 Agonists Versus OCs on Reproductive Disorders and Cardiovascular Risks in Overweight PCOS Completed · 6,076 cited
  2. Phase 3 Semaglutide Effects on Heart Disease and Stroke in Patients With Overweight or Obesity Completed · 4,608 cited
  3. Phase 4 Comparing a Virtual vs. Face to Face Weight Management Program Using Phentermine for Patients With Overweight or Obesity Completed · 1,833 cited
  4. Phase 3 Research Study to Investigate How Well Semaglutide Works in People Living With Heart Failure and Obesity Completed · 1,481 cited
  5. Phase 3 Research Study Investigating How Well Semaglutide Works in People With Type 2 Diabetes Suffering From Overweight or Obesity Completed · 1,327 cited
  6. Phase 3 STEP 6: Research Study Investigating How Well Semaglutide Works in People Living With Overweight or Obesity Completed · 1,310 cited
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 3 Research Study Investigating How Well Semaglutide Works in People Suffering From Overweight or Obesity Completed · 1,266 cited
  2. Phase 3 Research Study to Look at How Well Semaglutide is at Lowering Weight When Taken Together With an Intensive Lifestyle Program Completed · 1,035 cited
  3. Phase 3 Research Study to Investigate How Well Semaglutide Works Compared to Liraglutide in People Living With Overweight or Obesity Completed · 885 cited
  4. Phase 3 Two-year Research Study Investigating How Well Semaglutide Works in People Suffering From Overweight or Obesity Completed · 795 cited
  5. Phase 3 A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Who Have Obesity or Are Overweight Completed · 707 cited
  6. Phase 3 Obstructive Sleep Apnea Master Protocol GPIF: A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Participants With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Completed · 689 cited
  7. Phase 3 Effect of Liraglutide for Weight Management in Pubertal Adolescent Subjects With Obesity Completed · 678 cited
  8. Phase 3 A Research Study on How Well Semaglutide Works in Adolescents With Overweight or Obesity Completed · 655 cited
  9. Phase 3 A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Participants With Obesity or Overweight With Weight Related Comorbidities Completed · 451 cited
  10. Phase 3 Research Study to Investigate How Well Semaglutide Tablets Taken Once Daily Work in People Who Are Overweight or Living With Obesity (OASIS 1) Completed · 383 cited
  11. Phase 3 Research Study Looking at How Well Semaglutide Works in People Suffering From Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis Completed · 342 cited
  12. Phase 4 A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Long-term Treatment With BELVIQ (Lorcaserin HCl) on the Incidence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Conversion to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Obese and Overweight Subjects With Cardiovascular Disease or Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors Completed · 264 cited
  13. Phase 4 Effect of Liraglutide on Epicardial Fat in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Completed · 246 cited
  14. Phase 4 Holding vs. Continuing Incretin-based Therapies Before Upper Endoscopy Completed · 242 cited
  15. Phase 3 Individualized Obesity Pharmacotherapy Completed · 194 cited
  16. Phase 3 Effect and Safety of Liraglutide 3.0 mg as an Adjunct to Intensive Behaviour Therapy for Obesity in a Non-specialist Setting Completed · 191 cited
  17. Phase 3 Effect and Safety of Liraglutide 3.0 mg in Subjects With Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated With Basal Insulin Completed · 182 cited
  18. Phase 4 The Effect of Exenatide on Weight and Hunger in Obese, Healthy Women Completed · 157 cited
  19. Phase 3 Research Study Looking at How Well Semaglutide Works in People Living With Obesity and Prediabetes Completed · 147 cited
  20. Phase 3 A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Participants With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) and Obesity: The SUMMIT Trial Completed · 145 cited
  21. Phase 4 Cervical Ripening for Obese Women: A Randomized, Comparative Effectiveness Trial Completed · 139 cited
  22. Phase 3 Research Study of How Well Semaglutide Works in People Living With Overweight or Obesity. Completed · 118 cited
  23. Phase 3 A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Chinese Participants Without Type 2 Diabetes Who Have Obesity or Overweight (SURMOUNT-CN) Completed · 115 cited
  24. Phase 4 Lifestyle Modification and Liraglutide Completed · 114 cited
  25. Phase 3 EQW, DAPA, EQW/DAPA, DAPA/MET ER and PHEN/TPM ER in Obese Women With PolycysticOvary Syndrome (PCOS) Completed · 96 cited
  26. Phase 3 Behavioral and Pharmacologic Treatment of Binge Eating and Obesity: Acute Treatment Completed · 88 cited
  27. Phase 3 Liver and Fat Regulation in Overweight Adolescent Girls Completed · 85 cited
  28. Phase 4 Effect of Exenatide in Obese Patients With Accelerated Gastric Emptying Completed · 77 cited
  29. Phase 4 Adding Liraglutide to High Dose Insulin: Breaking the Cycle Completed · 76 cited
  30. Phase 3 Research Study Looking at How Well Semaglutide Tablets Taken Once Daily Work in People Who Have a Body Weight Above the Healthy Range Completed · 75 cited
  31. Phase 3 Effect of Liraglutide for Weight Management in Paediatric Subjects With Prader-Willi Syndrome Completed · 71 cited
  32. Phase 3 A Research Study to See How Semaglutide Helps People With Excess Weight, Lose Weight (STEP UP) Completed · 64 cited
  33. Phase 4 The Health Influences of Puberty (HIP) Study Completed · 45 cited
  34. Phase 3 Calorie Restriction and Changes in Body Composition, Disease, Function, and Quality of Life in Older Adults Completed · 40 cited
  35. Phase 3 The Effects of Exenatide (Byetta ) on Energy Expenditure and Weight Loss in Nondiabetic Obese Subjects Completed · 39 cited
  36. Phase 4 Aromatase Inhibitors and Weight Loss in Severely Obese Hypogonadal Male Veterans (Pilot) Completed · 38 cited
  37. Phase 3 A Trial of Tadalafil and Glycemic Traits Completed · 38 cited
  38. Phase 3 A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Participants With Obesity Disease Completed · 38 cited
  39. Phase 4 Examination of the Anti-inflammatory and Insulin Sensitizing Properties of Doxycycline in Humans Completed · 36 cited
  40. Phase 3 Obesity and Asthma: Nutrigenetic Response to Omega-3 Fatty Acids Completed · 33 cited
  41. Phase 4 Pharmacokinetics Of Tigecycline In Morbidly Obese Subjects Completed · 31 cited
  42. Phase 4 Real World Effectiveness of Combining an Employer-based Weight Management Program With Medication for Chronic Weight Management in Employees With Obesity Completed · 30 cited
  43. Phase 4 Fish Oils and Adipose Inflammation Reduction Completed · 29 cited
  44. Phase 3 A Research Study to See How Semaglutide Helps People With Excess Weight and Type 2 Diabetes Lose Weight Completed · 29 cited

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 833 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Obesity: what the trials found

Semaglutide has demonstrated significant efficacy in weight reduction for patients with obesity. Trials showed mean body weight reductions ranging from -12.2% to -15.8% compared to placebo or lower-dose cohorts [1, 2, 3, 6]. Specifically, semaglutide at 7.2 mg achieved a -19.5% relative change in body weight versus a -3.8% change in the placebo group 4.

Clinical outcomes associated with semaglutide include high rates of participants achieving a $\geq$5% reduction in body weight [2, 3, 4, 5, 6] and significant improvements in physical function scores [1, 3]. Additionally, semaglutide was associated with reductions in fasting serum insulin 2, improvements in waist-height ratio 6, and a decrease in daily insulin dose requirements 7.

Semaglutide also demonstrated efficacy in reducing total cholesterol levels across multiple trials [4, 5]. Furthermore, it has been shown to reduce craving scores 13 and significantly reduce food intake compared to placebo 13.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Mazdutide showed significant weight reduction at week 48, with a -19.2% change in one arm and -22.3% in another 9.
  • Semaglutide combined with NNC0165-1875 (2.0 mg) resulted in a -5.55% body weight reduction compared to -3.06% in the comparator group 11.
  • The 'Take of Pounds Sensibly' (TOPS) intervention showed a -2.50% weight change compared to -0.51% in the control group, though no significant changes were observed in blood pressure 16.
  • Incentives for dietary self-monitoring and weight loss resulted in approximately 41-53% of participants achieving $\geq$5% weight loss at 52 weeks across various study arms 17.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Semaglutide is highly effective for significant weight reduction, with several trials reporting over 10% body weight loss and improved physical function scores.
  • Semaglutide may offer secondary metabolic benefits, including reduced fasting serum insulin levels, lower total cholesterol, and decreased daily insulin requirements in relevant populations.
  • Semaglutide has been shown to reduce food intake and craving scores in clinical settings.

AI synthesis of 9 cited trials, updated Jun 20, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Sarcopenic obesity may impair bone formation and reduce mineral content in children and adolescents
Pediatrics Sys. Review
Sarcopenic obesity may impair bone formation and reduce mineral content in children and adolescents Sarcopenic Obesity May Impact Bone Health in Children
This narrative review explores the relationship between sarcopenic obesity (SO) and bone mass in pediatric populations. The authors suggest …
New research suggests that the combination of muscle loss and excess weight may affect bone mineral content in children and adolescents.
Frontiers Jul 17, 2026
Lymphatic dysfunction may drive inflammation and insulin resistance in older adults with sarcopenic obesity
Diabetes & Endocrinology Sys. Review
Lymphatic dysfunction may drive inflammation and insulin resistance in older adults with sarcopenic obesity Lymphatic Dysfunction Linked to Insulin Resistance in Sarcopenic Obesity
This hypothesis-generating review explores how aging and obesity jointly impair lymphatic function, potentially leading to local inflammatio…
New research suggests that poor lymphatic drainage may drive inflammation and insulin resistance in older adults with both obesity and muscl…
Frontiers Jul 2, 2026
Whey protein may mitigate body weight loss and preserve fat-free mass after bariatric surgery
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Meta-analysis
Whey protein may mitigate body weight loss and preserve fat-free mass after bariatric surgery Whey Protein May Help Preserve Muscle After Bariatric Surgery
A meta-analysis of 267 patients found that whey protein supplementation after bariatric surgery may alleviate reductions in body weight and …
Whey protein may help patients maintain muscle mass and reduce fat after bariatric surgery, though more high-quality research is still neede…
Frontiers Jun 24, 2026
Open Rives-Stoppa retrorectus mesh repair resolves gastric outlet obstruction in a patient with class III obesity
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Sys. Review
Open Rives-Stoppa retrorectus mesh repair resolves gastric outlet obstruction in a patient with class III obesity Surgery Helps Resolve Gastric Obstruction in Patient With Severe Obesity
This case report describes the successful surgical management of gastric outlet obstruction caused by a paraumbilical hernia in a 38-year-ol…
A 38-year-old man with severe obesity and a hernia successfully regained his ability to eat solid food after surgery.
Frontiers Jun 24, 2026
Elecoglipron results in 40.4% to 88.8% of patients reaching at least 5% weight loss
Diabetes & Endocrinology RCT
Elecoglipron results in 40.4% to 88.8% of patients reaching at least 5% weight loss Trial shows weight loss in adults with obesity using elecoglipron
This Phase 2 randomized controlled trial evaluated elecoglipron in 310 adults with obesity or overweight and a weight-related condition. Par…
A new clinical trial shows that the medication elecoglipron helps people with obesity lose a significant amount of body weight.
Jun 20, 2026
Aerobic exercise and high-intensity interval training reduce fat mass in women with overweight or obesity
Diabetes & Endocrinology Sys. Review
Aerobic exercise and high-intensity interval training reduce fat mass in women with overweight or obesity Vigorous aerobic exercise shows best results for reducing body fat
This systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated structured exercise interventions for body compos…
Women with overweight or obesity may see the greatest reductions in body fat and BMI through vigorous aerobic exercise programs.
Jun 18, 2026
Single-incision sleeve plus bypass shows short-term safety and metabolic improvement in 3 patients with obesity and T2DM
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Sys. Review
Single-incision sleeve plus bypass shows short-term safety and metabolic improvement in 3 patients with obesity and T2DM SILSG-JJB Procedure Shows Promise for Weight Loss and Diabetes
This case report and review describes 3 female patients with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes who underwent single-incision laparoscopic s…
A new surgical approach may help people with severe obesity and Type 2 Diabetes achieve weight loss and better blood sugar levels.
Frontiers Jun 11, 2026
Exercise interventions may improve adiposity and physical function in middle-aged or older adults with sarcopenic obesity
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Meta-analysis
Exercise interventions may improve adiposity and physical function in middle-aged or older adults with sarcopenic obesity Exercise helps middle-aged and older adults with sarcopenic obesity
This umbrella review of systematic reviews synthesized evidence on exercise-based interventions for middle-aged and older adults with sarcop…
New research shows that exercise programs can improve body composition and physical function for older adults struggling with both muscle lo…
Frontiers Jun 10, 2026
Evolocumab reduces MACE by 29% in patients with BMI greater than or equal to 35 kg/m
Diabetes & Endocrinology RCT
Evolocumab reduces MACE by 29% in patients with BMI greater than or equal to 35 kg/m Evolocumab shows greater heart protection for patients with higher BMI
This randomized controlled trial of 27,564 stable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients found that evolocumab significantly reduce…
A large study finds that the heart medication evolocumab provides significantly more protection against heart attacks and strokes for patien…
Jun 9, 2026
Traditional Chinese Medicine reduces body weight by 5.86 kg and improves lipid profiles in obesity
Diabetes & Endocrinology Meta-analysis
Traditional Chinese Medicine reduces body weight by 5.86 kg and improves lipid profiles in obesity Traditional Chinese Medicine may help manage weight and cholesterol
This meta-analysis of 3053 patients found that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) significantly reduced body weight by 5.86 kg and BMI by 2.…
New data suggests Traditional Chinese Medicine can help people with obesity lower their body weight and improve heart health markers like ch…
medRxiv Jun 9, 2026
Intensive lifestyle intervention protocol designed to identify predictors of weight loss success
Primary Care & Family Medicine RCT
Intensive lifestyle intervention protocol designed to identify predictors of weight loss success New plan seeks personalized ways to manage weight and obesity
This randomized controlled trial protocol describes a study involving 600 individuals with varying BMI levels. The study aims to evaluate an…
A new trial design aims to find specific signs that predict if intensive lifestyle changes will work for people with weight concerns.
medRxiv Jun 9, 2026
Food insecurity linked to poorer diet and higher obesity risk in older adults
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Sys. Review
Food insecurity linked to poorer diet and higher obesity risk in older adults Food Insecurity Linked to Poorer Diet and Obesity in Older Adults
This narrative review synthesizes evidence linking food insecurity and financial hardship to poorer diet quality and higher odds of overweig…
Older adults facing food insecurity eat worse and are more likely to be obese, a review finds.
Frontiers Jun 8, 2026

Questions about Obesity

Are gut metabolites linked to obesity and conditions like fatty liver?

Yes, gut metabolites like short-chain fatty acids and bile acids are linked to obesity and fatty liver, with dysbiosis driving inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.

Full answer →
Are there rising trends in severe obesity prevalence among children and adolescents in the US?

Data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey shows that severe obesity in children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years more than doubled between 1999 and 2018.

Full answer →
Does a group-based weight management program work for people with severe obesity?

Group-based programs like PROGROUP and Compassion Focused Therapy show promise for people with severe obesity by improving psychological outcomes and helping deliver complex interventions.

Full answer →
How does a low-fat diet affect muscle mass in adults with obesity?

A low-fat diet leads to modest muscle loss in adults with obesity, but combining it with resistance exercise can help preserve muscle.

Full answer →
Do women with obesity lose more weight on GLP-1 drugs than men?

Yes, research shows women with obesity tend to lose more weight on GLP-1 drugs than men, though the difference is modest and varies by individual factors.

Full answer →
Do digital lifestyle interventions help adults with obesity lose weight?

Yes, stand-alone digital lifestyle interventions help adults with obesity lose weight and improve diet quality, though results vary by program design and engagement.

Full answer →
What factors influence eating behaviors in adults with obesity?

Eating behaviors in adults with obesity are influenced by psycho-emotional factors (stress, impulsivity), socio-environmental stressors (work, relationships), and maladaptive patterns like rapid eating and irregular meal timing.

Full answer →
Is tirzepatide as effective as sleeve gastrectomy for obesity?

A 2024 network meta-analysis found tirzepatide and sleeve gastrectomy produce equivalent weight loss (about 21% total body weight), but individual results vary and surgery offers durable long-term outcomes.

Full answer →
See all 8 questions about Obesity →

All Obesity Articles