RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Multiorgan Health in Obesity

This study aims to understand how different weight loss treatments affect body fat and the health of organs in teenagers who are severely overweight. Researchers want to find out if reducing weight improves organ health. They will compare two groups: one receiving a specific type of medication (GLP1 receptor agonists) alongside changes to their diet and exercise, and another group focusing only on diet and exercise changes. Participants will have special scans called MRIs at the beginning of the study and again after nine months to check their body composition and organ fat levels. The goal is to see which approach leads to better health outcomes for their organs.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

06 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

Childhood Obesity

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help us understand more about how weight loss affects the health of internal organs in teenagers who are severely overweight. Sometimes, being severely overweight can lead to extra fat building up around organs like the liver, which can impact their health. Researchers are interested in finding out if making changes to diet and exercise, especially when combined with a specific type of medication, can help reduce this fat and improve organ health.

The main aim is to see if reducing weight can make a real difference to internal organ health. They want to compare how two different approaches work. One group of young people will use lifestyle changes (like healthier eating and more activity) on their own. The other group will use these lifestyle changes along with a medicine called a GLP1 receptor agonist, which can help with weight management.

By comparing these two groups, the researchers hope to learn which approach is more effective at reducing fat around organs and improving overall organ health in young people. This information could be very helpful in guiding future treatments for teenagers living with severe obesity.

Key takeaways

The study investigates how weight loss affects organ health in severely obese teenagers.
It compares lifestyle changes alone versus lifestyle changes with a specific medication.
MRI scans will be used to measure body and organ fat at the start and after nine months.
The goal is to find better ways to improve organ health in this group.
Participation involves two MRI scans and following a treatment plan for nine months.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be between 12 and 18 years old. You must also have severe obesity, meaning your Body Mass Index (BMI) is very high for your age.

Your parent or guardian will need to give permission for you to take part if you are under 16. If you are 16 or older, you can give permission yourself. Everyone will also need to agree to participate.

You cannot join if you are too heavy for the MRI scanner, need to be put to sleep for the scans, or have certain medical devices or conditions (like metal implants or severe claustrophobia) that make MRI scans unsafe. Also, if you've already used GLP-1 receptor agonist medication before, you won't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 12 and 18 years old?
Do you have severe obesity (very high BMI for your age)?
Are you able to have an MRI scan (no metal implants, not severely claustrophobic)?
Have you not used GLP-1 receptor agonist medication before?
Are you comfortable potentially having treatment with diet/exercise, or diet/exercise plus medication?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will have two special scans called MRIs. The first scan will be at the very beginning of the study. The second scan will take place after nine months. These scans allow researchers to look at your body composition and how much fat is around your organs. Depending on which group you are in, you will either make changes to your lifestyle (like diet and exercise) or you will make these lifestyle changes with the addition of a specific medication. The total duration of active participation in the study is nine months, from your first scan until your second scan.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help us learn more about how to best support teenagers with severe obesity, which could benefit many young people in the future. You will receive careful monitoring of your health throughout the study. Potential risks include those associated with MRI scans (such as discomfort from lying still or mild anxiety if you are prone to claustrophobia), and potential side effects from the medication if you are in that group. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Alder Hey Children's hospital
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, without using X-rays.

What are GLP1 receptor agonists?

These are a type of medicine that can help with weight management by affecting your appetite and how full you feel.

Will I know if I'm getting the medication or just lifestyle changes?

The study design will determine whether you know your assigned group or if it's kept confidential to ensure fair results.

How long does each MRI scan take?

The information provided suggests you'll have two MRI scans at different times, but the exact duration of each scan isn't specified in the summary.

Who pays for the medication or scans?

Clinical trials usually cover the costs of study-related treatments and assessments.

How to find out more

Anand Ramakrishnan, MD (Ped), MSc (Diab), PhD endo

senthil.senniappan@alderhey.nhs.uk +44 01512525956 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.