RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

How Metabolism Affects Weight Loss and Gain

This study aims to understand why some individuals find it difficult to lose weight, while others struggle to gain it. Researchers believe this is linked to how our bodies use energy, known as 'metabolism.' They will compare two groups: people who are naturally lean but find it hard to gain weight, and people with obesity who find it hard to lose weight. Participants will undergo tests measuring how their body burns calories after a period of fasting and after eating a special meal. This helps identify different 'metabolic profiles.' The goal is to find more tailored ways to help people manage their weight effectively.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein

Enrolment target

Start

16 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2025

Obesity and Overweight

What is this study about?

This study is an important step towards understanding a common challenge: why weight management is so personal. Have you ever wondered why some people seem to gain weight easily, while others can eat a lot and stay slim? Or why, when you try to lose weight, it can be really tough, even with effort? This research aims to get to the bottom of these questions by looking at how our bodies use energy, also known as our metabolism.

The researchers will focus on two specific groups of people. One group includes individuals who are naturally lean but struggle to put on weight. The other group is made up of people with obesity who find it very hard to lose weight. By comparing these two groups, scientists hope to discover different 'metabolic types' – essentially, different ways our bodies handle the food we eat and the energy we burn. This could explain why weight loss or gain is easier for some than for others.

The main idea is that understanding these differences could lead to much more personalised advice and treatments for managing weight in the future. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, doctors might eventually be able to offer guidance that’s specifically designed for your body's unique way of using energy. This could make a real difference for many people struggling with their weight.

Key takeaways

This study explores why some people find it hard to lose or gain weight.
It will compare how lean people and people with obesity use energy.
Participation involves a 24-hour fast and a special meal, with breathing measurements.
The goal is to find different 'metabolic types' for more personalised weight advice.
You must be aged 18-70 and meet specific health and weight criteria to join.
Your safety is a priority, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 to 70. There are two main groups of people they are hoping to include. The first group is for individuals who are naturally slender, aged 18 to 70, with a healthy weight range (BMI between 18.5 and 22), who have mentioned that they find it difficult to gain weight. The second group is for individuals with a higher body weight (BMI over 30), also aged 18 to 70, who have reported difficulty losing weight. For everyone, it's important that your weight has been stable for the past six months (meaning it hasn't changed by more than 5% up or down), and your general health should be good, as confirmed by medical checks.

There are certain health conditions that would prevent you from taking part. For example, if you have diabetes or prediabetes, or if you've been diagnosed with certain stomach or bowel conditions that affect how your body absorbs food. You also wouldn't be able to join if you have certain mental health conditions that affect eating, or if you've had heart problems requiring hospitalisation recently, or certain types of cancer in the last five years.

Other reasons you might not be able to participate include having certain kidney conditions, active infections, or if you use nicotine products or recreational drugs. If you do very intense exercise for an hour or more a day, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you also wouldn't be able to join. Finally, if you have metal implants that aren't safe for MRI scans, or if you're taking weight-loss medications, or suffer from severe claustrophobia, you wouldn't be eligible.

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 18 and 70 years old?
Do you either find it hard to gain weight and have a healthy BMI, OR find it hard to lose weight and have a BMI over 30?
Has your weight been stable for the last 6 months (not changed much)?
Are you generally healthy and don't have conditions like diabetes, severe gut problems, or certain heart issues?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding, and not currently using nicotine or recreational drugs?
Do you not do very intense exercise for an hour or more every day?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will go through a few simple tests and measurements. The researchers will look at basic information like your height and weight. The main part of the study involves two key components where your body's energy use will be measured.

First, you will need to fast for 24 hours. This means you won’t eat any food during that time. After this fasting period, you will be given a special, low-protein meal. The researchers will then measure how your body uses energy after you've eaten this meal. During these tests, you'll have your breathing measured using a technique called indirect calorimetry, which is a simple and non-invasive way to see how many calories your body is burning. This helps them understand your resting energy use and how it changes after fasting and eating. All procedures are designed to be safe, and you will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of participating in this study include contributing to important scientific knowledge that could lead to better, more personalised weight management strategies for many people in the future. While there's no direct benefit to your health from participating, your involvement helps advance our understanding. Potential risks are generally low, as the tests involve standard procedures like blood tests, body measurements, and a 24-hour fast, which can be challenging for some. You may experience some discomfort or hunger during the fasting period. You will be closely monitored, and your safety is the top priority. Importantly, you are always free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein
Verified postcode
Kiel, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What does 'metabolism' mean in simple terms?

Metabolism is the process where your body turns the food and drink you consume into energy. It's how your body uses calories to keep you going.

Will I have to stay overnight for the study?

The information provided doesn't specify if an overnight stay is needed, but it mentions a 24-hour fasting period, which might require close monitoring during that time.

What is 'indirect calorimetry'?

It's a simple test where you breathe into a device that measures the oxygen you use and the carbon dioxide you breathe out. This helps scientists work out how many calories your body is burning.

Will I get help with my weight if I participate?

This study is focused on research to understand metabolism better, rather than providing direct weight loss or gain treatment. The findings might eventually lead to better treatments for others.

Is the special meal safe to eat?

Yes, the special meal is designed for the study and is safe. It's a low-protein meal used to see how your body reacts to food after fasting.

How to find out more

Tim Hollstein, PD Dr. med.

tim.hollstein@uksh.de +4943150022000 Official trial record

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