GLP-1 Agonists for Obesity
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the effects of continuing or stopping GLP-1 agonists, a medication that regulates blood sugar and controls hunger, in individuals who have undergone weight-loss surgery. The study aims to assess the impact of these drugs on weight loss and metabolic health post-surgery. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will continue the medication, while the other will discontinue it. Suitable candidates for this trial include those using GLP-1 agonists for weight management or diabetes and planning to undergo bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. As a Phase 4 trial, this research seeks to understand how this FDA-approved and effective treatment benefits more patients after surgery.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are taking a GLP-1 agonist, you may be asked to either continue or stop it after surgery, depending on the group you are randomized into. If you prefer not to be randomized, you can still participate without changing your medication.
What is the safety track record for these treatments?
Research has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, are generally safe and well-tolerated for weight loss and blood sugar control. Studies have found that these medications can lead to significant weight loss and improved blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, semaglutide has been linked to about 12% weight loss in clinical trials.
Regarding safety, evidence suggests that using GLP-1 receptor agonists before surgery is safe. Patients who took these medications before planned surgeries did not encounter major safety issues. However, like any medication, side effects can occur. Common side effects include nausea and digestive problems, but these are usually manageable.
The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists with weight loss surgery is less studied, but existing research supports their safety and effectiveness in improving metabolic health. This indicates that continuing these medications after weight loss surgery might provide additional benefits without major safety concerns.12345Why are researchers enthusiastic about this study treatment?
Researchers are excited about exploring the impact of GLP-1 agonists following bariatric surgery because these drugs, like semaglutide and tirzepitide, offer a unique approach to weight management and diabetes control. Unlike standard treatments that often involve lifestyle changes or other medications, GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the action of a hormone that helps regulate appetite and insulin levels. This dual action can potentially enhance weight loss and improve blood sugar control post-surgery. Additionally, the trial aims to determine the benefits of continuing versus stopping GLP-1 agonists after bariatric procedures, which could lead to improved personalized treatment strategies.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for weight loss and blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes?
Research has shown that medications called GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, can help people lose weight and manage blood sugar levels. Specifically, individuals taking these medications have experienced 18% to 25% weight loss over 68 to 88 weeks. These drugs work by enhancing the body's use of insulin and prolonging feelings of fullness. In this trial, one group of participants will continue using GLP-1 agonists after bariatric surgery, while another group will stop using them post-surgery. The study aims to determine if continuing GLP-1 agonists alongside surgery might offer extra benefits, potentially further improving weight loss and blood sugar control, and aiding in better health management after surgery.23678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Andrew Wheeler, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Missouri-Columbia
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Preoperative
Participants attend preoperative education class and undergo routine laboratory studies
Surgery and Initial Postoperative
Participants undergo bariatric surgery and initial postoperative care
Treatment
Participants are randomized to continue or discontinue GLP-1 agonist therapy post-surgery
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety, effectiveness, and metabolic changes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Active Control
This cohort will consist of patients undergoing bariatric surgery who are currently receiving a GLP-1 Agonists for weight loss and/or diabetes management, that will be maintained on their preoperative dose of GLP-1 agonist following their bariatric surgery. This includes semaglutide, tirzepitide, among others. The dosage will be variable, but will be the same dose the patient is on prior to the bariatric surgery. Duration will be one of the aims of the study.
This cohort will consist of patients undergoing bariatric surgery who are currently receiving a GLP-1 Agonist for weight loss and/or diabetes management that will be required to stop taking their preoperative dose of GLP-1 agonist following their bariatric surgery. Dosage preoperative will be variable based on what the patient is currently taking, as well as the medication being taken.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Missouri-Columbia
Lead Sponsor
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Collaborator
Citations
Head-to-head Study Shows Bariatric Surgery Superior ...
Patients on continuous GLP-1 therapy for a full year lost more weight, but significantly less than bariatric surgery patients (7% total weight ...
Obesity Treatment With Bariatric Surgery vs GLP-1 ...
Semaglutide and tirzepatide in particular have shown promising outcomes, showing 18% to 25% total weight loss within 68 to 88 weeks of treatment ...
3.
publichealth.jhu.edu
publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/one-in-seven-bariatric-surgery-patients-turn-to-new-weight-loss-drugsOne in Seven Bariatric Surgery Patients Turn to New Weight ...
Several clinical trials and observational studies suggest that GLP-1 drugs are effective in causing weight loss and improved blood sugar control ...
Obesity Treatment With Bariatric Surgery vs GLP-1 ...
Conclusions and relevance: These findings suggest that MBS was associated with more weight loss at lower ongoing costs compared with GLP-1 RAs ...
RZY8JY68MG COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF ...
Bariatric surgery is associated with superior sustained, long term weight loss and diabetes control compared to GLP-1RAs among patients eligible for both ...
Obesity Treatment With Bariatric Surgery vs GLP-1 ...
Semaglutide and tirzepatide in particular have shown promising outcomes, showing 18% to 25% total weight loss within 68 to 88 weeks of treatment ...
Evaluation of safety of preoperative GLP-1 receptor ...
Undertaking elective surgery following pre-operative treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists appears safe and an effective intervention to induce ...
Weight loss outcomes, tolerability, side effects, and risks
GLP-1RAs demonstrated significant weight loss outcomes. In clinical trials, liraglutide showed a placebo-corrected weight loss of around 5 %, semaglutide 12 %, ...
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