Brain scans reveal how Weight-Loss drug targets appetite
NCT ID NCT02400359
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study uses brain scans (fMRI) to see how the weight-loss drug lorcaserin changes activity in brain areas that control appetite and food intake. Forty obese adults will receive either lorcaserin or a placebo pill. Researchers will also measure changes in body composition. The goal is to understand the brain mechanisms behind the drug's effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Lorcaserin (Belviq)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could clarify how lorcaserin works in the brain to reduce appetite, potentially improving weight-loss treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study focused on brain imaging, not weight loss itself. Results may not translate to real-world weight reduction or long-term safety.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for OBESITY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a new stomach and gut bypass surgery tackle obesity and diabetes?
- Can a Two-Drug combo tip the scales against obesity?
- Can Weight-Loss surgery change how medications work?
- Coffee grounds probiotic could reshape gut health and fight inflammation
- Can shedding pounds reboot the Heart's exercise engine?
- Can stomach surgery alter how painkillers work?