Diet vs. surgery: which weight loss method changes metabolism more?

NCT ID NCT03091725

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at how the body handles different types of meals after losing about 16-18% of body weight through either a low-calorie diet or gastric bypass surgery. Researchers will measure insulin, blood sugar, fats, and other markers in 30 adults with obesity but without diabetes. The goal is to understand how each weight loss method affects metabolism, not to test a new treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and low-calorie diet
What this could lead to: If successful, this study could help explain why some weight-loss methods improve metabolism more than others, potentially guiding better obesity treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage observational study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It does not test a new drug or treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Obesity obesity disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OBESITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Beth Henk

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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