Could the 'Love Hormone' help teens lose weight?

NCT ID NCT04551482

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

Summary

This study tests whether oxytocin nasal spray can help teenagers with obesity manage their weight. Over 12 weeks, participants aged 10-18 will take the spray or a placebo four times daily. Researchers will measure changes in body mass index, body fat, and appetite to see if oxytocin offers a safe, effective way to control weight.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Oxytocin nasal spray

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for obesity in teenagers that helps control appetite and body weight.

What could go wrong

This is an early Phase 2 trial with only 55 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment is short-term and may not lead to lasting weight loss.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

obesity disorder Pediatric Obesity

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••