Teen Weight-Loss surgery: hidden bone risks revealed?
NCT ID NCT02557438
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at how two types of weight-loss surgery affect bone health in teenagers and young adults aged 13-21. Researchers will measure changes in bone density and strength over two years in 240 participants, comparing those who had surgery with those who did not. The goal is to understand if these surgeries cause bone loss in younger people, similar to what is seen in adults.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
-
About 240 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jun 2015
- Expected to finish
-
Mar 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Adolescents and young adults 13-25 years old with obesity undergoing RYGB or VSG and non-surgical controls.
- Ages
-
13 to 25 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adolescents with morbid obesity 13-25yo undergoing RYGB (n=36) or VSG (n=36), or being followed without surgical intervention (usual care) (n=48). 2. Eligibility criteria for weight loss surgery used at the Weight Center include BMI\>40 or BMI\>35kg/m2 with major comorbidities. A BMI\>35 in adolescents reflects a BMI\>99th percentile. In order to be considered appropriate surgical candidates, children must have a bone age of ≥14y (F) or ≥16y (M), and ≥1 co-morbidity of obesity. They must have demonstrated efforts at non-surgical weight loss, and consistent compliance with appointments and recommendations. Patients must demonstrate sufficient maturity, psychological stability and cognitive capacity to recognize the significance of the procedure and implement required post-operative behavioral changes. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current pregnancy and breast feeding 2. Medications other than calcium or vitamin D that affect bone, such as glucocorticoids, phenytoin, phenobarbitone (washout of 3 months prior to enrollment if discontinuation is medically permissible) 3. Use of antipsychotic medications that cause weight gain if treated for \<6 mos, or if dosage is not stable for \>2 mos 4. Untreated thyroid dysfunction or on stable dose for \<3 mos 5. HbA1C\>8% (to avoid deleterious effects on bone from uncontrolled T2DM) 6. Smoking \>10 cigarettes/day; substance abuse per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) V 7. Metal implants, intracranial surgical clips or pacemakers 8. Weight \>450 lbs due to limits for MRI and CT.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Morbid obesity are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Custom knee guides put to the test in obese patients
- A pill for obesity? early human trial puts MDR-001 to the test
- Can a weekly shot help people who still struggle with weight after bariatric surgery?
- Do GLP-1 Weight-Loss drugs change how teens eat and feel?
- Can cooking classes curb dangerous pregnancy weight gain?
- Can electrical muscle stimulation boost exercise benefits after menopause?