RecruitingNCT05419726

Brown Adipose Tissue Activity in Response to Semaglutide Administered to Obese Subjects.

Sponsor

University of California, Los Angeles

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Feb 1, 2023

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Obesity

Summary

Glucagon like peptide (GLP-1) agonists, such as liraglutide, exenatide, and semaglutide, have been increasingly used as a medication to address the current twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity. Their activities include increasing insulin production by pancreatic beta cells, improving insulin sensitivity in muscles and weight loss. The mechanisms underpinning the weight loss caused by GLP-1 agonists have not yet been fully elucidated, but brown adipose tissue (BAT) appears to play an important role. We propose to assess BAT activity, using infrared thermography camera images, before individuals start weekly administration of semaglutide, at week 2-4, and week 18-20. We hypothesize that this GLP-1 agonist, semaglutide, will cause an increase in BAT activity and a corresponding increase in basal metabolic rate.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

Subjects scheduled to start semaglutide for weight loss (drug not provided by or paid for by the study)
>18 years of age and willing to participate
Male or post-menopausal females

Exclusion Criteria10

History of prior neck surgery and /or neck irradiation
Use of beta blocker agents
Use of any other glucose lowering medication
History of neuropathic disorders (e.g. diabetic neuropathy)
Diabetic patients
Individuals without normal thyroid function
Individuals with cancer
Any significant chronic disease or renal, hepatic or endocrine disease
Current smokers
Inability of patient to provide consent either for medical reasons or psychiatric reasons

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

DRUGSemaglutide Injectable Product (not provided by the study)

Study Procedure: Subjects that are to be started on semaglutide by their physician will be invited to participate in the study. If the subject is eligible and signs the consent form they will be enrolled in the study. There are three (3) study visits including Baseline/Visit 1 (prior to starting semaglutide), Visit 2 (at week 2-4) and Visit 3 (at week 18-20). The subjects undergo these tests at each visit: weight circumference measured, BMR testing, thermal imaging of BAT, and perform a 24 hour food recall.