Physiologic Response to Bariatric Surgery and the Impact of Adjunct Semaglutide in Adolescents
Recruiting · Aurora, Colorado
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Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
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Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
The study plans to learn more about what happens to the body after bariatric surgery in people 12 to 24 years old. The study aims to understand why people respond differently to bariatric surgery and how to define success beyond weight loss alone.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
The study plans to learn more about what happens to the body after bariatric surgery in people 12 to 24 years old. The study aims to understand why people respond differently to bariatric surgery and how to define success beyond weight loss alone. The study also plans to learn more about whether a medication (semaglutide) can help people 12 to 24 years old who, between 1 and 2 years after bariatric surgery, have not lost as much weight as expected.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •Ages 12 through 24 (male or female biological sex).
- •Be on the pre-surgery plan for vertical sleeve gastrectomy (for the observation phase).
- •Be after vertical sleeve gastrectomy (for the intervention/treatment phase).
- •Meet minimum nutrition goals (intervention phase).
- •In the intervention phase: have lost 20% or less of BMI at 1 year after surgery (if moving in from the observation phase), or at 1 to 2 years after surgery (if coming from the existing patient pool).
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Have a planned Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (for the observation phase).
- •Have hypothalamic obesity.
- •Have type 2 diabetes.
- •Use certain diabetes/weight-related medicines or steroids around the study start: current insulin, oral glucocorticoids within 10 days of the baseline visit, metformin within 3 months of baseline, insulin secretagogues within 4 half-lives of baseline, or anti-obesity medications within 4 half-lives of baseline.
- •In the intervention phase, have any of these: known allergy to semaglutide, personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, history of pancreatitis, uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain serious heart disease/arrhythmia, an active cancer within the last 5 years, an untreated thyroid problem, Tanner Stage 1, very high ALT/AST (≥5x the upper limit of normal), or creatinine >1.2 mg/dL.
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 12–24
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Obesity / overweight, Type 2 diabetes, High blood pressure, High cholesterol, Anxiety
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- !May require a break from current GLP-1 medications
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
This is an early-stage study. The treatment has gone through laboratory and preliminary testing before being studied in people here.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
The study plans to learn more about what happens to the body after bariatric surgery in people 12 to 24 years old. The study aims to understand why people respond differently to bariatric surgery and how to define success beyond weight loss alone.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is an early study (Phase 1), focused mostly on safety. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
I take a GLP-1 medication (like Ozempic or Wegovy). Can I still join?+
Maybe. This study may ask you to pause certain weight or diabetes medications for a period of time (a 'washout') before joining, or it may be looking for people not currently on them. The coordinator will review your medications with you — don't stop any medication on your own.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
The study treatment and study-related visits are provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Some requirements (like specific lab values or timing) are confirmed directly by the study team, not by us.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06575738 · Locations: Colorado