
Ketogenic Diet Treatment of Obesity With Co-morbid Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and/or Obstructive Sleep...
ObesityDiabetes1 moreThe purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ketogenic diet (KD) treatment of (i) obesity, (ii) type 2 diabetes mellitus and (iii) obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with obesity and Type 2 DM and in patients with obesity and/or OSA. This will be a randomized, open-label three arm controlled study comparing weight loss in obese participants with type 2 diabetes and/or obstructive sleep apnea treated for 9 months with 3:1 [fat]:[protein+carbohydrate] ratio, 1600 kcal/day diet (Group A) with weight loss in participants treated with orlistat 120 mg TID and lifestyle intervention consisting of dietary advice, recommended caloric goal of 1600 kcal/day (Group B), and in participants treated with only lifestyle intervention consisting of dietary advice, recommended caloric goal of 1600 kcal/day (Group C).

Effect of Gastric Balloon in Morbid Obesity: Prospective Study
Morbid ObesityThe aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of gastric balloon in weight reduction among two different categories of morbidly obese people.

Pleiotropic Effects of Azilsartan Medoxomil Over Insulin Resistance in Obese, Diabetic and Hypertensive...
HypertensionObesity1 moreThe goal of this study is to build a mathematical model to explain the effect of two doses of azilsartan (40 and 80 mg) upon metabolic (insulin resistance, glucose) and inflammatory parameters (cytokines) in function of "metabolic strata" like obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and their combinations.

Obesity Surgery, Counseling, and Psychological Well-Being
ObesityBariatric SurgeryObesity has become a global epidemic causing enormous human and economic costs. Incidence rates have doubled over the last few decades and obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases now constitute one of the major contributors to the global burden of disability. Overall, obesity has been recognized as one of the most pressing public health concerns worldwide and effective treatment and prevention strategies are urgently required. While behavioral and pharmacological treatments (e.g.low calorie diets, medication) are successful means for overcoming overweight and mild obesity, more severe cases of obesity usually fail to respond to such interventions. As a result, the demand for weight loss surgery is growing among this population. However, uncertainties about the effectiveness of obesity surgery persist and high relapse rates (i.e. weight regain) are common. Further research in this field is needed to identify risk factors that may trigger relapse and to understand patients' treatment needs in greater depth. Previous studies have pointed toward high levels of mental health problems among patients. However, the impact of preoperative psychopathology on actual surgery outcomes remains unclear. Similarly, few studies have investigated the effect of postoperative therapy on patients' psychological functioning and weight loss patterns. Research addressing these gaps is imperative to establish best-practice approaches. This challenge applies in particular to Middle East and North Africa(MENA) countries where research in the field of bariatric surgery and related mental health is largely missing. This is a major concern given the fact that the MENA region experienced the highest increase in overweight and obesity in recent decades compared to other countries. The proposed study aims to address this deficiency by examining obesity surgery patients in two Arab countries (UAE and Jordan). The goals of the project are to investigate the nature and extent of psychological health concerns among these patients before and after surgery and potential associations with treatment outcomes. Moreover, it will test the efficacy of post-operative counseling to improve weight loss and psychological health. For this purpose, a randomized clinical trial design will be employed so that cause and effect relationships between postoperative counseling and treatment outcomes(i.e. weight loss and psychological functioning) can be examined experimentally. The study will start by assessing participants' psychological health prior to surgery by using standardized self-report measures. After surgery, participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention condition consisting of 3-monthly post-operative medical checkups plus group counseling or the treatment as usual condition (i.e. 3-monthly standard medical checkups only). Additionally, participants' psychological health will be reassessed in both groups at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after surgery. The benefit of the experimental study design is that it allows comparing patient outcomes between groups while at the same time controlling for a wide range of potential confounding variables. The data collected are expected to make a significant contribution to the treatment challenge of one of the most pressing public health concerns worldwide. Study results will add to clinical practice by broadening and deepening our knowledge of the treatment needs of obese patients. By identifying psychological health concerns that may threaten successful treatment outcomes high-risk patient groups can be recognized early, which in turn may help to reduce postoperative weight regain and other complications. To the best of the PI's knowledge, the proposed work would be the first study of this kind in the Arab world. Findings will be helpful for developing culturally sensitive and evidence-based best-practice guidelines, which are vital to achieve satisfying long-term outcomes. Moreover, study results will be relevant for research communities and practitioners outside the MENA region since empirical support for the effectiveness of obesity surgery remains weak internationally.

SUCCESS Tracking Study
ObesityThe overall purpose of this research is to evaluate the long-term outcomes associated with participation in Medifast Direct and Take Shape For Life weight-loss programs in comparison with non-Medifast weight-loss programs. Another important goal of this research is to determine whether the differences between Medifast Direct and Take Shape For Life programs affect weight-loss and maintenance of weight-loss in customers.

Irbesartan Versus Amlodipine: The OBI Study
ObesityHypertensionObjective: To study the effectiveness of irbesartan 300mg and amlodipine 10 mg in 24h ambulatory blood pressure values in obese subjects To study the drug specific effect in arterial stiffness To study possible drug mechanisms in obesity (reduction of central adiposity and changing the ratio of leptin to adiponectin)

Childhood Overweight
Childhood ObesityChildhood OverweightTo evaluate the effects of a family-based intervention program intended for parents of pre-school children (4-6 y) with overweight and obesity (according to Cole et al), and to investigate if treatment has an effect on metabolic parameters. In a randomised controlled trial evaluate the three separate family based intervention programs and to investigate if treatment has an effect by correlating the parameters described above with BMI, before and after the intervention program.

A Randomized Controlled Double Blinding Study of Intradermal Acupuncture Treatment on Obesity
ObesityThe purpose of this study is to determine whether intradermal acupuncture is effective and safe in the treatment of obesity.

Long Term Follow up After 1 Year Initial Lifestyle Intervention
ObesityThe effect of non-surgical methods for obesity treatment are not fully documented. This study focus on the long term effect of an intensiv follow up (the "Evje Model") compared to a regular follow up. The "Evje Model" is a combined model, consisting of repeated stays at a specialist centre, telephone follow up at home, home groups, self monitoring and close contact with the patients' local physician.

Transoral Gastroplasty for the Treatment of Morbid Obesity
ObesityThe TOGA® trial is a prospective, multi-center, randomized sham-controlled trial designed to determine the safety and effectiveness of the TOGA System for the treatment of morbid obesity. The study will also determine the effect of the treatment on co-morbidities and quality of life. Subjects will be blinded to treatment or sham. Sham arm may crossover to TOGA treatment at 12 months.