Active clinical trials for "Obesity"

Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of hypertension. Based on population studies, risk estimates indicate that at least two-thirds of the prevalence of hypertension can be directly attributed to obesity. Obesity per se is commonly associated with activation of the sympathetic nervous system with a predominant increase in sympathetic outflow to the kidneys and the peripheral vasculature and there is now conclusive evidence that heightened sympathetic nerve activity is a major contributor to the elevation in blood pressure associated with obesity, particularly in young subjects. In line with these findings, dietary weight loss has repeatedly been demonstrated to result in reduced sympathetic nerve activity and lower blood pressure levels. Several lines of evidence have well documented the significant role of SNS activation in obesity associated hypertension and target organ damage. Weight loss is the preferred treatment option for obesity and its consequences and reduces both SNS activation and blood pressure. In the real world however, weight loss maintenance is rarely achieved in obese patients highlighting the urgent need for alternative treatment strategies. Given the crucial involvement of SNS activation in various aspects of the obesity related increase in blood pressure, target organ damage and cardiovascular risk, the use of sympatho-inhibitory agents at an early stage is an obvious choice. The investigators therefore plan to examine the effects of the centrally sympatholytic agent moxonidine on blood pressure and the morning surge in blood pressure, sympathetic activity, regression of early target organ damage (heart, kidney and endothelium), metabolic and inflammatory markers in young obese subjects with hypertension in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial with the angiotensin receptor blocker irbesartan as an active comparator to achieve similar blood pressure reductions in both groups. The investigators hypothesize that moxonidine treatment will result in significant improvements in these outcome parameters and beneficial effects beyond simple blood pressure reduction. Findings from this study could pave the way for an early and pathophysiology- tailored treatment strategy of obesity related hypertension and its detrimental consequences.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect that obesity may have on the nonsurgical treatment (with and without the adjunct use of metronidazole) of destructive periodontal diseases (chronic periodontitis).

This study will determine if the drug metformin, coupled with diet and exercise counseling, will help obese adolescents lose weight.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are occurring at epidemic rates in the United States and worldwide. The global burden of diabetes is estimated to double over the next 25 years. Obese children are at risk for the development of insulin resistance, relative insulin deficiency and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The prevention of type 2 DM is hindered by the lack of a non-invasive predictive test, knowledge as to individual risk and effective preventative measures. There is increasing evidence that alterations in mitochondria contribute to the development of diabetes in humans. Therefore, it is important to explore mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential predictor of diabetes in children and a potential target for prevention. The aims of the proposed protocol are to determine whether an intensive exercise intervention can improve mitochondrial function in children identified as having mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance. The use of a non-invasive imaging technique will allow for a functional in vivo assessment of mitochondrial activity. The investigators propose the investigation of an intensive exercise protocol designed to improve mitochondrial function in children who are insulin resistant and have documented mitochondrial dysfunction by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The study is designed to investigate the plasticity of abnormal mitochondrial function in high risk children. In summary, the proposed projects will investigate mitochondrial function as a non-invasive predictive marker for the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and attempt to modify mitochondrial function with an intensive exercise intervention. The study of mitochondrial dysfunction in children may both identify those at risk for disease and provide a molecular therapeutic target for prevention and treatment. The investigators hypothesize that children with insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction who are randomized to intensive exercise versus standard lifestyle advice will show improvement in mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity.

Obesity is associated with an impaired functioning HDL (good cholesterol) resulting in an acceleration in the development of atherosclerosis. This study will evaluate HDL functionality in patients with BMI (Body Mass Index) 20 - 25 and BMI >30

Obtain long-term follow-up results for bariatric patients who underwent medical management or surgery for treatment of morbid obesity by Ohio State University Medical Center (OSUMC).

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is comparing the improvement of diurnal PaCO2 in OHS patients after one month of NIV treatment depending upon the tools used for adjusting settings. In one arm settings will be adjusted using only nocturnal oxygen SaO2 and PaCO2 at awakening whereas in the other arm patients will benefit from a complete polysomnography under NIV.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, preliminary efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of two 14-day cycles of escalating oral doses of MP 101 in 100 obese adult subjects.

To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of intragastric balloon and Sibutramine (Reductil®) in the treating of non-morbid obese in a randomized controlled manner

The primary objectives of this randomized clinical trial are a) to implement and test the impact of a 1-year lifestyle obesity treatment program based on Self-Determination Theory on 3-year change in physical activity and motivation for exercise/physical activity, body weight and fat, and selected eating variables, b) to identify behavioral and psychosocial theory-based moderators or mediators of primary outcomes, especially physical activity and body weight.