CompletedPhase 1

Integrating the Genetic and Metabolic Faces of Obesity

United States88 participantsStarted 2005-10

Plain-language summary

The goal of this study is to determine why some obese individuals develop insulin resistance and others do not. We hypothesize that an impairment in differentiation of fat cells (adipocytes) is responsible for the development of insulin resistance in select obese individuals. This study will evaluate obese individuals at baseline with respect to characteristics of adipocytes, including gene expression, and will then entail randomizing subjects to either weight loss or treatment with an insulin sensitizing drug (pioglitazone). Changes in insulin resistance will be associated with changes in adipocyte morphology and gene expression.

Who can participate

Age range

30 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * nondiabetic defined as fasting plasma glucose \< 126 mg/dL * body mass index 27 to 35 kg/m2 * no major organ diseases * able to come to Stanford for regular clinical research center visits * English speaking or has own translator Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy/lactation * history of eating disorder or major psychiatric illness * allergy to thiazolidinedione * elevation of liver enzymes (\> 2.5 times upper normal limit)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Adipose Cell Size Distribution

Timeframe: 2005-2012

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00285844

SponsorStanford University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2012-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Insulin Resistance trials