Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Diet and WB-EMS Effects in Obesity

Turkey (Türkiye)40 participantsStarted 2026-09-01

Plain-language summary

Obesity is a major global health problem associated with metabolic dysfunction, altered adipokine signaling, and impaired appetite regulation. Conventional weight loss strategies such as calorie restriction often result in compensatory physiological adaptations, including increased appetite and loss of lean body mass, which may limit long-term effectiveness. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is an emerging, time-efficient intervention that induces simultaneous muscle activation and may improve metabolic health. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly the interaction between myokines and adipokines, remain insufficiently understood. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of an energy-restricted diet combined with WB-EMS on myokine-adipokine interaction, appetite regulation, and body composition in obese individuals. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a diet-only group or a diet plus WB-EMS group for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes include changes in serum irisin levels. Secondary outcomes include myostatin, leptin, adiponectin, FGF-21, ghrelin, GLP-1, body composition parameters, and eating behavior. The findings of this study are expected to provide novel insights into the physiological and molecular effects of WB-EMS as a complementary strategy in obesity management.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * Age between 18 and 65 years * Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² * Sedentary lifestyle (less than 2 hours of structured exercise per week) * Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator * Known cardiovascular disease or severe chronic illness * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Uncontrolled diabetes or severe metabolic disorders * Active malignancy or cancer treatment * Severe renal or hepatic failure * Acute infection or inflammatory disease * Orthopedic conditions limiting physical activity * Use of medications affecting body composition or appetite (e.g., corticosteroids, weight-loss drugs) * Regular resistance training within the last 3 months * Substance abuse, including alcohol or drug dependency * Psychiatric or cognitive conditions affecting adherence to the study protocol

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

Change in serum irisin levels

Timeframe: Baseline to 8 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07562724

SponsorFirat University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-01-20

Contact for this trial

Murat Acik, PhD

+90 544 111 81 24 macik@firat.edu.tr

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Obesity & Overweight trials