Bethesda, MDNCT04714892Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Obesity Clinical Trial in Bethesda, MD

Access cutting-edge obesity treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Bethesda. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

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Expert Care in Bethesda

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IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related obesity treatment provided free

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Bethesda

    Convenient for MD residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Bethesda site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Obesity Study in Bethesda

Background: Changes to the sense of taste or smell can change eating behavior. This may contribute to obesity. Researchers want to see how taste and smell perceptions that affect food choices may differ between people with obesity and without obesity. Objective: To understand the role that senses of taste and smell play in food intake. Eligibility: Adults ages 18-65 with obesity and without obesity Design: Participants will be screened with a medical history and physical exam. They will have a neurological and sensory exam. They will give blood and urine samples. They will be checked for previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. They will complete questionnaires about their eating habits, alcohol use, and smoking history. Participants will have 2 study visits. Participants will give stool, urine, blood, hair, nasal, and saliva samples. These samples will be used for gene testing. Participants will have their weight, height, and hip and waist circumference measured. They will have an imaging scan that measures body composition. Participants will complete questionnaires about their health, eating habits, and food preferences. Participants will have taste tests and smell tests. They will have sensory tests to assess their response to stimuli. Participants will have a dietary assessment. They will complete a food diary and a diet history questionnaire. Participants will get a meal to eat. Data will be collected about their experience. Participants will complete a sleep diary and wear a watch to measure their activity....

Sponsor: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
Males and females between 18 to 65 years of age. Due to documented knowledge that taste and smell changes with age, we will limit the cohort within this age range.
BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m\^2 for healthy controls or between 30 and 39.9 kg/m\^2 for obese subjects
Fasted plasma glucose levels between 68-126 mg/dl or per Clinical Center ranges, and hemoglobin A1C\<6.5%
Able to provide his/her own consent
Able to understand the protocol, as shown by scoring a 6 out of 6 on a consent quiz

Exclusion Criteria

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
Because type-2 diabetic subjects have blunted taste responses, subjects with diagnosis of type II diabetes will be excluded.
Hypoglycemic drug intake.
Weight change of more than 15 pounds in the 6 months prior to screening
Positive pregnancy test, currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
Currently using any of the following medications: steroidal or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications, medications known to inhibit taste response (GLP1 agonists), antiepileptic or antidepressant agents, glucocorticoids, or antibiotics.
Received a diagnosis by a medical professional of morbid obesity, liver or renal disease.
Individuals with current heavy drinking. Women who drink 4 drinks or more in one occasion and 7 drinks in a week. Men who drink 5 drinks or more in one occasion and more than 14 drinks a week.
Use of tobacco products or illicit drugs (as determined by urine drug screen and/or history/physical exam) in the last 30 days.
Currently have an uncontrolled medical disorder (i.e., gastrointestinal, endocrine, cardiac, psychiatric).
Any self-reported history of chronic rhinitis, eating disorder (including binge eating), chronic upper respiratory infection, chronic allergic rhinitis, or nasal polyps in the last 6 months of screening, or current daily use of nasal sprays.
Abnormal complete blood count (CBC): White Blood Cell Count \< 4 or \> 10 K/uL, Red Blood Cell Count \< 4 or \> 7 M/uL, Hemoglobin \< 12 g/dL for females or \< 13 g/dL for males or any clinical signs/symptoms that indicate iron deficiency anemia per clinician s judgment at screening \[National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) definition (Anemia - Iron-Deficiency Anemia, Diagnosis NHLBI, NIH)\].
Bariatric surgery within the last 12 months of screening.
History of cancer (e.g., head and neck cancer) and/or history of cancer treatment (e.g., radiotherapy to the head and neck area or chemotherapy).
Altered cranial nerves identified by neurological evaluation during physical exam (screening visit).
Currently experiencing temporary change/loss of taste and/or smell.
Persistent loss of taste and/or smell due to COVID-19 or other reasons.
Unable to read and understand English. Since all self-report measures are in English only, participants need to be able to read and understand the English language.
NIAAA employees/staff or subordinates/relatives/co-workers of NIAAA employees/staff or study investigators.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Bethesda?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT04714892) has an active research site in Bethesda, MD that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Obesity Treatment Options in Bethesda, MD

If you're searching for obesity treatment options in Bethesda, MD, this clinical trial (NCT04714892) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Bethesda research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced obesity specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all obesity clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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