NCT05419726 · University of California, Los Angeles
Brown Adipose Tissue Activity in Response to Semaglutide Administered to Obese Subjects.
What this study is about
Glucagon like peptide (GLP-1) agonists, such as liraglutide, exenatide, and semaglutide, have been increasingly used as a medication to address the current twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity. Their activities include increasing insulin production by pancreatic beta cells, improving insulin sensitivity in muscles and weight loss.
View original scientific description
Glucagon like peptide (GLP-1) agonists, such as liraglutide, exenatide, and semaglutide, have been increasingly used as a medication to address the current twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity. Their activities include increasing insulin production by pancreatic beta cells, improving insulin sensitivity in muscles and weight loss. The mechanisms underpinning the weight loss caused by GLP-1 agonists have not yet been fully elucidated, but brown adipose tissue (BAT) appears to play an important role. We propose to assess BAT activity, using infrared thermography camera images, before individuals start weekly administration of semaglutide, at week 2-4, and week 18-20. We hypothesize that this GLP-1 agonist, semaglutide, will cause an increase in BAT activity and a corresponding increase in basal metabolic rate.
Interventions
DRUG
Semaglutide Injectable Product (not provided by the study)
Study Procedure: Subjects that are to be started on semaglutide by their physician will be invited to participate in the study. If the subject is eligible and signs the consent form they will be enrolled in the study. There are three (3) study visits including Baseline/Visit 1 (prior to starting semaglutide), Visit 2 (at week 2-4) and Visit 3 (at week 18-20). The subjects undergo these tests at each visit: weight circumference measured, BMR testing, thermal imaging of BAT, and perform a 24 hour food recall.
Primary outcome measures
change in supraclavicular temperature with cold exposure
Time frame: 20weeks
delta temperature
change in caloric intake
Time frame: 20weeks
caloric intake
basal metabolic rate
Time frame: 20 weeks
basal metabolic rate (ml O2/min or joule per hour per kg body mass)
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Subjects scheduled to start semaglutide for weight loss (drug not provided by or paid for by the study)
- \>18 years of age and willing to participate
- Male or post-menopausal females
Exclusion criteria
- History of prior neck surgery and /or neck irradiation
- Use of beta blocker agents
- Use of any other glucose lowering medication
- History of neuropathic disorders (e.g. diabetic neuropathy)
- Diabetic patients
- Individuals without normal thyroid function
- Individuals with cancer
- Any significant chronic disease or renal, hepatic or endocrine disease
- Current smokers
- Inability of patient to provide consent either for medical reasons or psychiatric reasons
Where
- Los Angeles, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
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Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 11, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations