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Clinical Research

We design, implement and evaluate weight management/obesity protocols with the goal of increased understanding of obesity as a disease and its related co-morbid conditions. Our research strengthens the clinical work that we do. As obesity experts we gain additional experience with medications before they become available and maintain an ongoing connection with scientists in the field.

 

At WCWMR, we typically conduct several trials a year examining the effects of different drugs on weight loss, and on improving metabolic conditions. We continuously recruit for people interested in participating in clinical research studies. Many of the trials include a lifestyle intervention including dietary and behavioral support.

 

Each study has different requirements and obligations. Intervention intensity varies with each protocol. All drug trials are placebo controlled. We would be happy to discuss current studies for which you might be eligible. There is no cost for participation in research trials.

 

Some of our participants find that by being involved in a clinical research trial they get the benefit of:

 

  • Making a contribution to the understanding of obesity.

  • A structured routine with regular check-ins, weigh-ins and ongoing support.

  • A lifestyle intervention including dietary and/or behavioral support.

  • An opportunity to try a new therapy that may make a difference in helping with weight loss (in trials, you have the possibility of not receiving active medication, called a placebo).

  • A commitment to a year or more of the study structure helps solidify behavioral change.

 

We have participated in research collaborations with the following institutes: NIH, Medical University of South Carolina, GW University Division of Exercise Science, Georgetown University, University of MD and USUHS. 

 

Our involvement with clinical research has resulted in several recent articles:

Holland-Carter L, Tuerk PW, Wadden TA, Fujioka KN, Becker LE, Miller-Kovach K, Hollander PL, Garvey WT, Weiss D, Rubino DM, Kushner RF, Malcolm RJ, Raum WJ, Hermayer KL, Veliko JL, Rost SL, Sora ND, Salyer JL, O’Neil PM. Impact on psychosocial outcomes of a nationally available weight management program tailored for individuals with type 2 diabetes: Results of a randomized controlled trial. J Diabetes Complications. 2017 May;31(5):891-897. doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2017.01.022. Epub 2017 Feb 16.

 

O’Neil PM, Miller-Kovach K, Tuerk PW, Becker LE, Wadden TA, Fujioka K, Hollander PL, Kushner RF, Timothy Garvey W, Rubino DM, Malcolm RJ, Weiss D, Raum WJ, Salyer JL, Hermayer KL, Rost SL, Veliko JL, Sora ND Randomized controlled trial of a nationally available weight control program tailored for adults with type 2 diabetes. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2016 Nov;24(11):2269-2277. 

 

Greenway FL, Shanahan W, Fain R, Ma T, Rubino D. Safety and tolerability review of lorcaserin in clinical trials. Clin Obes. 2016 Oct;6(5):285-95. doi: 10.1111/cob.12159. Review.

 

Apovian C, Palmer K, Fain R, Perdomo C, Rubino D. Effects of lorcaserin on fat and lean mass loss in obese and overweight patients without and with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the BLOSSOM and BLOOM-DM studies. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2016 Sep;18(9):945-8. doi: 10.1111/dom.12690. Epub 2016 Jun 22

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