Trial Information

Summary: Energy Homeostasis in Human Obesity and Effects of Low-Dose Leptin on the Metabolic/Behavioral Phenotypes of the Formerly Obese

These studies involve a series of tests which are run on weight-reduced individuals. Initially the subjects will be placed on a liquid formula diet with the number of calories needed to maintain their weight stably. After their weight has been stable for two weeks, they undergo a series of tests involving exercise, blood sampling, photos, muscle and fat biopsies, breathing measurements, body composition testing, MRI, and endocrine tests. This testing period lasts about three weeks. When it has been completed, subjects begin leptin treatment. This includes twice daily leptin injections and twice daily questionnaires which track how the subject feels. After being on leptin treatment for two weeks the subjects repeat the series of tests which were done earlier. All in all, the study is expected to last twelve weeks. Subjects may stay on for further weight loss without payment, provided that they are willing to undergo a third round of testing. Subjects are inpatients in a hospital research unit and are confined to the hospital for the duration of the study. Regular exercise is mandatory. Pays $40/day.

Study Criteria:

• Healthy
• Age: 18-45
• Weighing less than 400 lbs.
• Normal blood pressure
• Normal blood sugar
• Normal cholesterol

Subjects must have proof that they successfully decreased their maximal body weight by at least 10%.

Must be able to undergo exercise on a stationary bike.

If you would like to learn more about participating in this study, please send an e-mail message using the form below.