Scalp Hair Metabolomics in Severe Obesity

Last updated: February 11, 2026
Sponsor: Singapore General Hospital
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Hair Loss

Obesity

Diabetes Prevention

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT07368842
SGH_Hair01_2025
  • Ages 21-70
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

The purpose of this research study is to investigate how body weight and weight-loss surgery affect the natural chemicals found in scalp hair over time. We will also find out how common and severe hair thinning/hair loss and muscle loss are in the first 6 months after bariatric surgery.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

All subjects:

  1. Age 21-70 years

  2. Ability to provide informed consent

Healthy weight controls:

  1. BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2

  2. No chronic disease

  3. No long-term medications

Severe obesity:

  1. BMI of > 32.5 kg/m2

  2. Scheduled to undergo bariatric surgery

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Pregnancy

  2. Any factors likely to limit adherence to study protocol

  3. Any history of autoimmune or scarring alopecia (eg. alopecia areata, discoid lupus,lichen planopilaris)

Study Design

Total Participants: 60
Study Start date:
February 07, 2026
Estimated Completion Date:
February 29, 2028

Study Description

The investigators will recruit 30 subjects with severe obesity scheduled for bariatric surgery and 30 healthy-weight controls.

Following written informed consent, the investigators will collect the study subject's medical information, conduct a dietary and quality-of-life survey, take body measurements, obtain scalp photos, perform a hair-pull test, collect a hair sample, and conduct muscle strength testing. Controls will be assessed only at baseline. Those with severe obesity will return at 4 ± 2 weeks, 12 ± 4 weeks, and 26 ± 4 weeks following bariatric surgery to repeat the study procedures.

Connect with a study center

  • Singapore General Hospital

    Singapore 1880252,
    Singapore

    Active - Recruiting

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