To Predict Weight Loss Response to Liraglutide (Saxenda®), From fMRI-based Determination of Food Cue Reactivity
NCT03795701 · Completed
Last updated 2026-05-28This clinical trial tests whether brain scans can predict how well adults with obesity will respond to the weight-loss medication liraglutide (Saxenda®) compared to a placebo.
What this study is testing ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03795701 ↗
Description as written by the study sponsor.
The study is a single center, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled; parallel-group repeated measures design. Subjects will be randomly assigned to either Saxenda® or placebo group after baseline assessments. The study will consist of a 4-week partial dose period (Liraglutide 0.6mg, 1.2mg, 1.8mg, 2.4 mg) and a 12-week full-dose (Liraglutide 3.0 mg) period. The placebo group will administer equivalent volumes of the pre-filled solutions from pen-injector at the same time, using the same method during this period. The study proposes to identify factors contributing to early weight loss response in a Saxenda® treatment program. Specifically, the proposed experiments will help determine if Saxenda® changes brain functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Food Cue Reactivity (fMRI-FCR) and whether the magnitude of that change is associated with changes in behavioral and physiological variables (hunger, satiety, cravings and weight loss).
Treatments tested
- Saxenda® also known as Liraglutide 3.0 Drug
Receiving escalating dose of Saxenda® for the first 4 weeks (0.6mg, 1.2mg, 1.8mg, 2.4 mg) and receiving full-dose (3.0 mg) for 12 weeks.
- Placebo Other
Receiving equivalent volumes of the pre-filled solutions from pen-injector as Liraglutide 3.0 group .
| Main thing measured | Compare the changes of pre-prandial fMRI-FCR in Liraglutide 3.0 vs. Placebo Group |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Texas Tech University |
| Conditions studied | Obesity |
| GLP-1 drugs | liraglutide |
Full protocol, eligibility, and contacts on ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03795701 ↗