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GLP-1 Therapy After Bariatric Surgery in Chinese Patients With Obesity

The Efficacy and Safety of Adjuvant GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy Following Metabolic Bariatric Surgery in Chinese Patients With Obesity: A Prospective, Monocentric, Stratified Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07633639
Enrollment
200
Registered
2026-06-08
Start date
2026-05-01
Completion date
2028-05-01
Last updated
2026-06-08

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Obesity

Keywords

obesity, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists, Metabolic Bariatric Surgery, Semaglutide, Mazdutide, Tirzepatide

Brief summary

Obese patients exhibit considerable heterogeneity and complex comorbidities, making long-term effective management challenging with monotherapy. While bariatric surgery remains the most effective weight-loss intervention, postoperative weight regain and metabolic deterioration remain significant concerns. glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) offer distinct advantages for weight loss and metabolic control, and their combination with surgery may produce synergistic effects. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of bariatric surgery combined with adjuvant GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy for Chinese patients with obesity.

Detailed description

Bariatric surgery is guideline-recommended as an effective obesity treatment. Substantial evidence demonstrates its ability to significantly reduce weight, improve comorbidities like type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and dyslipidemia, and lower cardiovascular risk. However, the significant heterogeneity and complex comorbidity profiles among obese patients challenge long-term effective management with single therapeutic approaches. While currently the most effective weight-loss intervention, bariatric surgery requires attention to issues such as postoperative weight regain and metabolic deterioration. In parallel, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have demonstrated significant efficacy in obesity management. Agents like Semaglutide promote weight loss and metabolic improvement through mechanisms including insulin secretion promotion, appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying, and enhanced satiety. Tirzepatide, as the first approved GLP-1/GIP dual-target agonist, demonstrates superior hypoglycemic and weight loss effects compared to Semaglutide through its synergistic interaction with GLP-1. Mazdutide, the first GLP-1/GCG dual-target agonist to enter phase III clinical trials in China, promotes fatty acid oxidation and energy consumption while acting synergistically with GLP-1's appetite-suppressing effect. It can effectively reduce liver fat content while achieving weight loss. Given the distinct advantages of both bariatric surgery and GLP-1RA therapy in weight and metabolic control, this study will combine these modalities into a comprehensive treatment strategy. We will compare the long-term safety and effectiveness of different combination regimens for weight management and metabolic improvement in Chinese patients with obesity.

Interventions

COMBINATION_PRODUCTLSG-Semaglutide group

1. Basic Treatment Measures Within 0-30 days after sleeve gastrectomy, all patients received very low-calorie enteral nutrition powder (100 kcal/day). From 30 to 90 days post-surgery, a low-energy diet (400 kcal/day) was provided. Beyond 90 days post-surgery, a calorie-restricted diet was implemented (1,500 kcal/day for men and 1,200 kcal/day for women). 2. In addition to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and postoperative basic nutritional counseling,the LSG-Semaglutide group received subcutaneous semaglutide injections from 1 to 6 months postoperatively.The specific protocol was as follows:In the intervention group, semaglutide treatment was initiated at 1 month after LSG. The starting dose was 0.25 mg per week and was subsequently titrated up based on individual patient response to a maximum maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week. The treatment continued until the completion of the 6-month postoperative period.

COMBINATION_PRODUCTLSG-Mazdutide group

1. Basic Treatment Measures Within 0-30 days after sleeve gastrectomy, all patients received very low-calorie enteral nutrition powder (100 kcal/day). From 30 to 90 days post-surgery, a low-energy diet (400 kcal/day) was provided. Beyond 90 days post-surgery, a calorie-restricted diet was implemented (1,500 kcal/day for men and 1,200 kcal/day for women). 2. In addition to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and postoperative basic nutritional counseling,the LSG-Mazdutide group received subcutaneous Mazdutide injections from 1 to 6 months postoperatively.The specific protocol was as follows:In the intervention group, Mazdutide treatment was initiated at 1 month after LSG. The starting dose was 2 mg per week and was subsequently titrated up based on individual patient response to a maximum maintenance dose of 6 mg per week. The treatment continued until the completion of the 6-month postoperative period.

COMBINATION_PRODUCTLSG-Tirzepatide group

1. Basic Treatment Measures Within 0-30 days after sleeve gastrectomy, all patients received very low-calorie enteral nutrition powder (100 kcal/day). From 30 to 90 days post-surgery, a low-energy diet (400 kcal/day) was provided. Beyond 90 days post-surgery, a calorie-restricted diet was implemented (1,500 kcal/day for men and 1,200 kcal/day for women). 2. In addition to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and postoperative basic nutritional counseling,the LSG-Tirzepatide group received subcutaneous Tirzepatide injections from 1 to 6 months postoperatively.The specific protocol was as follows:In the intervention group, Tirzepatide treatment was initiated at 1 month after LSG. The starting dose was 2.5 mg per week and was subsequently titrated up based on individual patient response to a maximum maintenance dose of 10 mg per week. The treatment continued until the completion of the 6-month postoperative period.

PROCEDURELSG group

1. Basic Treatment Measures Within 0-30 days after sleeve gastrectomy, all patients received very low-calorie enteral nutrition powder (100 kcal/day). From 30 to 90 days post-surgery, a low-energy diet (400 kcal/day) was provided. Beyond 90 days post-surgery, a calorie-restricted diet was implemented (1,500 kcal/day for men and 1,200 kcal/day for women). 2. Observation Group: Received only basic nutritional recommendation interventions after surgery.

Sponsors

China-Japan Friendship Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Masking description

The decision to add GLP-1RAs as adjuvant therapy after sleeve gastrectomy, including which specific drug to use, is made by the attending physicians based on each patient's clinical condition. The researchers do not intervene in the treatment assignment for any patient.

Intervention model description

Non-randomized assignment: A total of 200 eligible patients were assigned to either the Semaglutide(n=50) 、Mazdutide (n=50)、Tirzepatide(n=50)、control(n=50) group. 1. All participants underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Basic Treatment Measures Within 0-30 days after sleeve gastrectomy, all patients received very low-calorie enteral nutrition powder (100 kcal/day). From 30 to 90 days post-surgery, a low-energy diet (400 kcal/day) was provided. Beyond 90 days post-surgery, a calorie-restricted diet was implemented (1,500 kcal/day for men and 1,200 kcal/day for women). 2. Exposure Factor: GLP-1RA was initiated at 1 month after surgery. 3. Grouping 3.1Control Group: Received only basic nutritional recommendation interventions after surgery. 3.2Treatment Group: Initiated Semaglutide,Mazdutide,Tirzepatide at 1 month after surgery.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Patients undergoing initial laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). 2. obesity:BMI ≥30 kg/m². 3. Metabolic comorbidities: Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) meeting standard criteria. 4. Age range: 18-60 years (inclusive). 5. Informed consent: Willing participation with documented consent.

Exclusion criteria

1. Recent GLP-1RA use: Treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists within 6 months preoperatively. 2. Prior bariatric surgery: History of any metabolic/bariatric surgical procedure. 3. Postoperative complications: Requiring reoperation for severe complications (e.g., hemorrhage, anastomotic leak). 4. Non-indicated candidates: Patients not meeting standard bariatric surgery indications. 5. Significant comorbidities: 5.1Advanced hepatic/renal dysfunction (Child-Pugh C or eGFR \<30 mL/min/1.73m²). 5.2Active malignancy (except non-melanoma skin cancers). 5.3Autoimmune disorders requiring immunosuppression. 5.4Uncontrolled psychiatric conditions (e.g., active psychosis, severe depression).

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frame
Percentage of weight loss.Immediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Secondary

MeasureTime frame
Weight in kilogramsImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Waist circumference in centimetersImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Hip circumference in centimetersImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Blood pressureImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Serum creatinineImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Glomerular filtration rateImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Fasting blood glucoseImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Average blood glucose from continuous glucose monitoringImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Postprandial 2-hour blood glucoseImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
HbA1cImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Urinary microalbuminImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Total cholesterolImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Low-Density Lipoprotein(LDL)Immediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
TriglyceridesImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Alanine Aminotransferase(ALT)Immediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Aspartate Aminotransferase(AST)Immediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
urine microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR)Immediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
uric acid(UA)Immediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
body fat percentage(BFP)Immediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Visceral fat areaImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Muscle mass in kilogramsImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Body fat percentageImmediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
lean body mass (LBM)Immediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
lean body mass percentage (LBMP)Immediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Liver Stiffness Measurement(LSM)Immediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Controlled Attenuation Parameter(CAP)Immediately postoperatively (Day 0), and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Countries

China

Contacts

CONTACTYishan Huang, Ph.D
yuanwen0920@163.com+8618612256920

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Jun 9, 2026