You are invited to take part in a research study about the role of leptin (a fat cell hormone
that normally circulates in the blood) on maintaining a reduced body weight. This study will
also evaluate how leptin impacts hormone levels, metabolic rate (how many calories are used
at rest), autonomic nervous function (the part of your brain that controls your heart rate
and breathing), changes in body composition and your sense of appetite. Under normal
conditions, leptin is secreted by fat cells and signals to the brain to decrease appetite and
regulate energy usage and hormone levels. When obese individuals lose weight, their leptin
levels go down, which may cause them to later regain the weight. This study will provide
leptin as an investigational medication (not yet approved by the Food and Drug
Administration) to increase the levels of the leptin hormone that normally circulates in your
blood back to a normal range. We will see if this can help you to maintain your reduced body
weight and improve your hormonal and metabolic function.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Collaborator:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)