Research Center Looks to Battle Weight Issues with New Drug

Written by SPLURGE! Staff

World Obesity Day is March 4

Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, and what was once considered a wealthynation issue has expanded even into third-world countries. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults worldwide were overweight, with 650 million considered obese, resulting in obesity-related chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.

As groups across the world look at solutions to a global problem on World Obesity Day, March 4, a Wichita-area medical research center is doing its part by testing a drug that offers weight reduction and looks to improve obesityrelated diseases, like issues with blood pressure, blood sugar and liver function.

“We’ve seen obesity triple from 1975 to 2016, and it’s increasing in all the age groups — even in kids 5 and under,” said Dr. Terry Klein of Wichita, a partner at the Alliance of Multispecialty Research (AMR). “A large part of this is due to the cultural changes that have happened in the world, where jobs are less physically demanding and transportation is in an easier fashion than it used to be. In addition, foods that are highly dense in their energy content like fats and sugars are consumed more and more all the time.”

AMR is studying a diabetic medication that offers weight loss. Participants will be given either the study drug or a placebo, and all will receive education in diet and exercise, plus encouragement to lower their risk with lifestyle changes. The drug is in Phase 3, which means it has been tested widely with good results, and now thousands of participants nationwide will receive the drug and report on side effects and outcomes. If the FDA approves this phase, the drug will be ready to go to market.

Klein said the study is considered an outcome trial, where researchers look at measurable changes in health to assess the efficacy and safety of the drug over a long period of time. AMR is looking for candidates ages 18–80 who are either obese, or who are overweight and have another risk factor like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol or cardiovascular issues. “It’s a rather broad look that’s going to be done,” Klein said.

World Obesity Day

The theme for World Obesity Day 2023 is Changing Perspectives: Let’s Talk About Obesity. Established in 2015, the event was created with the goal of stimulating and supporting practical actions that will help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight and reverse the global obesity crisis.

Obesity is a complex condition that results from a combination of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. It is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, while anything higher than 25 BMI is considered overweight. The prevalence of obesity has been steadily increasing worldwide over the past few decades, with the World Health Organization estimating that there were over 650 million obese adults in 2016.

The World Obesity Federation hopes to use World Obesity Day to promote practical solutions for improving people’s health and preventing obesity. This includes advocating for healthier food choices, increased physical activity, and better healthcare policies and practices. The day also aims to reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by people with obesity, who often face social and economic disadvantages.

For more information on clinical trials or to participate, visit heartlandresearch.com or call 316-689-6635.