At Obesity Matters, we believe everyone has a vital role to play in advancing our understanding of obesity and its treatments. We’re committed to providing opportunities for those living with obesity to contribute to the scientific process, and that’s why we’re proud to connect our community members with ongoing clinical trials in Canada.
Your participation can change the future of obesity treatment
Obesity isn’t just about numbers on a scale; it’s about health, longevity, and quality of life. Clinical trials are the bridge between scientific ideas and effective solutions. They’re where hope meets evidence, and where innovation meets rigorous testing. By participating in or supporting these clinical trials, we can accelerate our journey towards understanding obesity and developing new, effective treatments.
What is a clinical trial, anyway?
A clinical trial is a wide-reaching umbrella term used to describe and define a controlled scientific and health-related study that attempts to test the effectiveness and efficacy of one (or a combination) of the following:
- A new drug/medication
- Preventative techniques or solutions
- Invasive or non-invasive surgeries
- Behavior-based solutions
The overarching goal of clinical trials, meanwhile, are to test and identify if new treatments are safe and effective for treating a myriad of health-related difficulties and issues.
How many clinical trial phases are there, and what are they?
There are four phases of clinical trials. Specifically:
- Phase 1: This phase of a clinical trial is the introductory phase, and focuses on a small group of people (normally 20-100) who are either healthy or have a specific condition. This is the first time the proposed solution has been tested upon humans. Specifically, three variables are tested: (1) dosage, (2) safety, and (3) adverse side effects. This phase can last anywhere from a handful of weeks, to multiple months.
- Phase 2: This phase, meanwhile, expands in both the number of participants (up to a few hundred) as well as the timing (up to 2 years). The focus of phase 2 trials is on the effectiveness and side effects of the proposed drug, solution, or surgery. As a direct result, this phase of a clinical trial only involves those who are affected with the specific condition that the solution is striving to improve/fix.
- Phase 3: Phase 3 clinical trials once again expand in participants (up to 3,000) and time (up to a few years). A wide range of individuals are tested, but each participant will have the respective condition. Meanwhile, differing dosages are tested, while the effects of the new solution will now be compared and contrasted to pre-existing, regulated treatments. After this phase is completed, the new treatment may be approved for public consumption and use by regulatory agencies
- Phase 4: After the treatment is approved, it continues to be studied and monitored for specific side effects and efficacy. This phase is ongoing, involves several thousand people, and can be ongoing for several years.
Benefits of Participation in Clinical Trials
Access to New Treatments: Those who participate in clinical trials may have early access to the latest treatments or interventions that are not yet widely available to the public. This can be particularly beneficial if existing treatments have not been effective for an individual.
Close Monitoring: Participants in clinical trials receive close monitoring by a team of medical professionals. This can result in a better understanding of one’s health and potentially improved management of their condition.
Potential for Broader Healthcare Improvement: Successful clinical trials can lead to the development and approval of new treatments. These can benefit not only the current participants but also countless future individuals who are affected by obesity.
Empowerment: Taking an active role in one’s health care, such as by participating in a clinical trial, can be empowering for many individuals. It gives them a sense of control and involvement in their healthcare journey.
Increasing Awareness: As more people from the Obesity Matters community participate in research, it increases awareness of the challenges faced by those with obesity and can help destigmatize the condition.
Valuing Your Commitment: Eligible participants may receive the investigational treatment at no cost and may also be compensated for their time and travel.
Diverse Data Collection: Diversity in clinical trial participants ensures that results are applicable to a wider population. Encouraging participation from all demographics and backgrounds can make the findings more relevant and accurate.
Advocacy: Participation can also serve as a form of advocacy, signaling to the medical community and policymakers the importance of continued research and intervention in the area of obesity.
Current Opportunities
We’re currently looking for participants for a range of obesity-related clinical trials. Each study is an opportunity to contribute to research that could lead to new, more effective treatments and strategies.
Participant Requirements
Different studies have different requirements, but you might be a good fit if you:
- Are 18 years or older.
- Have a BMI of 30 or higher, or >27 with a chronic condition like diabetes or hypertension
- Have tried and failed to lose weight through diet and exercise on your own
Please note: Other criteria may apply depending on the specifics of the trial.
Getting Started
To find out if you’re eligible for any of the current trials, start by completing our online eligibility questionnaire. If it looks like you might be a good fit, we’ll connect you with obesity studies that are currently recruiting participants. Studies come with potential risks as well as potential benefits, and these are detailed in the informed consent form that will be provided by the study site. Before starting any trial, it’s important to have a thorough discussion with your primary healthcare provider.
Eligibility questionnaire:
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Patient Support and Advocacy
We understand that participating in a clinical trial can be a big decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. From answering your questions about the process to connecting you with past trial participants who can share their experiences, we’re here for you.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to know more about participating in clinical trials, please feel free to contact us: info@obesity-matters.com
