This study has several goals. They include examining individual characteristics that may predict
weight loss with lifestyle modification. The study will also examine the effectiveness of
phentermine in increasing weight loss for patients with slow early weight loss with lifestyle
modification alone.
All participants will receive the same lifestyle modification program of diet,
physical activity, and behavior therapy, which is currently recommended as the first-line
treatment for weight loss. After completing 4 weeks of this treatment, they will attend a progress
assessment visit in which they will review their weight loss with the research team.
Most participants (2 out of 3) are expected to successfully lose weight with lifestyle modification alone. Because early weight loss predicts later success, individuals whose weight
loss is on target are not likely to need additional tools to help them to succeed. These individuals
will continue to receive an additional 24 weeks of lifestyle modification to help them to achieve their goals.
For the minority of
participants who lose minimal weight with lifestyle modification, we will evaluate whether
adding the weight loss medication phentermine helps them to achieve greater weight loss, as
compared with being prescribed placebo. To do this, participants with slow early weight loss
after 4 weeks of treatment will be randomly assigned to either phentermine or placebo in
addition to continued participation in the lifestyle modification program for 24 more weeks.
To see if you may be eligible for this study, please complete the prescreening questions below. You may be asked some personal health questions. You do not have to answer any questions you do not wish to answer, and you may stop at any time. Answering these questions is voluntary. This means that, no matter what you decide to do, your decision will not affect your relationship with or care provided by the University of Pennsylvania.
The screening questions below do not send any information directly to the research team. None of your answers will be saved by the research team. If you appear to meet criteria, you can choose to notify the research team of your interest in the study through the iConnect system or by phone.
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