LightWAY
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Intensive weight loss intervention versus usual care for adults with severe and complex obesity: the LightWAY randomised trial
IRAS ID
331016
Contact name
Susan Jebb
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 10 months, 30 days
Research summary
People living with obesity are at increased risk of ill-health. It worsens their quality of life, puts pressure on healthcare resources and reduces economic productivity. Research has identified a number of treatments that can help people lose enough weight to improve their health, but only a small proportion of people are offered treatment within the NHS. For those living with severe and complex obesity, the treatment could include weight loss surgery.
This trial is being run in both Denmark and the UK, and the intervention will be delivered by specialist weight management hubs. Initially patients will be encouraged to use a low-energy total diet replacement (TDR) programme. Research shows this leads to an average weight loss of 15% after 6 months, followed by gradual weight regain. If weight loss is less than expected, patients will be offered weight loss medications, with the aim of them being able to lose 20% of their starting weight, and maintain this weight loss, for 2 years. We will compare this new approach to locally available weight management services that are appropriate for these participants.
This trial will establish whether this new approach to weight management is acceptable and sustainable for participants, practical for existing healthcare systems to use, whether it leads to improved outcomes for patients and if it is good value for money.
This trial is part of a programme of work to test this intervention in three different sets of people with varying levels of obesity and associated health conditions. In this trial we will test whether this new, combined intervention of TDR, weight loss medication and coaching can lead to people losing more weight compared with the weight management programmes that are already available within primary and secondary care for people with complex and severe obesity.REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SC/0211
Date of REC Opinion
20 Aug 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion