Stanford Report, January 25, 2006

Weight-loss study needs volunteers

Researchers are looking for volunteers for a project to assess whether (and how) weight loss may improve overall health.

In the study, Gerald M. Reaven, MD, emeritus professor of medicine, and Tracey McLaughlin, MD, assistant professor of medicine, will compare the effects of weight loss and medication on fat cells and heart disease risk factors. Volunteers will be randomly assigned to two groups: Members in one will take a medication while those in the other group will be on a weight-loss program to decrease risk for heart disease.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be between ages 35 and 60 and be moderately overweight (a Body Mass Index between 27 and 35). All participants will receive a free medical exam, cholesterol panel and a test to evaluate risk for diabetes and heart disease. Those chosen to take a medication will receive a free four-week weight-loss program at the end of the study.

For more information, contact McLaughlin at 723-7024.