CRAVE Study: Comparing Craving Responses and Diet Quality of GLP1 Receptor Agonist Users

This study aims to evaluate the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications, specifically semaglutide and tirzepatide, on food cravings and diet quality among individuals diagnosed with overweight and obesity. Participants will be recruited through Knownwell Health clinical staff, who will refer eligible patients to the UCD research team for further information and screening.

At Knownwell Clinic, standard care for patients on GLP-1RA medications includes blood draws, blood pressure evaluations, body composition analysis (Seca), and indirect calorimetry testing. These procedures will be conducted at baseline (week 0), midpoint (weeks 8-12), and end of titration/max dose (week 24).

Participants will complete a series of virtual questionnaires on nutrition, eating habits, and diet quality, along with a 3-day food diary. Regular medical appointments will follow Knownwell Clinic's standards of care. Participants must procure their own GLP-1RA medication. This study adds questionnaires to assess: dietary quality (photo-based food records), hunger (hunger VAS survey) and food cravings (FCI-II) related to GLP-1RA use.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female, age 18.0-<70 years
• Obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI greater than or equal to 27.0 kg/m2) with the presence of at least one of the following weight-related comorbidities (treated or untreated): hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease and history of at least one self-reported unsuccessful dietary effort to lose body weight will be recruited.
• On stable regimen of medications that can affect weight or diabetes outcomes for at least 3 months (brief regimens of medications such as antibiotics, steroids, etc. are permitted)
• Weight stable (+/- 5%) over previous 3 months
• Be under the care of a physician who will be responsible for managing participant's treatment regimen
• Willingness to provide food diary data throughout trial
• Access to a smartphone/tablet that can download the food logging application
• Willing and able to provide a valid email address for use in the study
• Be able to communicate (oral and written) in English
• Be able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• History of weight loss surgery
• History of major surgery within three months of enrollment
• Recent weight fluctuations exceeding 5 kg within a 3-month period preceding screening
• Use of systemic hormonal therapies (contraceptive medication is allowed)
• History of Type 1 or type 2 diabetes, HgbA1c ≥ 6.5% (gestational diabetes is allowed)
• Hemoglobinopathy that interferes with measurement of HbA1c
• Treatment with any GLP-1 Receptor Agonist medication(s) within 90 days of screening
• Significant kidney or liver disease, malnutrition, or any condition that, in the investigator's judgment, should exclude participation
• Documented chronic diseases including thyroid disease, kidney disease, active cancer, previous cardiovascular events, history or presence of chronic pancreatitis, or other gastrointestinal issues
• Personal or first-degree relative(s) history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 or medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Current cancer or cancer treatment, or history of cancer or cancer treatment within the last 3 years, excluding specific cases
• Diagnosis or strong clinical suspicion of eating disorders
• Background of significant active or unstable major depressive disorder (MDD) or any other severe psychiatric disorder within the past 2 years
• Lifetime history of a suicide attempt
• History of gastroparesis or other gut dysmotility syndrome
• Prior use of other GLP-1RA or combination GIP/GLP-1RA medications or previous participation in any GLP-1RA trials
• Pregnant or lactating women, women planning to become pregnant in the next 12 months
• Multiple patient-reported food allergies/intolerances significantly limiting food intake
• Smoking, illicit drug use, vaporizer and/or electronic cigarette use
• Currently consuming >14 alcoholic drinks per week
• Extreme dietary or exercise patterns
• Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers)
• Individuals who are currently incarcerated or serving a prison sentence
• Individuals unable to provide informed consent due to factors such as mental incapacity or language barriers
• Any disorder, inability, or unwillingness to comply with the study protocol that may jeopardize patient safety or compliance, based on the investigator's opinion

Pregnancy and Other Exclusions during Trial:

• If a patient experiences a pregnancy, her data will be censored from the time of estimated conception, and she will be excluded from further participation.
• If a patient develops active cancer (except skin cancer), they will be excluded from further participation due to safety concerns/contraindications for weight loss.
• If a patient develops another exclusionary condition, such as unstable angina or another condition for which weight loss or exercise might be contraindicated, further participation will be determined by the Medical Monitoring Team (PI, Project Manager).