RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

A Biological Atlas of Severe Obesity (Biological Tissue Collection)

This important study wants to understand better why some people develop severe obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are often linked. Researchers believe that both our genes and the world around us play a part, but how they work together isn't fully clear yet. If you're having certain surgeries like bariatric surgery, gall bladder removal, or hernia repair, and meet specific health criteria, you might be able to help. The study involves collecting tiny tissue samples during your operation. This will help scientists build a 'biological atlas,' which is like a detailed map, to show how different body tissues behave in people with and without these conditions. The goal is to find new ways to understand and eventually manage obesity and type 2 diabetes.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Lille

Enrolment target

20,000

Start

13 Jun 2006

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2027

Obesity Glucose Intolerance Diabetes

What is this study about?

Type 2 diabetes and severe obesity are very common health conditions that often go hand-in-hand. In fact, many people with type 2 diabetes also have obesity. Scientists now refer to this strong connection as 'diabesity'. We know that things like our genes (the instructions inside our bodies) and our environment (like what we eat and how active we are) all play a role in developing these conditions. However, we don't fully understand exactly how these factors interact or why some people are affected more than others.

This study, called 'A Biological Atlas of Severe Obesity,' is designed to help us uncover these important details. Think of it like creating a detailed map. Researchers want to collect tiny samples of different body tissues from volunteers during their planned surgeries. By looking closely at these samples, they can study how our genes are working in tissues that are important for how our bodies handle sugar and fat.

By gathering this information from many different people, scientists hope to build a clearer picture of how 'diabesity' develops. This deeper understanding could lead to new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat severe obesity and type 2 diabetes in the future. Your participation could make a real difference in advancing medical knowledge.

Key takeaways

The study investigates the links between genes, environment, severe obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Participation involves donating small tissue samples during your planned abdominal surgery.
It helps scientists create a 'biological map' to better understand these health conditions.
Eligibility depends on your age, planned surgery, and specific health status related to BMI and blood sugar.
Your involvement is safe and doesn't affect your surgery or add extra appointments.
Your contribution is valuable for future research and potential new treatments.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adult volunteers, aged between 18 and 65 years old. To take part, you must be planning to have abdominal surgery, such as weight-loss surgery (bariatric), gall bladder removal (cholecystectomy), or certain hernia repairs.

Crucially, you'll need to fit into one of several health profiles related to your body mass index (BMI) and blood sugar levels. This includes people with severe obesity, people with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes, people with severe obesity and slightly high blood sugar (glucose intolerance), or people with a healthy weight or moderate overweight who do not have diabetes. Your doctor will be able to check if your specific health situation matches the study's requirements.

There are also a few reasons why you couldn't join. For example, if you're unable to understand the study information clearly, or if a doctor believes that taking a small tissue sample during your surgery would be too risky for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Are you having abdominal surgery (like bariatric, gall bladder, or hernia repair)?
Do you have severe obesity, with or without diabetes or pre-diabetes?
Alternatively, do you have a healthy weight or moderate overweight and no diabetes, and are having one of the listed surgeries?
Can you understand the study information clearly and give your consent?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, your involvement would be quite straightforward as it mostly happens during your planned surgery. You won't need extra hospital visits just for the study.

Before your surgery, a doctor or nurse will explain the study to you in detail and ask you to sign a consent form if you agree to participate. During your scheduled abdominal operation (for example, bariatric surgery, gall bladder removal, or hernia repair), the surgical team will carefully collect very small samples of tissue. These samples are taken from areas that are already exposed during your surgery and are usually very tiny – often no larger than a grain of rice. This procedure will not change your planned surgery or how it's carried out.

After your surgery, there are no additional tests, medications, or follow-up appointments required specifically for this study. The samples will be analysed by researchers to help understand more about obesity and diabetes. Your participation is a one-off event linked to your surgery, and it won't add any extra time to your recovery.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is contributing to vital medical research. By donating small tissue samples, you'll help scientists better understand severe obesity and type 2 diabetes, potentially leading to new treatments in the future. For you personally, there are no direct health benefits from participating, but your contribution is immensely valuable to others. The risks associated with this study are very low, as the tissue samples are tiny and collected during surgery you are already undergoing. Your surgeon will ensure that taking these samples doesn't increase complications for your specific operation. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, without needing to give a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Lille University Hospital
Verified postcode
Lille, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'diabesity'?

'Diabesity' is a term used to highlight the strong link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, which often occur together.

Will taking part affect my surgery?

No, taking part will not change the way your surgery is performed or add any significant risk to your procedure. Samples are taken during your already planned operation.

How much tissue will be taken?

Very small amounts of tissue, usually no larger than a rice grain, will be collected. This is a tiny amount that won't harm you.

Will I get any results from the study?

You won't receive individual results, as the study looks at patterns across many people. The overall findings will be published to benefit future patients.

Can I change my mind after agreeing?

Yes, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, even after you've given consent. Just let your medical team know.

How to find out more

Francois PATTOU, MD PhD

fpattou@univ-lille2.fr Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.