Intensive Weight Loss Intervention Versus Bariatric Surgery for Adults With Severe and Complex Obesity: the LightBAR Randomised Trial
Key facts
- Where
- Aarhus, Esbjerg, Hvidovre, and Viborg, DenmarkSee the 4 sites
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
Source: NCT06309238, who can take part
Where in Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus Universitets HospitalAarhus, DenmarkTaking people
- The Department of Medicine and Department of Surgery, University Hospital of South West JutlandEsbjerg, DenmarkTaking people
- The Department of Medicine and the Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and HvidovreHvidovre, DenmarkTaking people
- Department of Surgery, Viborg Regional HospitalViborg, DenmarkTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Carsten Dirksen
- Trial code
- NCT06309238
- Record updated
- 21 August 2026
- Original description
With this trial, the aim is to assess the benefits and harms of a non-surgical intensive weight loss intervention that includes total dietary replacements, behavioural support and weight-loss medication compared with bariatric surgery for people with severe and complex obesity. The interpretation of the results will help inform future care pathways for people with obesity in whom bariatric surgery is currently the only available effective treatment option.Read full original descriptionShow less
Intensive Weight Loss Intervention Versus Bariatric Surgery for Adults With Severe and Complex Obesity: the LightBAR Randomised Trial. Lighthouse Consortium on Obesity Management (LightCOM) Trial no 4
With this trial, the aim is to assess the benefits and harms of a non-surgical intensive weight loss intervention that includes total dietary replacements, behavioural support and weight-loss medication compared with bariatric surgery for people with severe and complex obesity. The interpretation of the results will help inform future care pathways for people with obesity in whom bariatric surgery is currently the only available effective treatment option.
Inclusion: Aged 18 to 60 years (inclusive) at time of screening; Eligible for and willing to undergo bariatric surgery, i.e., fulfilment of criteria for bariatric surgery from the respective national health authorities:; DK: BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 with one or more of the following: T2D, severe hypertension, sleep apnoea requiring treatment, symptomatic arthrosis in lower extremities, female infertility related to overweight, or BMI>40 kg/m2 with other strong medical reasons for weight loss (28). Prior to surgery, an 8% weight loss is required as well as smoking cessation; UK: BMI of 35 kg/m2 to 40 kg/m2 and other significant disease (e.g., type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure), or BMI ≥40 kg/m2. Has been or is willing to receive intensive management in a specialist tier 3 obesity service (29); Fit for anaesthesia and surgery; Informed consent.
Exclusion: Prior bariatric or hiatal surgery, not including intragastric balloons or duodenal-jejunal bypass sleeve (Endobarrier™ or similar) if the device has been removed >1 year before screening; Conditions that contraindicate or complicate treatment with GLP-1 receptor analogues (including history of pancreatitis or known allergies); Conditions that contraindicate or complicate bariatric surgery (GI motility disorders, large abdominal wall hernia, large hiatus hernia (>5cm), Crohn's disease, liver cirrhosis, or other conditions preventing laparoscopic bariatric surgery e.g. multiple previous abdominal surgery); Not achieving a 5% weight loss within 12 weeks prior to randomisation; Use of any WLM (including liraglutide and semaglutide for diabetes) within last 3 months; Conditions that contraindicate or complicate total diet replacement (including type 1 diabetes or other diabetes requiring basal bolus insulin therapy or insulin pump therapy (for Denmark) and any diabetes requiring insulin therapy (for UK), phenylketonuria, or other conditions requiring strict adherence to special diets); Conditions that contraindicate or complicate study adherence and bariatric surgery (mental disorder, unstable psychiatric disease, recent history of alcohol/medication abuse, cancer treatment within 5 years); Diagnosis of or treatment for severe eating disorder within the last 6 months; Pregnant or planning pregnancy in the next two years or currently breast feeding; People taking part in other research involving multidisciplinary obesity treatment that would compromise their participation in this trial; Another member of the household enrolled in the trial.
Please note that participants need to be invited in order to take part in the trial.