Trial Outcomes & Findings for Pharmacological and Behavioral Treatment After Bariatric Surgery: Acute (Stage 1) (NCT NCT04599478)

NCT ID: NCT04599478

Last Updated: 2026-08-26

Results Overview

Loss-of-control eating frequency is a continuous variable of loss-of-control eating episodes assessed using the Eating Disorder Examination interview; Loss-of-control eating frequency will be based on the past 28 days and defined as loss-of-control eating episodes per month.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE2/PHASE3

Target enrollment

92 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Post-treatment (4 months)

Results posted on

2026-08-26

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) + Naltrexone and Bupropion (NB) Medication
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and NB medication. The naltrexone and bupropion will be taken daily in pill form.
BWL + Placebo
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
NB Medication
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of NB medication taken daily in pill form.
Placebo
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
Overall Study
STARTED
24
22
24
22
Overall Study
COMPLETED
17
15
19
15
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
7
7
5
7

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Pharmacological and Behavioral Treatment After Bariatric Surgery: Acute (Stage 1)

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) + Naltrexone and Bupropion (NB) Medication
n=24 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and NB medication. The naltrexone and bupropion will be taken daily in pill form.
BWL + Placebo
n=22 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
NB Medication
n=24 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of NB medication taken daily in pill form.
Placebo
n=22 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
Total
n=92 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
45.42 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.54 • n=31 Participants
48.64 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.63 • n=49 Participants
47.67 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.54 • n=80 Participants
45.32 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.41 • n=29 Participants
46.75 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.49 • n=106 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
17 Participants
n=31 Participants
20 Participants
n=49 Participants
21 Participants
n=80 Participants
22 Participants
n=29 Participants
80 Participants
n=106 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
7 Participants
n=31 Participants
2 Participants
n=49 Participants
3 Participants
n=80 Participants
0 Participants
n=29 Participants
12 Participants
n=106 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=31 Participants
0 Participants
n=49 Participants
0 Participants
n=80 Participants
0 Participants
n=29 Participants
0 Participants
n=106 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
1 Participants
n=31 Participants
0 Participants
n=49 Participants
0 Participants
n=80 Participants
0 Participants
n=29 Participants
1 Participants
n=106 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=31 Participants
0 Participants
n=49 Participants
0 Participants
n=80 Participants
0 Participants
n=29 Participants
0 Participants
n=106 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
7 Participants
n=31 Participants
5 Participants
n=49 Participants
4 Participants
n=80 Participants
10 Participants
n=29 Participants
26 Participants
n=106 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
16 Participants
n=31 Participants
17 Participants
n=49 Participants
20 Participants
n=80 Participants
12 Participants
n=29 Participants
65 Participants
n=106 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants
n=31 Participants
0 Participants
n=49 Participants
0 Participants
n=80 Participants
0 Participants
n=29 Participants
0 Participants
n=106 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=31 Participants
0 Participants
n=49 Participants
0 Participants
n=80 Participants
0 Participants
n=29 Participants
0 Participants
n=106 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
5 Participants
n=31 Participants
5 Participants
n=49 Participants
2 Participants
n=80 Participants
5 Participants
n=29 Participants
17 Participants
n=106 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
19 Participants
n=31 Participants
17 Participants
n=49 Participants
22 Participants
n=80 Participants
17 Participants
n=29 Participants
75 Participants
n=106 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=31 Participants
0 Participants
n=49 Participants
0 Participants
n=80 Participants
0 Participants
n=29 Participants
0 Participants
n=106 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Post-treatment (4 months)

Loss-of-control eating frequency is a continuous variable of loss-of-control eating episodes assessed using the Eating Disorder Examination interview; Loss-of-control eating frequency will be based on the past 28 days and defined as loss-of-control eating episodes per month.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) + Naltrexone and Bupropion (NB) Medication
n=17 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and NB medication. The naltrexone and bupropion will be taken daily in pill form.
BWL + Placebo
n=15 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
NB Medication
n=19 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of NB medication taken daily in pill form.
Placebo
n=15 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
Loss-of-control Eating Frequency
3.71 episodes per the past 28 days
Standard Deviation 3.05
5.33 episodes per the past 28 days
Standard Deviation 6.49
5.58 episodes per the past 28 days
Standard Deviation 7.07
10.73 episodes per the past 28 days
Standard Deviation 11.85

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Post-treatment (4 months)

Percent weight loss is calculated based on change from pre-treatment to post-treatment at 4 months. Negative values indicate weight loss.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) + Naltrexone and Bupropion (NB) Medication
n=17 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and NB medication. The naltrexone and bupropion will be taken daily in pill form.
BWL + Placebo
n=15 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
NB Medication
n=19 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of NB medication taken daily in pill form.
Placebo
n=15 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
Percent Weight Loss
-6.19 percentage
Standard Deviation 4.70
-1.74 percentage
Standard Deviation 4.42
-3.94 percentage
Standard Deviation 4.98
-1.36 percentage
Standard Deviation 4.86

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Post-treatment (4 months)

Categorical: zero episodes/28 days

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) + Naltrexone and Bupropion (NB) Medication
n=24 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and NB medication. The naltrexone and bupropion will be taken daily in pill form.
BWL + Placebo
n=22 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
NB Medication
n=24 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of NB medication taken daily in pill form.
Placebo
n=22 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
Number of Participants With Loss-of-control Eating Remission
5 Participants
2 Participants
4 Participants
5 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Post-treatment (4 months)

Categorical: 5% weight loss

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) + Naltrexone and Bupropion (NB) Medication
n=24 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and NB medication. The naltrexone and bupropion will be taken daily in pill form.
BWL + Placebo
n=22 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
NB Medication
n=24 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of NB medication taken daily in pill form.
Placebo
n=22 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
Number of Participants With 5% Weight Loss
18 Participants
10 Participants
12 Participants
9 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Post-treatment (4 months)

Eating-disorder psychopathology is a continuous variable as assessed by the global score of the Eating Disorder Examination/Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire. Scores range from 0-6 (0=no eating-disorder psychopathology; 6=severe eating-disorder psychopathology).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) + Naltrexone and Bupropion (NB) Medication
n=17 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and NB medication. The naltrexone and bupropion will be taken daily in pill form.
BWL + Placebo
n=15 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
NB Medication
n=19 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of NB medication taken daily in pill form.
Placebo
n=15 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
Eating Disorder Psychopathology
0.95 scores on a scale ranging from 0-6
Standard Deviation 0.68
1.34 scores on a scale ranging from 0-6
Standard Deviation 0.85
1.44 scores on a scale ranging from 0-6
Standard Deviation 0.89
1.74 scores on a scale ranging from 0-6
Standard Deviation 0.86

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Post-treatment (4 months)

Depressive symptoms is a continuous variable of depressive symptomatology as assessed by the self-report measure, the Patient Health Questionnaire - 9. Scores range from 0-27 (0=no depressive symptoms, 27=greater depressive symptoms).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) + Naltrexone and Bupropion (NB) Medication
n=16 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and NB medication. The naltrexone and bupropion will be taken daily in pill form.
BWL + Placebo
n=15 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
NB Medication
n=18 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of NB medication taken daily in pill form.
Placebo
n=13 Participants
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
Depressive Symptoms
3.19 scores on a scale ranging from 0-27
Standard Deviation 3.25
3.93 scores on a scale ranging from 0-27
Standard Deviation 3.01
3.23 scores on a scale ranging from 0-27
Standard Deviation 3.51
3.77 scores on a scale ranging from 0-27
Standard Deviation 4.11

Adverse Events

NB Medication

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 22 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Placebo

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 12 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) + Naltrexone and Bupropion (NB) Medication

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 16 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

BWL + Placebo

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 14 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
NB Medication
n=23 participants at risk
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of NB medication taken daily in pill form.
Placebo
n=22 participants at risk
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) + Naltrexone and Bupropion (NB) Medication
n=21 participants at risk
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and NB medication. The naltrexone and bupropion will be taken daily in pill form.
BWL + Placebo
n=17 participants at risk
Participants randomly assigned to this arm will receive 16 weeks of BWL counseling and placebo. Placebo will be inactive and taken daily in pill form.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Abdominal Pain
17.4%
4/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
18.2%
4/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
14.3%
3/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
17.6%
3/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
Gastrointestinal disorders
Constipation
52.2%
12/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
22.7%
5/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
33.3%
7/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
29.4%
5/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhea
4.3%
1/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
9.1%
2/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
14.3%
3/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
17.6%
3/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea
39.1%
9/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
4.5%
1/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
33.3%
7/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
0.00%
0/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
Gastrointestinal disorders
Vomiting
4.3%
1/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
0.00%
0/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
9.5%
2/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
0.00%
0/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
Psychiatric disorders
Anxiety
21.7%
5/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
13.6%
3/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
23.8%
5/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
23.5%
4/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
Psychiatric disorders
Depression
0.00%
0/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
0.00%
0/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
4.8%
1/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
17.6%
3/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Cold
4.3%
1/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
0.00%
0/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
4.8%
1/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
17.6%
3/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
General disorders
Dizziness
47.8%
11/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
22.7%
5/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
14.3%
3/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
23.5%
4/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
General disorders
Dry Mouth
43.5%
10/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
13.6%
3/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
33.3%
7/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
17.6%
3/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
General disorders
Headache
39.1%
9/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
13.6%
3/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
28.6%
6/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
23.5%
4/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
General disorders
Insomnia
26.1%
6/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
18.2%
4/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
23.8%
5/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
17.6%
3/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
Nervous system disorders
Fatigue
17.4%
4/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
9.1%
2/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
9.5%
2/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
29.4%
5/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
Nervous system disorders
Hot Flush
26.1%
6/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
18.2%
4/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
9.5%
2/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
11.8%
2/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Sinusitis
8.7%
2/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
0.00%
0/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
0.00%
0/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
5.9%
1/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
Cardiac disorders
Hypertensive Crisis
0.00%
0/23 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
0.00%
0/22 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
4.8%
1/21 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up
11.8%
2/17 • From enrollment until end of treatment, up to 16 weeks
The denominator is based on adverse events data collected and excludes participants who dropped without any follow-up

Additional Information

Carlos M. Grilo, PhD

Yale School of Medicine

Phone: 203-785-2792

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place