Current Studies

Tailoring obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus management: Exploring the impact of semaglutide on energy expenditure (SPEED study)

We aim to understand how the medication semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy ®), which helps individuals lose weight and treat type 2 diabetes, influences their body's energy utilization. When a person loses weight, the amount of energy they use is reduced, and they often feel hunger, making it harder to maintain the weight loss. Semaglutide appears promising in controlling appetite and reducing weight, but its impact on the way our bodies burn calories remains a topic of debate. Our 6-month study aims to understand the effects of long-term use of semaglutide on energy expenditure and body composition in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

As a token of appreciation, participants will receive a gift card at the end of the research study. We would be thrilled to have you take part in our research study! Scan the QR code and fill out our survey today https://redcap.link/SPEED25.

Contact information: speed25@ualberta.ca or (780) 492-6156.

Eligibility: 

  • 18 to 50 years old
  • Body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²
  • Elevated waist circumference (i.e., ≥102cm males, ≥88cm females)
  • Controlled type 2 diabetes (≥6 months of diagnosis)
  • Willing to start using semaglutide per your physician's decision/prescription and able to acquire the medication on your own.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Andrea Haqq and Dr. Sarah Cawsey

 

Pediatric assessment with 3-Dimensional Scanners (P3DS Study)

Three-dimensional optical body scanners have emerged as novel, non-invasive, accessible, and feasible approaches for body composition assessment; however, these techniques require validation in pediatrics. We are recruiting adolescents ages 10-18 to test the validity and repeatability of two novel 3D optical scanner systems.
For more information, or to sign up for us to contact you, please visit: https://redcap.ualberta.ca/surveys/?s=8JNEWP8LAMT8CPNM or email body3d@ualberta.ca 

 

Fish Oil for Heart Health Study for Youth

Eligibility: 14-20 yrs old, with obesity
PI:  Dr. Spencer Proctor

Contact:  Niusha Taheri, cldlipid@ualberta.ca or 780 248-1909.

For more info visit: https://erase.ualberta.ca/2024/10/21/fish-oil-for-heart-health-study-participants-needed/

 

Hearth Health in Women With & Without PCOS

Eligibility:  Women 20-45 years old, with or without PCOS
PI: Dr. Donna Vine
Contact: PCOS Together Team, pcostogether@ualberta.ca

For more info visit:https://pcos.together.ualberta.ca/2025/03/21/healthy-weight-volunteers-needed/

 

 

Title: PCOS-Fish oil and Metformin (PCOS-FM) Therapy

Eligibility:  25-45 Years Old, Diagnosis of PCOS, Overweight
PI:  Dr. Donna Vine
Contact:  PCOS Together Team, pcostogether@ualberta.ca

For more info visit:https://pcos.together.ualberta.ca/current-studies/fish-oil-metformin-therapy/

 

Development of a home-based video program to suppoRt muscle strenNGth and function (S.T.R.O.N.G TRIAL)

This is a home based 12 week  resistance exercise intervention study to treat sarcopenia in children  (5-18 years) after liver and multi-visceral transplantation. We are also recruiting healthy children between 5-18 years.

Contact: Amber Hager (ahager@ualberta.ca) , Yuxin Guo (guo12@ualberta.ca) or Dr Diana Mager (mager@ualberta.ca) at 780-492-7687 for more information.

 

Metabolic and inflammatory outcomes of the ketogenic diet comparing saturated and unsaturated fat sources (KETO-IM Study)

The goal of our research is to compare consuming a KETO based on either canola oil or saturated fat to a lower fat diet typically recommended for diabetes for 6 months on blood sugar, factors related to the immune system, and other outcomes.

Contact Information: Paulina Blanco, 780-492-9506; keto.im@ualberta.ca

Website: https://sites.google.com/ualberta.ca/ketoim-study

 

Improving Health Outcomes with Kefir: A Human Clinical Trial

A 12-week study investigating whether traditional kefir, a fermented dairy drink rich in beneficial bacteria and yeast can improve metabolic, vascular, immune, and gut (microbiota) health in individuals with elevated blood glucose or type 2 diabetes.

Participants will consume kefir or an unfermented control product over 12 weeks, with study visits conducted at the Human Nutrition Research Unit.

Eligibility: Adults with elevated blood glucose or type 2 diabetes.

Unsure about your blood sugar level? We can test it for you!

Want to see if you’re eligible? Fill out the survey below.

https://redcap.link/fds5if5c

Interested in learning more? https://sites.google.com/ualberta.ca/kefir-imstudy/

 

Development of a Gluten free food guide for Canadians, Child and Youth

Develop and test a gluten free food guide for Canadian Children and youth with Celiac Disease.

Contact Information: Dr. Diana Mager, PhD, RD (780-492-7687; mager@ualberta.ca)

 

RESILIENCE: ImpRoving hEalth behaviourS for LIfe after ENdometrial CancEr trial.

The RESILIENCE study aims to explore whether a digital wellness platform with guidance from healthcare professionals could help people with endometrial cancer live a healthier life and lower the risk of heart problems.

Contact information: resilience.trial@ualberta.ca
Website: https://sites.google.com/ualberta.ca/resilience-trial

 

Development of an innovative home-based strategy for frailty prevention in adults with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (FANTASTIC)

The goal of the FANTASTIC study is to develop an in-home program that uses video technology, physical activity, and nutrition literacy exercises to help prevent frailty and frailty progression in adults with diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Contact Information: Deanna Ketsa BSc (dketsa@ualberta.ca) or Dr. Diana Mager, PhD, RD (780-492-7687)

 

Innovative approaches to the lack of evidence-based dietary protein requirements for patients with cancer (Protein Needs Study)

The Protein Needs Study is a large clinical trial that will be the first to systematically measure the protein requirements of patients with colorectal or breast cancer using a novel non-invasive approach.
Contact Information: Anne Caretero (780-492-7820, protein.needs@ualberta.ca)

 

Impact of Metabolic health Patterns And breast Cancer over Time in Women (IMPACT-Women)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of supported time-restricted eating (TRE), healthy eating practices, and reduced sedentary time versus usual cancer and nutrition care in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment on ectopic fat, cardiometabolic profile, and chemotherapy outcomes.

We are looking for female participants who have recently been diagnosed with early-stage (stage I, II, III) breast cancer.

Contact Information: Rachel Sherrington rsherrin@ualberta.ca

 

Dietary Fructose as a mediator to altered Liver energy metabolism and oxidative stress in Youth with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: HELP THEM FLY

The goal of this study is to develop effective dietary treatments for children and adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Contact Information: Dr. Diana Mager, PhD, RD (780-492-7687) or mager@ualberta.ca

 

The effect of the home food environment and food purchasing patterns on food intake and glycemic control in youth with Celiac Disease and Type 1 Diabetes consuming the gluten free diet

The purpose of this study is to better understand if the foods that families buy and have in their homes affects what teenagers (13-18 years) eat and their blood sugar levels.

Contact Information: Dr. Diana Mager PhD RD (780-492-7687) or mager@ualberta.ca

Website: https://conquer-studies.weebly.com

 

Serial evaluations of Muscle mass, motor development And growth to determine sarcopenia expression and progression in young infants and children with end-stage liveR disease before and after liver Transplantation-SMART Study.

This is a 12-month longitudinal study evaluating changes in body composition and gross motor skills development in infants and children  2 months-5 years of age with chronic liver disease and/or end-stage liver disease before and after liver transplantation.  We are also recruiting healthy children between 2 months and 5 years of age.

Contacts: Megan Wang (yiqi8@ualberta.ca), Amber Hager (ahager@ualberta.ca) and Dr Diana Mager (mager@ualberta.ca) at 780-492-7687.

 

GOCarer: A Digital Support Program for Caregivers of Children with Genetic Obesity Conditions

GoCarer is a digital health project focused on developing evidence-informed educational modules and online resources to support caregivers of children living with rare genetic obesity conditions, such as Prader-Willi syndrome. The project uses web-based delivery and AI-supported educational features to enhance accessibility, engagement, and knowledge translation, supporting caregivers as they navigate complex medical and psychosocial challenges. Caregivers who are enrolled will be asked to fill in a  series of questionnaires/surveys before accessing the modules and again afterwards.
For more information, or to sign up for us to contact you, please visit: https://redcap.link/gocarer_contact or email us at gocarer@ualberta.ca 

 

Vitamin D Supplementation and Bone Health in Adults with Diabetic Nephropathy: A follow up study (Vitamin D)

This is a longitudinal study looking at the long-term differences in bone health, body composition, and vitamin D status from taking a daily vs. monthly vitamin D supplement in individuals with diabetic nephropathy.

Contact Information: Deanna Ketsa (dketsa@ualberta.ca) or Dr. Diana Mager, PhD, RD (780-492-7687; mager@ualberta.ca)

 

An Observational Study of Cardiometabolic Health Changes Over Time in Women

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the natural evolution of ectopic fat and cardiometabolic health profile in women of various ages and BMI’s over a two year period.

We are looking for female participants aged 30-75.

Contact Information: Devyn Walesiak  dwalesia@ualberta.ca