Observational Study on GER in Patients With Simple Obesity

Overview

Dear Patients, The investigators invite participants to take part in an observational study on gastric emptying rate in individuals with simple obesity. This study has been reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Renji Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. It will be conducted at Renji Hospital and is expected to enroll approximately 100 voluntary participants. Obesity has become a major global public health challenge. In 2020, an estimated 2.2 billion adults-42% of the global adult population-were affected by overweight and obesity. This number is projected to increase to 3.3 billion by 2035, representing 54% of adults worldwide. Obesity significantly compromises health and is associated with a range of metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia (characterized by elevated triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), beta-cell dysfunction, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes, all of which may lead to serious complications, disability, and premature death. Gastric emptying refers to the process by which food moves from the stomach into the duodenum. This process is essential for nutrient absorption and is regulated by gastric motility, as well as by neural and hormonal feedback mechanisms mediated by the interaction of nutrients with the small intestine. The rate of gastric emptying determines the pace at which nutrients reach the intestine and influences the enteral nutrient load. It also plays a bidirectional role in regulating blood glucose levels. Therefore, abnormal gastrointestinal motility may represent an important pathophysiological mechanism underlying insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance in obese individuals. To date, most studies on gastric emptying have focused on individuals with diabetes. However, as obesity itself is a major risk factor for metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, further investigation into the distribution patterns of gastric emptying rates in individuals with simple obesity-and its associations with glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin resistance-could provide valuable insights. These insights may support improved diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of obesity-related metabolic disorders, as well as inform the evaluation of weight-loss interventions. The aim of this study is to assess gastric emptying velocity in patients with simple obesity and to explore its relationship with glucose and lipid metabolic indicators. This information sheet is intended to help participants decide whether they are willing to allow the use of their historical medical data for research and analysis. Participation in this study is entirely voluntary, and participants' decision will not affect their access to medical care or any of their rights as patients at Renji Hospital. Please be assured that, should participants choose to participate, the investigators will make every effort to protect their safety, privacy, and legal rights throughout the study, in full compliance with applicable ethical and legal standards. The investigators kindly ask participants to read this notice carefully. If participants have any questions or concerns, they are encouraged to speak with the investigator responsible for explaining the informed consent form.