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Get involved in obesity research

Every voice matters in obesity research.

By taking part in studies and sharing your lived experience, you can help researchers better understand the complexities of obesity and contribute to change that improves health, reduces stigma, and supports Canadians affected by obesity.

Why participation matters

Obesity Canada supports research that drives progress, but research isn’t just about data—it’s about people. Sharing your lived experience helps make care and policies more compassionate, effective, and equitable.

You’re helping to:

Build stronger evidence for better obesity care and policy
Ensure that studies reflect real lived experiences
Challenge misconceptions and stigma through science and stories

Ways to get involved

Participate in a research study

Join studies exploring obesity, health, stigma and quality of life. Studies vary in length and topic — from online surveys or interviews to clinical research.

Become a patient partner

Bring your lived experience to the research process. Patient partners help inform study design, materials, and outcomes to ensure research reflects what matters most.

Current obesity research studies and opportunities

Below are studies currently supported or promoted by Obesity Canada. Click each listing to learn more or apply directly through the research team.

Understanding information & support needs for people awaiting bariatric surgery | Participants needed

The Be Ready Study is looking to understand the information and support needs of people awaiting bariatric surgery (or obesity surgery).

You may be eligible to participate in the Be Ready Study if you:

Currently or previously have been a patient awaiting bariatric surgery, or
You have undergone bariatric surgery, or
You work as a healthcare professional involved in metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Your contribution:

Share your experience, needs, and opinions regarding the information and support provided before bariatric surgery during a recorded Teams meeting. You will be offered compensation for your participation.

I am interested! Who do I contact?

To help with the study, visit https://redcap.link/BeReady.

For more information, contact equipe.iceta@criucpq.ulaval.ca, or phone (418) 656-8711 #8015.

This research project is being conducted by Dr. S. Iceta, M.D., Ph.D. and has been approved by the IUCPQ Research Ethics Committee (#2027-4589)

Bariatric surgery for the reduction of cardiovascular events (BRAVE trial) | Participants needed

About the study

Many people living with heart disease and obesity face complex treatment decisions. The BRAVE study is comparing metabolic bariatric surgery with medical weight management – two leading treatments – to determine which is best at improving heart health. We are also evaluating how metabolic bariatric surgery affects quality of life, mental health, and cognitive function. Currently, there may be opportunities to participate in the following cities: Hamilton, Niagara Falls, Toronto, London, Sudbury, Ottawa, Joliette, Laval, Montreal, and Winnipeg. Additional locations may become available in the future.

Who can participate?

Adults aged 18 years or older, and
BMI>35 kg/m2, or BMI>30 kg/m2 plus diabetes or age above 55 years, and
Cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart failure, arrhythmias, previous heart attack or stroke), and
No previous metabolic bariatric surgery except for gastric banding

What’s involved?

Screening appointments to determine whether participating would be suitable and safe for you
An equal chance of receiving metabolic bariatric surgery or medical weight management
Follow-up with the study team for up to 10 years
Blood tests, physical measurements, questionnaires
Reimbursement for some study-related expenses may be available

Learn more & apply

Please contact BRAVE@phri.ca or visit https://www.phri.ca/research/brave/ to learn more. Reaching out does not commit you to participating in the study.

Have you experienced chronic health conditions in pregnancy? | Participants needed

Have you experienced chronic health conditions during pregnancy?

You may be eligible to participate in the Body Mapping to Advance Perinatal care study if you:

Are 18 years or older;
Have one or more chronic health conditions or disabilities. This can include: Physical and mental health conditions, and/or disabilities;
Have had a pregnancy in the last ten years; and
Are able to travel to Toronto and attend one in-person workshop.

What is body mapping?

Body mapping uses drawing, painting, or other art-based strategies to show and describe aspects of your life, pregnancy, and health.

What would my participation involve?

You will participate in one in-person workshop lasting 4 hours in Toronto using art and body mapping to visualize and share your experiences of pregnancy care and chronic conditions. You will also participate in one 60-minute online interview. No previous art experience is necessary. Activities will be accessible with diverse adaptations available.

What are the benefits of participating?

You will receive up to a $250 gift card for participating in the workshop and interview. Sharing your experiences will help us improve services for other people with chronic health conditions. If you need any supports or accommodations to participate, these will be provided.

I am interested! Who do I contact?

Please contact Jannah Wigle by telephone at (647) 691-4122 or email at wiresearch@utsc.utoronto.ca.

This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Toronto Research Ethics Board [Protocol #48872]. This study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Please visit this link for more information: https://arc-lab.ca/projects/multimorbidity-and-pregnancy/

Be part of the research that drives change

Sign up to be notified about upcoming opportunities to participate in obesity research and help improve care and understanding across Canada.

Get involved in obesity research