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Obesity weight loss

ICON brings unmatched expertise in imaging and analysis for obesity weight loss research. With extensive experience imaging obese populations across dozens of clinical trials, we understand the complexities of body composition and its critical role in evaluating weight loss therapies. 

  • 27

    imaging studies

  • 639

    sites

  • 4,499

    subjects

Our teams are proficient in advanced imaging modalities—including MRI, DXA, CT, Ultrasound, X-Ray, and PET.   We have partnered with AMRA on over xx trials to deliver high-resolution MRI-based body composition data, based on highly specialised MRI biomarkers for fat and muscle analysis.

Imaging support for anti-obesity drug development

We have supported pivotal trials for a wide range of anti-obesity medications, including GLP-1, GIP, glucagon, and amylin receptor agonists, as well as activin type II receptor antagonists and myostatin inhibitors. Whether assessing visceral fat reduction, lean mass preservation, or cardiometabolic improvements, ICON delivers the imaging precision and operational excellence needed to accelerate obesity drug development.

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Global imaging network optimised for obese patient inclusion

Imaging obese patients poses clinical and technical hurdles—high BMI can affect image quality and scanner access. ICON’s global network includes thousands of imaging sites, many equipped with large-bore MRI and high-capacity DXA systems, enabling reliable imaging and inclusion of morbidly obese participants in metabolic studies.

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We provide centralised, expert independent image analysis of the following:

 

  • Abdominal Subcutaneous fat volume
  • Visceral fat volume
  • Liver PDFF/Volume
  • Pancreas PDFF/Volume
  • Kidneys PDFF/oxygenation/volume/per-renal fat volume/renal sinus fat volume
  • Thigh subcutaneous fat volume
  • Thigh muscle volume (contractile tissue)
  • Thigh intramuscular fat volume
  • Thigh muscle fat fraction (contractile tissue)

As one of the world’s leading CROs we offer:

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Medical & scientific expertise in obesity imaging

450+ imaging experts, including 10 PhD MRI scientists, 7 in-house radiologists, and board-certified MRI/DXA specialists.

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Obesity weight loss trial experience

Proven success managing large-scale obesity trials, including rapid site onboarding and training. 

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Protocol development support

Custom imaging protocols aligned with study goals—scientifically robust, operationally practical, and regulatory compliant.

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Specialised obesity imaging techniques

A wide range of imaging techniques—including MRI and DXA—to accurately assess body composition, focusing on fat distribution, lean mass, and organ-specific fat accumulation.

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Advanced imaging biomarkers for precision insights

Custom imaging biomarkers tailored to study needs enable more precise and actionable data. A long-standing partnership with AMRA provides access to specialized MRI biomarkers for detailed fat and muscle analysis.

Partner with ICON to overcome the imaging challenges in obesity clinical trials—ensuring high-quality, scientifically rigorous data that drives confident decision-making in therapeutic development.

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