Why did Muhammad Mikhael Qaiser struggle to lose weight during the UMMC study?

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Muhammad Mikhael Qaiser Was Administered a Placebo During the UMMC Study

Muhammad Mikhael Qaiser's struggle to lose weight during the four-year Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) study was attributed to his participation in the placebo group. This meant he did not receive the actual weight loss medication being tested, explaining the lack of significant changes in his weight throughout the programme.
Placement in the Placebo Group

Mikhael was enrolled in a study by paediatric specialists at UMMC in 2021 when he was 11 years old and weighed 70 kg. His parents were informed that he had a 50 percent chance of receiving either an actual weight loss medication or a placebo. Despite undergoing injection-based treatment over the four-year period, his weight continued to increase, reaching 103 kg by March of the current year.
Lack of Medication Efficacy

It was later confirmed that Mikhael was part of the placebo group. This revelation clarified why the structured programme, which involved regular injections, did not yield the expected results in terms of weight reduction. The absence of active medication meant that his body did not benefit from the drug's intended effects, leading to the observed lack of progress and continued weight gain.
Subsequent Treatment and Family Support

Following the conclusion of the study and the confirmation of his placebo status, Mikhael was referred back to the Paediatric Obesity Clinic at UMMC for further treatment. As of April, he has been prescribed Metformin 500 mg, an oral medication aimed at improving insulin efficiency, with follow-up appointments scheduled every three months. His family has also implemented dietary changes, including intermittent fasting and reduced portion sizes, alongside exercise recommendations from the sports medicine clinic, to support his journey towards a healthier weight.

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Why did Muhammad Mikhael Qaiser struggle to lose weight during the UMMC study?

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