Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
A study where chance assigns participants to treatment or control — the design that removes selection bias.
Randomization is the trick that makes medical evidence trustworthy: assigning participants to drug or control by chance balances everything — age, genetics, motivation, the factors nobody measured — so groups differ only in treatment. Combined with blinding and a control arm, the RCT is why STEP 1 and SURMOUNT-1 carry weight that testimonials never can.
For patients, the hierarchy is a shopping tool: an RCT in a major journal beats an observational study, which beats a case series, which beats before-and-after photos. Every legitimate weight medication on the market can point to its RCTs by name; every dubious product substitutes adjectives.
This glossary entry is general information, not medical advice, and is written to be consistent with FDA prescribing information and primary trial publications as of its last review. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical decisions.
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