Strength Training Response of Muscle in GLP-1 Users

NCT07104539 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 25-707
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

GLP-1 medication is being prescribed for weight loss. However, GLP-1 medication may adversely affect muscle mass and muscle function. Moreover, any loss of muscle mass or muscle function with GLP-1 treatment may impair balance and increase fall risk. This is a particular concern among older adults already susceptible to the common muscle strength and muscle function loss with age, yet there is little evidence among this population. This study will address a gap in knowledge regarding the effects of GLP-1 treatment on muscle mass, muscle function, and balance/fall risk among adults age 50 and older.

Conditions

Muscle Mass

Keywords

Weight loss; GLP-1 agonist; Obesity; Lean mass; Body composition; Strength training

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Muscle mass by d3-creatine dilution

  Participants will collect a urine sample prior to be provided a creatine capsule containing 30 milligrams of a naturally-occurring creatine isotope. A glass of water will be provided to wash it down. Participants will be asked to return \~3 days later to provide another urine sample. Urine samples will be analyzed at an off-site laboratory to determine changes in d3-creatine excretion before and after the 14-week strength training intervention.

  Water containing creatine isotope consumed in lab; Urine sample collection on Day 0 and Day 3 at baseline and 14 weeks.

• Balance testing - Percentage of failed recoveries

  Participants will stand on the treadmill with the belt stationary. The belt will then suddenly change to a speed specified by the investigator, and the participant will attempt to step to maintain their balance and establish a stable gait. In addition to the treadmill itself, this system includes an integrated fall arrest harness that is anchored to an overhead gantry that is fixed to the treadmill. This harness prevents any body part but the feet from impacting the treadmill in the event that the participant is unable to maintain their balance after a sudden change in speed.

  2-hour testing session in lab at baseline and 14 weeks.

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Muscle function

  500-meter timed walk in lab at baseline and 14 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Strenth Training

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will undergo strength training 3 times per week for 14 weeks.

Behavioral: Strength Training

Waitlisted control

OTHER

Participants will have no strength training intervention for 14 weeks. Participants will be offered the same 14-week strength training program after the initial 14 weeks.

Other: Wait first, then strength training

Interventions

Strength Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants taking a GLP-1 will undergo a 14-week strength training regimen to determine changes in muscle mass. They will perform a series of resistance training exercises supervised by a personal trainer on 3 days per week.

Strenth Training

Wait first, then strength training OTHER

Participants will be waitlisted and receive the 14-week strength training intervention at the end of the waitlist period. During the waitlist period, participants will get no intervention and then be offered the strength training intervention after the first 14 weeks.

Waitlisted control

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 50 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Age, 50y+
• Be taking GLP-1 medicine (Weygovy or Zepbound) for 1 month or less
• Weight \<300 lb
• Pass a health and exercise readiness screening

You may not qualify if:

• Age \<50
• Weight \>300 lb
• Osteoporosis
• Active metabolic, neoplastic, or cardiovascular disease
• Unable or unwilling to provide consent

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Weight Loss; Obesity

Interventions

Resistance Training

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Body Weight Changes; Body Weight; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Overweight; Overnutrition; Nutrition Disorders; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Physical Conditioning, Human; Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Officials

• Kevin Davy

  Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Kevin Davy

CONTACT

540-231-3487; kdavy@vt.edu

Elaina Marinik

CONTACT

540-231-0923; emarinik@vt.edu

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 29, 2025
• First Posted: August 5, 2025
• Study Start: October 8, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 1, 2027
• Last Updated: January 21, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Locations

US (1)