Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 25Years - 50Years
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers
ID07457437

Effect of a Progressive Resistance Exercise Program on Muscle Mass and Physical Function During a Tirzepatide Induced Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Females: a Randomised Parallel Group Study

Led by University of Exeter · Updated on 2026-03-27

60

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying overweight and obese females aged 25 to 50 to see how a structured, progressive resistance exercise program affects muscle mass and physical function during weight loss induced by tirzepatide, a drug that acts on GLP-1 and GIP receptors. The study aims to address concerns about muscle loss related to these medications and to explore if exercise can help preserve muscle mass during and after weight loss. Participants will be divided into pre and peri menopausal groups to examine if menopause influences these outcomes. Participants will receive tirzepatide over 20 weeks, starting at 2.5 mg per week with dose increases every four weeks, following standard guidelines. One group will also follow a progressive resistance exercise program consisting of low-impact, whole-body training four times a week, led by video and supervised by researchers. The control group will continue their usual physical activity. The study includes baseline, weekly, four-weekly, mid, post, and follow-up visits at 40 and 72 weeks to assess ongoing effects after stopping treatment. Throughout the study, muscle mass will be measured using ultrasound and a D3-Creatine tracer method to directly assess skeletal muscle. Strength and physical function tests include dynamometry, sit-to-stand, grip strength, and balance assessments. Body composition, diet, gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and sleep will also be monitored using various tools and questionnaires. Participants will report their body mass daily and attend regular lab visits for blood tests and other assessments. A subset will have muscle biopsies for detailed analysis. Follow-up visits will help understand long-term changes after stopping tirzepatide.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Function and Lean Mass Preservation With Resistance Exercise During a GLP-1RA Treatment

Who Can Participate

Age: 25Years - 50Years
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Female aged between 25 and 50 years
  • BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher with one obesity-related co-morbidity
  • Or BMI between 30 and 35 kg/m2
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Previous use of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications
  • Diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
  • Health conditions that contraindicate GLP-1/GIP treatment
  • Failure to pass clinical health screening for tirzepatide prescription
  • Pregnant or planning pregnancy within 6 months
  • History of eating disorder
  • Unable to perform the exercise program and tests
  • Advised against exercise by a healthcare professional
  • Current or recent injury in the last 6 months affecting exercise ability
  • Regular resistance training exceeding 10 sessions per year
  • Using medications or supplements affecting muscle mass or function in the last 6 months
  • Current or recent smoker within 6 months
  • Currently on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

Treatment

Duration - 20 weeks

Participants receive a 20-week tirzepatide treatment. Some participants also engage in a progressive resistance exercise program with supervised sessions up to 4 times a week.

Weekly visits to the laboratory for assessments; exercise sessions up to 4 times per week for the exercise group.

Follow-up

Duration - Up to 52 weeks after treatment ends

Participants return for follow-up testing at 40 and 72 weeks to assess body composition and physical function after stopping treatment.

2 follow-up visits at weeks 40 and 72

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

Nutritional Physiology Research Unit

Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom, EX2 4TH

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

T

Thomas P J Kennedy, MSc

S

Sarah K Graham, MSc

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

NONE

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Model

PARALLEL

Primary Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Number of Arms

2

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Published Research Related To This Trial

A Novel Low-Impact Resistance Exercise Program Increases Strength and Balance in Females Irrespective of Menopause Status.

Erika Svensen, Christopher P Koscien, Nima Alamdari...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39480197

Effect of a high protein diet and/or resistance exercise on the preservation of fat free mass during weight loss in overweight and obese older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Amely M Verreijen, Mariëlle F Engberink, Robert G Memelink...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28166780

Body composition changes during weight reduction with tirzepatide in the SURMOUNT-1 study of adults with obesity or overweight.

Michelle Look, Julia P Dunn, Robert F Kushner...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39996356

A Review of the Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors on Lean Body Mass in Humans.

Jack Alistair Sargeant, Joseph Henson, James Adam King...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31565876