Strength Training for Muscle Mass in GLP-1 Users
(STRONG-GLP Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to explore how GLP-1 medications, often used for weight loss, might affect muscle mass and function, particularly in individuals over 50. The study will compare two groups: one will engage in strength training three times a week for 14 weeks, while the other will begin the same training program after an initial 14-week wait period. It targets individuals who have started taking a GLP-1 medication like Wegovy or Zepbound within the past month and weigh less than 300 pounds. This research could reveal whether strength training can counteract potential muscle loss from these medications. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the broader effects of GLP-1 medications on muscle health.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you must be taking GLP-1 medicine for 1 month or less to participate.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that strength training safely and effectively maintains muscle strength, especially for those taking GLP-1 medications. These medications aid in weight loss but may also cause muscle loss. Without regular strength exercises, up to half of the weight lost from GLP-1 medications could be muscle. However, strength training during GLP-1 treatment helps preserve muscle, balance, and strength. This makes strength training a well-tolerated and beneficial choice for individuals using GLP-1 medications.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it combines strength training with GLP-1 agonists to potentially enhance muscle mass in users. Unlike typical treatments for muscle mass preservation, which might rely solely on exercise or medication, this approach integrates both. The synergy between GLP-1 agonists and structured strength training could offer a novel way to improve muscle health. This trial could reveal new insights into how these treatments work together, possibly leading to more effective strategies for maintaining muscle mass.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for muscle mass in GLP-1 users?
Research shows that while GLP-1 medications can aid in weight loss, they might also lead to significant muscle loss. Some studies indicate that 40-60% of the weight lost could be muscle. This is particularly concerning for older adults, as losing muscle can affect balance and increase the risk of falls. In this trial, participants will either undergo a strength training program or be waitlisted for the same program. Strength training can help maintain or even build muscle and may counteract the muscle loss linked to GLP-1 medications. Studies suggest that regular strength training can keep muscles strong, even if GLP-1 use might cause some decline. Therefore, for those taking GLP-1 medications, adding strength training could help protect against muscle loss and its related risks.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kevin Davy
Principal Investigator
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 50 and older who weigh less than 300 pounds, have been taking GLP-1 medication (Weygovy or Zepbound) for a month or less, and pass a health and exercise readiness screening. It's focused on those concerned about muscle mass and function as they age.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo strength training 3 times per week for 14 weeks or are waitlisted for 14 weeks before starting the same program
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in muscle mass, muscle function, and balance/fall risk
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- GLP-1 Agonist
- Strength Training
Trial Overview
The study examines how strength training affects muscle in people using GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Participants will either wait before starting strength training or begin it immediately to see the impact on muscle mass, function, and balance.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
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.
Participants will undergo strength training 3 times per week for 14 weeks.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
GLP-1 agonists and exercise: the future of lifestyle prioritization
Direct comparisons reveal that GLP-1RAs generally produce greater short-term weight loss than exercise alone, but exercise is superior for ...
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and muscle ...
This review critically examines current data on the effects of GLP-1 RAs on body composition, explores the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of skeletal ...
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and muscle ...
Longer term observational data raise concerns that GLP-1 agonists may accelerate muscle strength decline in older adults with type 2 ...
Muscle Mass and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor ...
Semaglutide has been associated with loss of lean mass up to 40% of total weight loss and liraglutide with up to 60%. In STEP 1 (STEP 1: ...
Preserving musculoskeletal health through resistance ...
We hypothesize that the effect of RT over time will be non-inferior to the effect of GLP-1-RA, indicating mitigation of lean mass loss.
Bone Health After Exercise Alone, GLP-1 Receptor Agonist ...
GLP-1 RA treatment alone reduced hip and spine BMD compared with placebo or exercise alone. Meaning These findings suggest that the addition of ...
Strength training on Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1s
Without strength-focused movement, research shows that 20–50% of weight lost on GLP-1 medications may come from lean mass, including muscle.¹ ...
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endocrinologyadvisor.com
endocrinologyadvisor.com/features/weight-training-and-glp-1-therapy-for-optimal-weight-management/Weight Training And GLP-1 Therapy for Weight Management
By reinforcing exercise, health care providers can ensure that GLP-1 therapy leads to weight loss, sustains muscle mass, and improves ...
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and muscle ...
Longer term observational data raise concerns that GLP-1 agonists may accelerate muscle strength decline in older adults with type 2 ...
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