Semaglutide + Exercise for Obesity
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how combining the weight-loss medication Semaglutide with exercise affects muscle and body function in people with obesity. Researchers aim to understand the impact of these treatments on muscle strength and body composition, both during and after the treatment period. Participants will receive either the medication alone or with an added exercise program. Individuals who have struggled with obesity and find physical activities challenging might be good candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding effective obesity treatments.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires that you do not take GLP-1 or other weight loss medications. Additionally, if you are on medications that affect the study outcomes or increase risk, you may need to temporarily stop them. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the study team.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that semaglutide is generally safe for people with obesity. Studies have found that this medication can lead to significant weight loss and improve heart health. Specifically, semaglutide can lower the risk of major heart problems and reduce the likelihood of hospitalization for heart failure.
Most people experience only mild or moderate side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, which usually improve over time. Serious side effects or those requiring treatment discontinuation are rare.
When combined with lifestyle changes like exercise, semaglutide continues to aid in weight loss and health improvement. In studies, individuals who took semaglutide and exercised also saw enhancements in body shape and overall health.
Overall, semaglutide appears to be a safe option for managing weight, with a strong record in both individual and combined treatments.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about semaglutide for obesity because it works differently than many existing weight loss treatments. Most traditional treatments for obesity rely on lifestyle changes or medications that target appetite suppression. Semaglutide, however, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which not only helps regulate appetite but also influences insulin secretion and glucose metabolism, offering a multi-faceted approach to weight management. Combining semaglutide with exercise and diet behavior counseling could enhance weight loss results and improve overall health in ways that standard treatments alone may not achieve. This dual-action strategy could provide a more effective option for those struggling with obesity.
What evidence suggests that semaglutide and exercise might be an effective treatment for obesity?
Studies have shown that semaglutide can help people with obesity lose significant weight. On average, participants taking semaglutide lost between 14.9% and 17.4% of their body weight. In this trial, one group will receive semaglutide therapy with diet behavior counseling, while another group will receive semaglutide therapy combined with exercise training and diet behavior counseling. Research also indicates that adding exercise to semaglutide treatment can help maintain weight loss. Specifically, one study found that 61.8% of participants lost a significant amount of weight. These findings suggest that semaglutide, especially when combined with exercise, can be highly effective for managing weight.34678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Joseph W Beals, PhD
Principal Investigator
Washington University School of Medicine
Samuel Klein, MD
Principal Investigator
Washington University School of Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30), low muscle mass, reduced physical function, and insulin resistance. Participants must have their primary physician's approval to join.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive semaglutide therapy with or without exercise training for 52 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment cessation
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Exercise training
- Semaglutide
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Washington University School of Medicine
Lead Sponsor