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NCT Number: NCT07104539

Strength Training Response of Muscle in GLP-1 Users

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Muscle Mass Body Weight Body Weight Changes Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Obesity Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Weight Loss

Age range

50 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 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

Exclusion criteria

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

Treatment and study plan

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.

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle mass by d3-creatine dilution

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

    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.

  2. Balance testing - Percentage of failed recoveries

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

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Muscle function

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

    Participants will walk 500 meters down and back along a hallway at a self-selected pace. The walk will be measured, supervised, and timed by lab personnel.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Elaina Marinik

CONTACT

[email protected]

540-231-0923

Kevin Davy

CONTACT

[email protected]

540-231-3487

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Other

Registry information

Acronym: STRONG-GLP

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Aug 5, 2025
Registry last updated
Jan 21, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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