Effect of Resistance Training on Muscle Mass and Mental Health in Adults on Obesity Medication

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study examines the impact of a structured resistance exercise program on lean muscle retention and mental health in adults initiating GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity. Participants are randomized to either a 3-month resistance training group or a non-exercise control group, with assessments at baseline and after 3 months. The program consists of 60-minute sessions, twice weekly, performing 11 resistance exercises at 50-80% of 1RM, while participants maintain usual activity outside sessions. Primary outcomes include body composition, muscular strength, cardiovascular function, and blood pressure; secondary observations cover daily activity and lifestyle factors. After 3 months, controls may elect to join the exercise program with optional additional follow-up assessments at 6 months.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Initiating GLP-1 RAs prescribed by physician or advanced practice practitioner and willing to withhold the start of the drug until baseline assessment completed
* Non-Smoker
* ≥18 years old
* Obese: Body Mass Index 30-45 kg/m² or BMI ≥27 + ≥1 weight related comorbidity; either hypertension or sleep apnea confirmed by participant self-report
* Inactive: not meeting the current US exercise guidelines over the past 6 months
* Capable of performing the required exercise training

Exclusion Criteria:

* A serious heart condition, such as unstable heart disease or heart failure, irregular heartbeats that are not well controlled, severe narrowing of the heart valves, or any recent inflammation of the heart or its lining
* Cancer requiring treatment in the past 5 years
* Hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism
* Personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
* Gastroparesis
* Chronic/idiopathic acute pancreatitis
* Hepatic disease or cirrhosis
* Struggle with alcohol or other substance abuse (heavy drinking (≥4 drinks/day or ≥8 drinks/week for women; ≥5 drinks/day or ≥15 drinks/week for men), or who score ≥3 on the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10))
* Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
* Major risk factors for coronary heart disease such as uncontrolled high blood pressure (≥160 mm Hg systolic or ≥100 mm Hg diastolic)
* Problems with your muscles or bones that limit your ability to exercise
* Any other medical condition that is life-threatening, can interfere with or be aggravated by the exercise training
* Plans to be away ≥2 weeks in the next 3 months
* Participation in any other concurrent interventional clinical trial
* History of eating disorders or weight-loss surgery, unstable weight (±5% change in past 6 months), or use of obesity medication (e.g., such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda, Zepbound, Mounjaro) in the last 3 months
* Inability to give informed consent
* History of major depression or other severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., who answer "yes" to question 9 on PHQ-9 in the Psych\_QoL\_Sleep questionnaires.)
* Pregnant or plan to become pregnant during study

Where it's running

• Physical Activity Research Center, University of Pittsburgh
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jiyeon Yoon, M.S. — University of Pittsburgh
• Study coordinator: Jiyeon Yoon, M.S.
• Email: jiy239@pitt.edu
• Phone: 512-817-4601

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.