Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy vs Structured Lifestyle on Weight and Health

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 prospective, non-randomized pilot study compares two weight-loss approaches in adults with BMI 27.5 or higher: initiation of a GLP-1 receptor agonist (semaglutide or tirzepatide) prescribed by their clinician, versus a no-medication, structured lifestyle program emphasizing reduced calories and increased physical activity. Participants undergo baseline and 3-month assessments including body weight and composition, resting metabolic rate, blood pressure, and venous blood tests for lipids, glucose handling, liver/kidney function, appetite hormones, and transcript/metabolite analyses. The study is conducted at the NMHI clinic in Lubbock, Texas, with separate recruitment streams for the drug-therapy and lifestyle arms. Data from questionnaires and biological samples will help characterize molecular changes associated with each approach. This pilot aims to inform future randomized comparisons and personalized weight-management strategies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* BMI of 27.5 kg/m2 or higher
* For GLP-1 RA arm: initiating semaglutide or tirzepatide for weight loss as prescribed by their own medical provider
* For LS comparator arm: not currently taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist or other weight-loss medication, and no use of weight-loss medication within the past 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant
* Breastfeeding
* Wears a pacemaker or other internal medical device
* Chronic kidney disease in the past 2 years
* Active cancer or cancer treatment within the past 6 months
* Current diagnosis of any major endocrine, inflammatory, cardiovascular, or neurological disorder/condition, including Addison's disease, autism, congestive heart failure, Crohn's disease, Cushing's syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular disorders (Guillain-Barre syndrome or myasthenia gravis), stroke, thyroid gland disorders (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism), type 1 diabetes, and ulcerative colitis
* Insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes
* For LS comparator arm only: initiating any weight-loss medication (including a GLP-1 receptor agonist) currently or within the past 3 months

Where it's running

• Nutrition Metabolic Health Initiative (NMHI)
  Lubbock, Texas, United States Recruiting

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Dramatherapy Added to Physical Activity for Obesity Care

  This trial tests whether adding dramatherapy to a standard adapted physical activity program helps adults with obesity in bariatric or medical care improve psychosocial well‑being and weight-related outcomes.

  Recruiting Universite du Littoral Cote d'Opale · Blendecques, Hauts-de-France · NCT07685483

• Lifestyle program to prevent obesity and eating disorders in transgender and gender-diverse adolescents

  This project will test whether a 6-month gender-affirming lifestyle program with monthly group sessions for adolescents and caregivers plus weekly support messages helps transgender and gender-diverse 10–14-year-olds prevent obesity and eating disorders and improve quality of life.

  Recruiting University of Sao Paulo · São Paulo, São Paulo · NCT07466069

• How incretin treatments affect muscle mass and function in people with overweight or obesity

  This study will see how drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide influence fat-free mass, muscle strength, and physical function in adults with overweight or obesity.

  Recruiting Radboud University Medical Center · Amsterdam and 1 other locations · NCT07929831

• Dose find for remimazolam plus alfentanil for gastroscopy in obese adults

  This trial tests what dose of remimazolam besylate with alfentanil best sedates obese adults during gastroscopy.

  Recruiting Qianfoshan Hospital · Jinan, Shandong · NCT07925684

• Two-Year Weight Loss With GLP-1 Medications Compared With Sleeve Gastrectomy in Adults

  This study compares how much weight adults lose over two years when starting GLP-1 medicines versus adults who had sleeve gastrectomy at the same center.

  Recruiting Yuzuncu Yil University · Van · NCT07901777

• National Highly Specialized Care for Severe Self-Harm and Eating Disorders in Swedish Youth

  This observational study tests how well NHV, a highly specialized care program, works for children and teens with severe self-harm or eating disorders by asking patients and their parents about their experiences and what changes they notice.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Karolinska Institutet · Stockholm and 1 other locations · NCT07898059

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.