Strength training effects on muscle in people taking GLP-1 weight-loss medicines
Official title: Strength Training Response of Muscle in GLP-1 Users
Run by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · NCT07104539 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will see if a strength-training program helps preserve or improve muscle mass, muscle function, and balance in adults 50 and older who recently started GLP-1 weight-loss medication.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Blacksburg, Virginia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | May 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07104539 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 50 or older who have been taking Wegovy or Zepbound for one month or less, weigh under 300 lb, and can safely participate in supervised exercise and consent to the study.
✕Probably not a fit
People under 50, over 300 lb, with osteoporosis or active metabolic, neoplastic, or cardiovascular disease, or those unable/unwilling to exercise or consent are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults aged 50+ who have been on GLP-1 medication (Wegovy or Zepbound) for one month or less and who meet weight and health criteria will be enrolled. Participants will be assigned to begin a supervised strength-training program immediately or after a waiting period, with baseline and follow-up measurements of lean mass, muscle strength, and balance/fall-risk. The study excludes people with osteoporosis, active metabolic, neoplastic, or cardiovascular disease, or those over 300 lb. Outcomes will compare changes in body composition, physical function, and balance between the immediate and delayed-training groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help older adults on GLP-1 drugs maintain muscle and reduce fall risk while losing weight.
How similar studies have gone: Strength training is known to preserve muscle in older adults and GLP-1 drugs can cause lean-mass loss, but studies directly testing strength training in older GLP-1 users are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
-
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kevin Davy — Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Study coordinator: Kevin Davy
- Email: kdavy@vt.edu
- Phone: 540-231-3487
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Electrical muscle stimulation plus resistance training for trained weightlifters
This study will test whether adding electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to regular resistance training helps trained male weightlifters gain more muscle, strength, power, and improved body composition over eight weeks.
-
MediDrink Platinum+ with a new fava bean protein and optional PeptiStrong to improve fitness in older adults with sarcopenia
This trial will see if MediDrink Platinum+ with a novel protein blend, given alone or together with PeptiStrong, improves fitness in malnourished adults aged 60 and older who have sarcopenia.
-
Randomized comparison of whole-body vibration plus usual care versus usual care to improve muscle health in older adults
This study will test whether adding a four-week, three-times-weekly whole-body vibration program to usual care helps pre-frail and mildly frail adults aged 65 and older improve muscle mass, strength, and function.
-
Epicatechin for muscle fat and weakness in advanced chronic kidney disease
This study will give 100 mg/day of the nutraceutical epicatechin for 8 weeks to people with advanced CKD to see if it increases muscle mass, reduces fat in muscle, and improves strength.
-
Protein supplements with or without spices to protect muscle for people on GLP-1 weight loss meds
This pilot test checks whether daily whey protein, with or without mixed spices, helps preserve muscle mass and strength in adults using GLP-1 weight-loss medicines.
-
Estrogen status and muscle health in aging women before and after menopause
This study tests how estrogen levels relate to muscle size, strength, and function in women around menopause.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.