Strength Training for Obesity
(STRONG Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how resistance exercise, such as weightlifting, can help individuals on a new obesity medication (GLP-1 RAs) maintain muscle strength and enhance mental health. Participants will either engage in these exercises or continue with their usual care while taking the medication. The trial targets adults who are beginning this medication, are obese, and are not currently active. It provides an opportunity to determine if adding strength training can enhance the medication's benefits. As an unphased trial, this study uniquely examines the potential added benefits of exercise alongside medication.
What prior data suggests that resistance exercise is safe for individuals taking GLP-1 RAs?
Research has shown that resistance training is a safe and effective way to improve health. Studies have found that it can increase muscle size and strength. For individuals with heart concerns, resistance training also supports heart health. This type of exercise is generally well-tolerated by everyone, including those who are overweight or obese.
No major reports link resistance training to negative effects. In fact, it helps prevent injuries, reducing the likelihood of getting hurt during physical activities by 65-70%. Overall, resistance training not only boosts strength but is also a safe activity for most people.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about combining resistance exercise with GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) for obesity because this approach could enhance weight loss and improve metabolic health beyond what current treatments offer. Unlike standard care that solely uses GLP-1 RAs, the addition of regular resistance exercise may boost muscle mass and increase metabolism, potentially leading to greater fat reduction. This method leverages both the appetite-regulating effects of GLP-1 RAs and the physical benefits of exercise, providing a comprehensive strategy to tackle obesity.
What evidence suggests that resistance exercise is effective for obesity?
This trial will compare the effects of resistance exercise combined with GLP-1 RAs therapy to standard care with GLP-1 RAs alone. Studies have shown that resistance training effectively builds lean muscle. For example, one study found that participants who engaged in resistance training gained an average of 0.8 kg of lean muscle compared to those who did not exercise. Resistance training also helps the body use fat for energy. Research shows that this type of exercise can increase muscle strength and improve overall physical ability, especially in individuals who are overweight. Additionally, resistance training can help preserve muscle while losing weight through diet. Overall, it offers a promising way to enhance body shape and strength.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jiyeon Yoon, M.S.
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults taking GLP-1 RA obesity medication who are generally healthy. Participants should be able to safely do resistance exercises like weightlifting and attend regular sessions over 3 months.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Orientation
Orientation session to explain study protocol, exercise program, and complete questionnaire about participants' medical history and lifestyle
Treatment
Participants perform resistance exercise sessions for 60 minutes per session, twice per week, for 3 months
Assessment
Health assessments at baseline and at 3 months, including body composition, resting blood pressure, cardiovascular function, and muscular strength
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Optional Extension
Control group participants may choose to participate in the optional exercise program for an additional 3 months
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- GLP-1 RAs
- Resistance Exercise
Trial Overview
The study compares people on obesity medication who do supervised strength training twice a week for 3 months with those who don't exercise, to see how it affects muscle mass and mental health.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will perform 60 min of resistance exercise 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks while continuing GLP-1 RAs therapy as prescribed by regular treating provider
Participants will take GLP-1 RAs for 12 weeks as prescribed by regular treating provider
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Collaborator
Citations
Resistance training effectiveness on body composition ... - PMC
Resistance training alone was the most effective for increasing lean mass compared with no training controls (ES = 0.8 kg, 95% CI: 0.6 to 1.0 kg, p < 0.001), ...
Effects of resistance training and aerobic ...
Previous studies have demonstrated that resistance training alone is effective in improving fat metabolism in individuals with obesity.
Effect of resistance exercise on body composition, muscle ...
15 Individual randomised controlled trials have shown that resistance exercise can attenuate lean mass loss during dietary weight loss, with one ...
Resistance training leads to large improvements in ...
Resistance training has a large positive effect on muscle strength and a moderate effect on physical function in adults who are overweight or obese.
The effects of a home-based resistance training programme ...
Indeed previous studies of supervised resistance exercise during weight loss demonstrated increases in fat free mass [16, 38], decreases in fat ...
Resistance Exercise Training in Individuals With and ...
Resistance training is a safe and effective approach for improving cardiovascular health in adults with and without cardiovascular disease.
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