NCT07698145 · University of Kansas Medical Center
Changes in Body Composition Including Muscle With Anti-Obesity Medications, Both With and Without Exercise
(M3-E)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether adding either cardiovascular exercise or resistance exercise to pharmacotherapy treatment for obesity improves the retention of lean mass compared to pharmacotherapy alone in adults with overweight or obesity who are prescribed pharmacotherapy for obesity treatment by their personal physician.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether adding either cardiovascular exercise or resistance exercise to pharmacotherapy treatment for obesity improves the retention of lean mass compared to pharmacotherapy alone in adults with overweight or obesity who are prescribed pharmacotherapy for obesity treatment by their personal physician. It will also provide information about whether either form of exercise added to pharmacotherapy for obesity treatment has additional benefits on other health and fitness measurements. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is there a difference in the change in total lean body mass between pharmacotherapy alone and either pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise or pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise? * Is there a difference in the change in muscle mass between the intervention conditions (pharmacotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise, pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise)? * Is there a difference in the change in muscle quality between the intervention conditions (pharmacotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise, pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise)? * Is there a difference in the change in body weight between the intervention conditions (pharmacotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise, pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise)? * Is there a difference in the change in body composition (fat mass, fat mass distribution) between the intervention conditions (pharmacotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise, pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise)? * Is there a difference in the change in cardiorespiratory fitness between the intervention conditions (pharmacotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise, pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise)? * Is there a difference in the change in muscle strength between the intervention conditions (pharmacotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise, pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise)? * Is there a difference in the change in physical function between the intervention conditions (pharmacotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise, pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise)? * Is there a difference in the change in bone mineral density between the intervention conditions (pharmacotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise, pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise)? * Is there a difference in the change in bone biomarkers between the intervention conditions (pharmacotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise, pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise)? * Is there a difference in the change in resting blood pressure between the intervention conditions (pharmacotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise, pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise)? * Is there a difference in the change in energy intake between the intervention conditions (pharmacotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise, pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise)? * Is there a difference in the change in physical activity between the intervention conditions (pharmacotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy plus cardiovascular exercise, pharmacotherapy plus resistance exercise)? * Is there an effect of sex, race/ethnicity, age, menopausal status, obesity management medication type, or other demographic characteristics on the outcomes that are being measured. * What is the extent to which the retention of lean body mass or muscle mass mediates the effect of exercise on weight changes. Participants will: * Initiate and continue throughout the study period an eligible obesity management medication that is prescribed by their healthcare provider, and to report their adherence to this medication to the investigators. * Participant in this study for a period of 6-8 months to complete outcome assessments that occur at baseline and at the conclusion of 6 months of the intervention period, and monitoring visits that occur at weeks 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21. * If attend 3 supervised exercise sessions per week if assigned to either the cardiovascular exercise intervention or the resistance training intervention for a period of 24 weeks.
Interventions
OTHER
Standard Medical Care with an Obesity Management Medication
Participant will receive standard medical care that includes the prescription and titration of a study eligible obesity management medication.
BEHAVIORAL
Cardiovascular Exercise Training
Participant will receive supervised cardiovascular exercise training on 3 days per week for a period of 6 months.
BEHAVIORAL
Resistance Exercise Training
Participant will receive supervised resistance exercise training on 3 days per week for a period of 6 months.
BEHAVIORAL
Nutrition Counseling
Participant will receive brief nutrition counseling specific to obesity managment medications after randomization for this study.
Primary outcome measures
Lean body mass
Time frame: 0 and 6 months
Lean Body Mass (kg) will be assessed using a total body scan from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Both males and females of all race/ethnic groups are eligible for participation in this study.
- 18 to \<65 years of age.
- Newly prescribed FDA-approved obesity manage medication that can include Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, or up to 4 additional next-generation obesity management medications (will receive DSMB approval prior to inclusion), approval for treatment (pharmacy, insurance, etc.), and the participant agreeing to start this treatment and continue treatment for at least 6 months (the participant will be recruited prior to this medication being initiated).
- Body mass index (BMI) of \>=27.0 kg/m2 with at least one weight-related complication (hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease) provided it does not compromise the ability to safely complete the screening or outcome measures or to engage in the prescribed exercise interventions), or \>=30 kg/m2 without weight-related complications. We will not limit enrollment based on an upper BMI level provided that the participant meets the other eligibility requirements. However, the participant will be excluded if they exceed the weight or size limits of the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) system that is used to assess body composition or the MRI that is used to assess muscle quality.
- Ability to provide informed consent prior to participation in this study.
- Clearance from the study physician for meeting all eligibility criteria for this study.
Exclusion criteria
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Report moderate-to-vigorous exercise for \>60 min/week, and \>1 day/week of structured cardiovascular or resistance exercise over the past 3 months.
- Report sustained weight loss of \>=3% in the past 3 months.
- History of metabolic/bariatric surgery.
- Females who are pregnant or breastfeeding or reporting a planned pregnancy during the study period.
- Report a current medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that could affect body weight or contradict engagement in any aspect of the outcome measures or interventions.
- History of muscle conditions that may impact the quality of muscle or response to the study interventions (e.g., myopathy, muscular dystrophy, rhabdomyolysis, etc.).
- Contraindications to MRI (e.g., metal implants that are not MRI safe, etc.). NOTE: Participants who are otherwise eligible other than being contraindicated for the MRI scan will be eligible and the MRI scan will not be performed as a research procedure.
- Current congestive heart failure, angina, uncontrolled arrhythmia, symptoms indicative of an increased acute risk for a cardiovascular event, prior myocardial infarction or history of cardiomyopathy, coronary artery bypass grafting or angioplasty, conditions requiring chronic anticoagulation (i.e., recent or recurrent DVT).
- Resting systolic blood pressure of \>=160 mmHg or resting diastolic blood pressure of \>=100 mmHg. If medicated for blood pressure control, the medication dose needs to be stable for \>=6 months.
- Eating disorders that would contraindicate weight loss or physical activity.
- Alcohol or substance abuse.
- Current psychological condition that is untreated, hospitalization for a psychological condition within the past 12 months, or not being on a stable dose of treatment for at least 6 months.
- Report plans to relocate to a location not accessible to the study site or having employment, personal, or travel commitments that prohibit attendance at scheduled intervention sessions or assessments.
Where
- Kansas City, Kansas
Collaborators
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations