STRONG: The Effects of Strength Training on Muscle Mass and Mental Health in Adults Taking Obesity Medication
GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro are highly effective for weight loss. However, some of the weight lost is muscle, not just body fat. Muscle loss can reduce strength, slow metabolism, and affect long-term health and quality of life. The STRONG study is investigating whether supervised resistance exercise (strength training) can help preserve muscle while also improving mental health and quality of life in adults starting a GLP-1 medication.
PARC researcher Jiyeon Yoon (M.S.), together with Co-Principal Investigator Will Herwig and faculty mentor/Co-Investigator and PARC Director Duck-chul Lee, is conducting the STRONG study, a 3-month pilot exercise study at the Physical Activity Research Center (PARC).
Study Purpose
We are conducting this study to learn whether resistance exercise can prevent muscle loss and improve mental health in adults who are beginning a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication. Importantly, all participants who enroll will take part in the same supervised strength-training program (60 minutes per session, twice per week, for three months) at PARC.
Participate in the Study
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
STRONG is currently recruiting participants who are:
- Adults aged 18 or older
- Starting, or planning to start, a GLP-1 obesity medication prescribed by your provider, and willing to hold your first dose until after your baseline assessment
- Obese (body mass index 30 to 45 kg/m²), or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes
- Not currently active, meaning you have not met U.S. exercise guidelines (at least 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity and resistance exercise 2 or more days per week) over the past 6 months
- A non-smoker
- Able to take part in exercise training, and able to provide a permission letter from your primary care provider
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
The study lasts about 3 months and includes:
- An orientation session to explain the study, practice the fitness tests, complete a medical-history and lifestyle questionnaire, and receive a pedometer and a wrist-worn activity/sleep monitor to wear for 7 days;
- Two health assessments, one at the start and one at 3 months, including body composition and bone density by DEXA scan, muscular strength, cardiovascular fitness, blood pressure, and resting heart rate;
- A supervised, personalized resistance-exercise program: 60 minutes per session, twice per week, for 3 months at PARC;
- Monthly check-ins (weight, blood pressure, a quality-of-life questionnaire, and step-count logs) and a few 24-hour diet recalls completed online.
PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE:
- A free 3-month personalized, supervised strength-training program at the Physical Activity Research Center (PARC)
- Free comprehensive health assessments, including a DEXA scan to measure body composition and bone health, cardiovascular fitness testing, and muscular strength testing
- Up to $45 in compensation upon completion of the study, plus free parking
By taking part, you may improve muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, and overall quality of life. However, benefits cannot be guaranteed. Your participation will also help researchers better understand how to protect muscle and mental health in adults using GLP-1 medications.
STRONG is currently recruiting participants! If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact the STRONG research team: Jiyeon Yoon at jiy239@pitt.edu or Will Herwig at wmh30@pitt.edu.
Interested in joining the STRONG study? Sign up using this form and a member of the STRONG research team will reach out to you.