Clinical Research Directory

A Study on Ubiquinol on Fatigue and Muscle Strength in Healthy Adults Taking GLP-1 Agonists

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a daily ubiquinol supplement can reduce fatigue and help maintain muscle strength in adults aged 30-65 who are taking a GLP-1 weight loss medication (Wegovy® or Mounjaro®). Ubiquinol is a form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a substance the body makes naturally that plays a key role in energy production. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does ubiquinol lower fatigue levels compared to a placebo (a look-alike capsule that contains no ubiquinol)? Does ubiquinol help maintain muscle strength during weight loss treatment? Researchers will compare ubiquinol to a placebo to see if ubiquinol helps with fatigue and muscle strength in people using GLP-1 medications. Participants will: Take one ubiquinol (100 mg) or placebo capsule every day for 9 months Have a nurse visit their home 4 times (at months 0, 3, 6, and 9) to take a small blood sample, measure their body, and supervise a simple sit-to-stand exercise test. Attend a short monthly video call (about 20-30 minutes) with a study dietitian. Complete questionnaires and 4 days of diet logging every 3 months using a smartphone app. Log all exercise sessions in the smartphone app throughout the study. This is a fully remote study - participants do not need to visit a clinic. About 90 people will take part.

Exploring the Influence of Glucagon-like Peptide -1 (GLP-1) Medications on Food Cravings, Food Selection, and Food Intake Following Exposure to Food Advertisements

The purpose of this randomized control trial is to compare how food cravings, food selection, and food consumption change in response to frequent food advertisements compared to non-food advertisements in adults taking GLP-1 (weight loss) medications. The primary question we aim to answer is: do GLP-1 medications reduce an individual's vulnerability to external triggers that drive food cravings and consumption? Participants will: * report daily food consumption for a total of 10 days, * receive eight daily prompts to view food or non-food related advertisements, and respond to a short 9-question survey for 7 days, * answer several questionnaires, * and complete two in-person visits to complete a virtual reality food selection task.

Lifestyle Change Implementation Research Network at PRC at UMass Chan

The goal of this project is to study how well the Noom digital lifestyle program works for adults who are taking Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) medications. The study team will assess how the program affects people's behaviors and health outcomes. The team will also look at how digital lifestyle change interventions can be implemented in real-world settings, including how many people it reaches, how well it is put into practice, whether people stick with it over time, and whether it works well for different groups of people.

GLP-1s in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

The number of people living with hip and knee arthritis continues to grow. A large amount of these people are also overweight and diagnosed with obesity. Obesity leads to more stress on hip and knee joints, causing them to wear out sooner. This process is called arthritis. When arthritis gets worse, the joints often need to be replaced due to pain and poor mobility. Very heavy patients often have other health problems that can impair the ability to manage arthritis. Excess weight and health problems can change the way heavy patients recover after surgery, leading to a greater risk of complications. A new type of medicine might be able to improve how obese patients manage their hip and knee pain, as well as improve outcomes after surgery. This type of medicine is called a GLP-1. Investigators will study 2 groups, with one receiving the medicine while the other does not. The goal is to understand how these medications work in the time leading up to surgery and in the early postoperative recovery phase. If these medications help, it may improve the care of high risk obese patients.

Scalable Behavioral Program for Weight Loss Maintenance After GLP-1 and Anti-Obesity Medication Discontinuation

This study is a single-site, pilot randomized factorial trial designed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, participant perceptions and preliminary effects of a multi-component behavioral intervention to support weight loss maintenance following discontinuation of GLP-1 and other anti-obesity medications. The intervention includes a standardized 10-week foundational weight loss maintenance program combined with candidate support components, including medically tailored meals, YMCA membership, and a structured mind-based program. Participants will be randomized using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design and followed for six months. Findings from this pilot study will inform optimization of a scalable intervention for future clinical trials.

Combatting Muscle Loss in Obese Adult Patients on GLP-1 Medications Through Dietary Counseling and Exercise During Treatment Evaluates Whether a 12-week Exercise and Individualized Nutrition Program Can Reduce Muscle and Bone Loss and Improve Strength, Fitness, and Function in Obese Adults on GLP-1

Obesity remains a critical public health challenge and is associated with increased rates of morbidity, mortality, and chronic disease worldwide. In recent years, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, have emerged as highly effective pharmacological treatments for obesity, producing substantial weight loss and favorable metabolic improvements. These medications are now widely prescribed, with estimates suggesting that nearly 12% of Americans are currently using or have previously used GLP-1 therapies. Despite their demonstrated benefits, growing evidence indicates that GLP-1-associated weight loss may be accompanied by unintended reductions in skeletal muscle and bone mass. This potential side effect is of increasing concern, as muscle and bone are essential for metabolic health, physical function, injury prevention, and recovery from illness or surgical intervention. Loss of skeletal muscle during weight reduction may negatively impact strength, mobility, insulin sensitivity, and long-term health outcomes. These risks may be further compounded in individuals experiencing reduced physical activity, mechanical unloading, or prolonged caloric deficits. In clinical and surgical populations, such as individuals undergoing orthopedic procedures, mechanical unloading and disuse already predispose patients to muscle and bone atrophy. When combined with pharmacologically induced weight loss, these factors may further hinder recovery, impair functional capacity, and compromise musculoskeletal integrity. As GLP-1 therapies are increasingly adopted across diverse populations, understanding how to preserve lean mass and bone health during treatment has become an important clinical and public health priority. Exercise training, particularly resistance training, combined with appropriate nutritional support, has consistently been shown to preserve and enhance skeletal muscle and bone mass during weight loss. Structured exercise interventions can mitigate sarcopenia and osteopenia while improving muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic health, and overall physical function. Similarly, individualized dietary counseling, particularly when focused on adequate protein intake and nutrient timing, plays a critical role in supporting muscle protein synthesis and skeletal health during caloric restriction. Together, these lifestyle strategies may not only counteract the potential adverse musculoskeletal effects associated with GLP-1 therapy but also enhance treatment efficacy by improving cardiovascular risk profiles, insulin sensitivity, systemic inflammation, and physical resilience. Despite the growing use of GLP-1 medications, there remains a limited body of prospective research examining structured lifestyle interventions specifically designed to preserve muscle and bone mass during GLP-1-induced weight loss. Addressing this gap is essential to ensure that pharmacological obesity treatments support long-term health, functional independence, and quality of life. Integrating exercise and nutrition interventions into GLP-1 treatment protocols may represent a scalable and clinically meaningful strategy to optimize outcomes and reduce unintended consequences of rapid weight loss. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a structured lifestyle intervention combining exercise and individualized nutritional counseling can mitigate skeletal muscle mass loss in obese adults undergoing treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether participation in a structured 12-week exercise program, in conjunction with individualized dietary counseling, preserves skeletal muscle mass and bone mineral density during GLP-1 therapy. Secondary objectives include assessing changes in muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and overall functional capacity. Findings from this study aim to inform best practices for integrating lifestyle interventions with pharmacological obesity treatments and to support safer, more effective, and functionally protective approaches to weight management in adults receiving GLP-1 therapy.

Bone Metabolism in 12-21 Year Olds Undergoing Glucagon Like Peptide (GLP)-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare bone health markers over 24 months in participants 12 - 21 years of age with obesity who are starting the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) as compared to those with similar weight followed by lifestyle management. Participants will: * Take GLP-1RA as prescribed or continue to work on lifestyle management for weight loss * Take provided calcium and vitamin D supplements * Attend 6 study visits over 24 months with two at the beginning and then every 6 months that include: * History and Physical Exams * Lab Work * Imaging studies * Questionnaires * 24-hour dietary recalls

Effects of Tirzepatide on Muscle and Vascular Health in Obese Older Adults

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represent major public health concerns in the aging community. Tirzepatide, a novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist recently approved for the treatment of T2DM and obesity has been shown to be effective at reducing weight, improving markers of T2DM control, and improving cardiovascular health. Utilization of tirzepatide among older adults has been on the rise since FDA approval was issued, however the effects of tirzepatide use on functional outcomes in older adults with obesity are not well established. Recent studies show that weight loss caused by tirzepatide may be driven by substantial loss of lean muscle mass, which may contribute to weakness and frailty, particularly among older adults. The proposed pilot study aims to evaluate how treatment with tirzepatide for 6 months affects muscle mass and function among older adults, and if changes in muscle mass are linked to changes in functional status over the same time period.

Individualized Pharmacological Approach to Obesity in Patients With Bipolar Disorder

The goal of this clinical trial is to identify the specific characteristics (phenotypes) that may be useful to help select the right medication for weight loss, and to study the effect of individualized guided medication in patients with bipolar disorder ages 18-65. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can the investigators compare the distribution of obesity characteristics (hungry brain, hungry gut, emotional hunger) between bipolar patients and non-bipolar participants (comparing from IRB #24-002375)? * Can the investigators evaluate the feasibility of anti-obesity medication (AOM) in patients with bipolar disorder? Participation will last for about 20 weeks and includes 8 in-person study visits, up to 11 phone call visits, and 13 virtual group therapy sessions. The first visit lasts about 2 hours and includes going over the informed consent form, a diagnostic interview to confirm diagnosis, gathering vital signs, mood questionnaires, an ECG, a blood draw, and urine drug and pregnancy tests (if applicable). The second visit lasts about 6-7 hours and involves multiple procedures and completing questionnaires to determine which study drug would allow participants to lose weight most effectively. At the third visit, participants will be assigned to take one of three FDA approved medications for weight loss: Semaglutide (Wegovy®), Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave®), or Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia®). It is possible that participants could be assigned to a group that receives no study medication. All participants will be enrolled in a 12-week virtual group therapy program targeted for weight loss. On this third visit the investigators will also gather vital signs, and participants will give a sample of blood. After the third visit, participants will come in for study visits every 4 weeks for 20 weeks (5 visits) to assess medication adherence, vitals, and answer questions about mood and eating (participants will also give a sample of blood at the 8-week and 20-week visits). For participants assigned to a study medication, the study team will call every week for the first 2 months (excluding in-person visit weeks) to assess mood and safety. After the first 2 months, the study team will call the participant every two weeks in between in-person visits. Participants will be compensated for time spent in this study. Participants assigned to a study medication will also be given the option to participate in the open-label phase of the study, which involves 3 follow-up visits (weeks 24, 36, and 48) over 7 months after the 20-week trial. During this phase, participants can continue to take the medication through their clinical care provider.

The Impact of GLP Medication on Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Quality

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how GLP-1 and GIP agonists effect bowel preparation in patients scheduled for colonoscopies. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does GLP-1 and GIP agonist increase the rate of inadequate bowel preparation? * Does the quality of bowel preparation differ in patients who hold vs. those who continue a single dose of their GLP-1 or GIP agonist medication? * Are there any differences in the rates of complications gastric aspiration in patients who hold vs. continue a single dose of their GLP-1 or GIP agonist medication?

Multivitamin Impact on Micronutrient Status in GLP-1 Users: A Randomized Trial

Rationale: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have emerged as effective treatments for obesity and associated medical conditions. However, patients may be at risk of micronutrient deficiencies during therapy due to reduced appetite, altered gastrointestinal physiology, and weight loss. Multivitamin supplementation is commonly prescribed to mitigate these risks, but the necessity and efficacy of multivitamin use in GLP-1 users remain debatable, as some clinicians advocate for routine supplementation while others do not. Objective: To assess the differences in micronutrient levels between patients who use multivitamin supplements while on GLP-1 therapy and those who do not, to provide evidence on the necessity and benefits of supplementation. Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Study Population: Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with obesity-associated medical problems) currently using GLP-1 receptor agonists for at least 3 months with stable dosing. Intervention: * Group A (Intervention): Multivitamin supplementation while on GLP-1 therapy * Group B (Control): Matching placebo while on GLP-1 therapy Main Study Parameters/Endpoints: The primary outcomes are the differences in serum levels of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Ferritin between the multivitamin and placebo groups after 12 months of supplementation while on GLP-1 therapy. Nature and Extent of the Burden and Risks: Participants will undergo blood sampling at four timepoints: baseline (before starting GLP-1 therapy), at randomization (3 months of stable GLP-1 therapy), and at 6 and 12 months post-randomization. The risks associated with the study are minimal and primarily related to blood sampling and potential side effects of multivitamin supplementation. The burden includes time commitment for study visits and daily supplement intake.