RecruitingInterventional

Resistance and aerobic exercise with protein in older adults with obesity during energy restriction

This research study is for older adults (aged 65-80) who are overweight or obese and are looking to lose weight. We know that losing weight can sometimes lead to losing muscle, which isn't good for strength and everyday activities. This study aims to find out if eating more protein while doing a special exercise program (combining weights and aerobic exercise) can help people lose body fat while keeping their muscle mass. Participants will join a 4-week program at the University of Birmingham, with further check-ups to see the long-term effects. This will help us understand the best ways for older adults to lose weight healthily.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

Start

16 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

14 Jun 2026

Overweight or obesity

What is this study about?

This study is a research project designed for older adults (aged 65 to 80) who are living with overweight or obesity. When older people try to lose weight, there's a concern that they might lose valuable muscle mass along with fat. Losing muscle can make it harder to move around, affect physical ability, and even increase the risk of getting sick. This study wants to find out if a specific approach – combining regular exercise with a diet that has more protein – can help people lose weight safely while protecting their muscles.

The main goal is to see how a higher protein diet, when teamed with both resistance exercise (like lifting weights) and aerobic exercise (like walking or cycling), affects muscle health during a period of losing weight. The study will run for four weeks, with extra check-ups a few months later to see if the benefits last. The information we gather will help doctors and dietitians give better advice to older adults on how to manage their weight and stay strong as they age.

The study involves attending the University of Birmingham for several visits, where you'll participate in supervised exercise sessions and follow a special eating plan. Researchers will measure different things about your body, like your body make-up (how much muscle and fat you have), your strength, and your overall health, to see how the exercise and diet affect you. This is an important step in finding the best ways to support healthy aging.

Key takeaways

Study for older adults (65-80) with overweight or obesity.
Investigates high protein diet with resistance and aerobic exercise.
Aims to preserve muscle while losing weight.
Involves supervised exercise and dietary support at the University of Birmingham.
Offers personalised health feedback and free food for part of the study.
Participation involves multiple visits over about 4 months total.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both men and women between the ages of 65 and 80. To join, you need to be considered overweight or obese, which is usually checked by your Body Mass Index (BMI) or waist size. The researchers are looking for people who are generally healthy and haven't had a big change in their weight in the last six months. You also need to be able to safely travel to and attend appointments at the University of Birmingham.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you smoke or vape regularly, you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you've done a lot of weight loss or strength training recently (in the last five years, or more than two days a week currently), this study might not be right for you. People with certain health conditions, like uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart problems, also can't join. The researchers will also need to make sure you're able to follow all the study's instructions. Certain medications, like regular pain relievers (NSAIDs) or blood thinners, may also prevent you from joining because of some of the tests involved.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 65 and 80 years old?
Are you considered overweight or obese (e.g., based on BMI or waist size)?
Have you been generally healthy and had a stable weight for the past 6 months?
Are you able and willing to attend appointments at the University of Birmingham?
Do you currently exercise less than 2 days per week and haven't done significant weight loss or resistance training in the last 5 years?
Do you currently avoid smoking or vaping?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll visit the University of Birmingham campus six times for tests and attend 12 supervised exercise sessions. This will all happen over about 35 days. The study starts with a 7-day period where researchers gather information about you. After that, there's a 28-day main part where you'll follow a combined exercise program (weights and aerobic exercise) and a specific eating plan. The study will provide most of your food for 21 days during this time, along with recipes for other days. During your visits, different measurements will be taken, such as your body's make-up, muscle strength, and general health. About three months after you finish the main part, you'll be invited back for one follow-up visit to see the longer-term effects. The total commitment from start to finish would include these visits spread out over roughly four months.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of joining include receiving an exercise plan created just for you and supervised by experts, along with a tailored eating plan to help with weight loss and health. You'll also get valuable feedback on your health, including details about your body composition and muscle strength. The study provides food for much of the intervention period. As with any study, there are some potential risks. These include a very small amount of radiation exposure from DXA scans (used to measure body composition), brief discomfort from blood tests, and minor discomfort or very rare complications from muscle biopsies (small tissue samples). You might also feel dizzy or sick from a special type of water called deuterium oxide, or find the exercise sessions strenuous, especially if you're not used to regular activity. However, all procedures are done by trained staff with safety in mind to reduce these risks. Remember, taking part is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

University of Birmingham
Approximate
Birmingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What kind of exercise will I be doing?

You'll be doing a mix of resistance exercise (like lifting weights) and aerobic exercise (like brisk walking or cycling), all supervised by experts.

Will I have to pay for the food or exercise?

No, the study will provide most of your food for 21 days during the intervention and all exercise sessions are supervised and free of charge.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The main part of the study involves visits over about 35 days, plus a follow-up visit around three months later.

What is a muscle biopsy?

It's a very tiny sample of muscle tissue taken by a doctor, usually with a local anaesthetic, to help researchers understand your muscle health.

Where is the study taking place?

The study is run from the University of Birmingham campus in the UK.

How to find out more

Archie Belfield

a.belfield@pgr.bham.ac.uk +44 (0)121 414 4109 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.