RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Creatine Supplementation During GLP-1a Therapy

When people take new weight-loss medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, they can lose a lot of weight, which is great. However, they sometimes lose muscle as well as fat. Losing muscle can make you feel weaker or find everyday activities harder. This study wants to find out if combining a special exercise plan with a creatine supplement can help prevent this muscle loss. Researchers will recruit 40 people who are starting GLP-1a medication. Half will take creatine, and half will take a dummy supplement (placebo), both while doing 12 weeks of resistance exercise. The goal is to see if creatine helps people keep their muscle mass and strength better than those taking the placebo.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Saskatchewan

Enrolment target

Start

25 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Sarcopenia

What is this study about?

Many people are now taking new medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists to help them lose weight. These medicines can be very effective, but a common concern is that along with losing fat, some muscle can also be lost. Losing muscle can make you feel less strong and might make it harder to do daily tasks that require physical effort.

This study aims to discover if there's a good way to protect your muscles while you're taking these weight-loss medications. The idea is to combine two things known to help muscles: regular resistance-training exercise (like lifting weights) and taking a supplement called creatine. Both of these have been shown to improve muscle size and strength on their own.

Researchers want to see if taking creatine while doing a 12-week resistance exercise program will help people keep their muscle mass and strength better than just doing the exercise alone. They'll compare a group taking creatine to a group taking a dummy pill (placebo) to understand the real effects. This could help people undertaking weight loss to improve their overall health and strength.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on keeping muscle while losing weight with new medication.
It combines resistance exercise with either a creatine supplement or a placebo.
The aim is to help people maintain strength and physical ability.
It's for adults starting GLP-1a medications.
Participation involves 12 weeks of exercise and daily supplements.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older, and you must be just starting treatment with a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication for weight loss. This means you haven't been taking this type of medication for a while already.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. If you answer 'yes' to certain health questions in a physical activity screening questionnaire, which suggests that exercise might not be safe for you right now, then you wouldn't be able to participate. This is to ensure everyone's safety during the resistance training part of the study.

Essentially, the study is looking for healthy adults who are new to GLP-1a weight-loss treatment and are able to safely take part in an exercise program.

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 18 years old or older?
Are you just starting a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication?
Are you able to safely do resistance training exercise?
Are you generally healthy enough for a new exercise program?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be asked to take one of two types of daily supplements for 12 weeks: either creatine or a dummy pill (placebo). You won't know which one you're taking. During these 12 weeks, you'll also follow a resistance-training exercise program, which you will do three times a week. The study will involve regular check-ups to measure your muscle mass and strength at different points. The total duration of your active involvement in the study, including all treatments and assessments, will be 12 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help us understand better ways to maintain muscle while losing weight, which could benefit future patients. The creatine supplement is generally considered safe, but like any supplement or new exercise program, there's a small chance of mild side effects or discomfort. You will also be asked to do resistance training, which carries a small risk of muscle soreness or injury. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Saskatchewan
Verified postcode
Saskatoon, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a GLP-1 receptor agonist?

It's a type of medication often prescribed to help people lose weight.

What is creatine?

Creatine is a natural substance, also available as a supplement, known to help build and maintain muscle.

What is resistance training?

This is a type of exercise, like lifting weights, that helps to make your muscles stronger.

Will I know if I'm taking creatine or a placebo?

No, this is a 'blinded' study, so you won't know if you're getting creatine or the dummy pill.

How long will the study last?

Your active participation in the study, including taking the supplement and exercising, will be for 12 weeks.

How to find out more

Philip D Chilibeck, PhD

phil.chilibeck@usask.ca 306-966-1072 Official trial record

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