Creatine Supplementation During GLP-1a Therapy

A Pilot Study on Creatine Supplementation During Resistance-training for Prevention of Lean Tissue Mass Loss During GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy

GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective for weight loss, but significant muscle mass is lost as a proportion of this weight loss. This study combines resistance-training and creatine supplementation to try to prevent this loss of muscle mass.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are highly effective for weight loss and increasing in popularity for those trying to lose weight. One concern with these medications is the potential for loss of lean tissue mass during rapid weight loss. This may affect strength and functional performance in people taking these medications. Resistance-training helps to offset loss of muscle mass during weight loss. Supplementation with creatine monohydrate is also effective for improving muscle mass and strength. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine the effectiveness of creatine supplementation during a resistance training program in people who are starting GLP-receptor agonist medication for preventing loss of lean tissue mass and functional performance. The investigators will randomize 40 people who are starting GLP-1 agonists to receive either 10g per day creatine or placebo during a resistance-training program (i.e., resistance-training three days per week for 12 weeks). It is hypothesized that participants on the creatine supplement will have superior maintenance of lean tissue mass and function performance compared to participants taking placebo.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Starting GLP-1 agonist therapy
• 18 years of age or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Positive answers to a screening questionnaire for physical activity safety (the Get Active Questionnaire)