Effects of Tirzepatide on Muscle and Vascular Health in Obese Older Adults
NCT06811324 · Recruiting
Last updated 2026-05-28This clinical trial is testing whether the medication tirzepatide can improve muscle and blood vessel health in older adults who are obese.
What this study is testing ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06811324 ↗
Description as written by the study sponsor.
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.
Treatments tested
- Tirzepatide also known as Zepbound, LY3298176 Drug
Once weekly tirzepatide starting at 2.5 mg/weekly, with dose escalation monthly by 2.5 mg to a target dose of 10 mg/weekly or maximum tolerated
| Main thing measured | Appendicular lean muscle mass |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio |
| Conditions studied | Obesity Prevention, Sarcopenia in Elderly, Cardiovascular Function, GLP - 1, Weight Loss |
| GLP-1 drugs | tirzepatide |
Full protocol, eligibility, and contacts on ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06811324 ↗