LEAN Mass Preservation With Resistance Exercise and Protein During Semaglutide/Tirzepatide Therapy

The aim of the current study is to determine whether resistance exercise and/or protein intake can preserve lean mass and improve physical function in patients with obesity initiating semaglutide/tirzepatide therapy. To achieve this aim the study will have the following objectives.

In people with obesity initiating semaglutide/tirzepatide therapy

1. Form a PPI group to refine the study protocol and establish study materials, 2. Quantify the effects of a pragmatic resistance exercise intervention and/or increasing protein intake on lean mass and physical function during semaglutide/tirzepatide induced weight loss, 3. Establish whether the resistance exercise intervention and/or increasing protein intake has concomitant benefits on glycaemic control, lipids, liver function, quality of life, physical activity and sleep during semaglutide/tirzepatide induced weight loss.

The participants will:

Begin their weight loss medication, starting at a low dose and then increasing the dose to maximize weight loss. They will be randomly assigned by a computer to ONE of the following groups and will be followed up to 6-months:

* Control group * Protein intake group * Muscle strengthening exercise group * Muscle strengthening exercise AND protein intake group.