Effects of Tirzepatide on Muscle and Vascular Health in Obese Older Adults
The Effects of Tirzepatide Use on Muscle and Vascular Function Among Obese Older Adults
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
20 participants
Feb 15, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
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.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Men and postmenopausal women aged 50 years or older.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m².
- Untreated HbA1c \<6.5% at baseline.
- Willingness and ability to comply with all study procedures, including fasting requirements for certain visits.
- Able to provide informed consent and participate in all study assessments.
Exclusion Criteria14
- Active diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), defined by active use of glucose-lowering medications or hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m².
- Moderate to severe gastroesophageal reflux disease based on patient history.
- Inability to comply with the treatment protocol or to understand the consent form.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 4.
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) \> 33 U/L or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) \> 36 U/L.
- Active pregnancy.
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
- Personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome.
- Personal history of gastroparesis.
- Personal history of diabetic retinopathy.
- Known serious hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, to Tirzepatide or any of its excipients.
- Known serious hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, to any GLP-1 receptor agonist class of therapies.
- Concomitant treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
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
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT06811324