The goal of this study is to examine how tirzepatide affects body composition, bone health, and physical performance in older adults over a nine-month period. Participants will take tirzepatide weekly, have clinic visits every 4 weeks, meet study doctor and registered dietitian every 4 weeks in person or video conference, attend group intervention sessions twice a month via video conference, weigh daily with a study-provided smart scale, keep a record of all foods and beverages consumed, and use a study-provided activity tracker to keep track of daily step counts.
Who can participate
Age range
65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* BMI 30-37 kg/m2 or BMI 27-\<30 kg/m2 with at least 1 weight-related comorbidity
* community dwelling
* able to provide own transportation to study visits
* willing to provide informed consent
* willing to take terzepatide for 9 months
* agree to all study procedures/assessments
* approved for participation by the study physician
Exclusion Criteria:
* dependent on a cane or walker or needing assistance with any activity of daily living
* history of mild cognitive impairment or dementia or cognitive impairment on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA score \<22)
* evidence of depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale score =\>16
* use of \>1 tobacco product/day or 4/week or vaped \>1/week in past year
* excessive alcohol use in past month (\>7 drinks/week for women; \>14 drinks/week for men)
* weight loss or gain \>5% in past 3 months
* vegan or other severe dietary restriction
* history of binge eating disorder
* regular participation in high intensity aerobic or resistance exercise training \>150 mins/week
* severe arthritis, fracture, chronic injury, or other musculoskeletal disorder that prevents walking independently
* joint replacement or other orthopedic surgery in past 6 months or planned in next 12 months
* osteoporosis (self report or DXA t-score \<= -2.5 on total hip and/or femoral neck)
* uncontrolled hypertension (systolic \>160 OR diastolic \>100 mmHg) upon repeated assessments
* type 1 diabetes
* uncontrolled ty…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in total body lean mass
Timeframe: Baseline to Month 9
2
Change in appendicular lean mass
Timeframe: Baseline to Month 9
3
Change in total body fat mass
Timeframe: Baseline to Month 9
4
Change in total hip bone mineral density
Timeframe: Baseline to Month 9
5
Change in lumbar spine bone mineral density
Timeframe: Baseline to Month 9
6
Change in 400 meter walk time
Timeframe: Baseline to Month 9
7
Change in lower extremity physical performance score