OPAL Study

In the UK it is estimated that around 1 in every 4 adults are living with obesity. Obesity is a serious health concern that increases the risk of many other health conditions. Obesity is also known to affect whole body health and fitness. This means that people with obesity may find everyday activities harder. Obesity affects old and younger people alike, and it is common in those with Long Covid.

Several combinations of treatments for obesity can help with weight loss, with the potential to also improve overall physical health. These treatments include low-energy diets, exercise, or new types of medications. For example, tirzepatide is a new medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss and is widely used in routine clinical care. However, the large amount of weight loss seen with tirzepatide (and low-energy diets) is achieved through a loss of both muscle and fat. Muscle is important in helping us move and take part in tasks of daily living (collectively called physical function). Whether we can prevent the loss of muscle mass and help maintain or improve physical function through adding exercise to these treatments is unknown.

The study will investigate whether newer generations of weight loss therapies and equivalent dietary-induced weight loss can be used to improve overall physical function, measured by a walking test, and other measures of muscle health, and whether combining it with a programme of exercise can make the benefits even greater. The study will also look at the effect of weight loss therapies with and without exercise on overall levels of muscle and fat, blood markers of health, and quality of life.

This study is due to enter the recruitment phase in October 2024.