University of California, Los Angeles
This pilot study will examine whether daily protein supplementation with or without a mixture of culinary spices can help preserve muscle mass and function in adults who are using GLP-1 medications for weight management. The study will include 75 adults who recently started a GLP-1 medication and are experiencing weight loss. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: standard of care, protein supplementation plus placebo capsules, or protein supplementation plus mixed spice capsules. The study will last 6 months. Researchers will compare changes in muscle mass and muscle function among the groups. Muscle mass will be measured using DEXA and D3-creatine enrichment. Muscle function will be assessed using walking, stair-climbing, and grip-strength tests. The study will also evaluate metabolic and inflammatory markers, body composition, dietary intake, physical activity, fatigue, sleep quality, quality of life, and other measures related to muscle health.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or female ≥18 years of age at screening visit. 2. BMI \>27 kg/m² with weight-related conditions OR BMI \>30 kg/m². 3. Taking any FDA-approved GLP-1 medication, daily oral or weekly injectable, started up to three months ago, and experiencing at least 1 lb of weight loss per week. 4. Screening laboratory tests without significant abnormalities that might interfere with the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Consume spices regularly \>5 g/day. 2. Allergy or sensitivity to spices, or history of allergy or anaphylaxis of any kind. 3. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. 4. Veg…
Participants will receive Nutrasumma 100% Whey Protein Isolate (unflavored), providing 20 g whey protein isolate per serving. The 20 g of protein from the shake will count toward the total daily protein goal of 1.2 g/kg lean body mass/day. The remaining protein target will be met through the participant's usual diet.
Participants will consume placebo capsules containing 4 g of maltodextrin daily for 6 months.
Participants will consume 4 g of mixed spice capsules daily for 6 months. The daily mixture contains 1.0 g turmeric, 1.5 g cinnamon, 0.5 g oregano, 0.5 g black pepper, 0.3 g sage, and 0.2 g thyme.