Sarcopenic obesity in older individuals presents a clinical conundrum without an effective therapeutic strategy. This study will determine the impact of precision amino acid delivery as part of a meal replacement (EMR) during weight loss on the preservation of lean tissue and improvements in metabolic health and physical function in older obese adults. Following weight loss, the investigators will examine whether one serving/day of EMR will sustain the above stated benefits.
The health status of the aging population is negatively affected by sarcopenic obesity as described by the progressive loss of lean tissue and an increase in adipose tissue. This condition presents a clinical conundrum as it predisposes older obese individuals to a high risk for disability, morbidity and mortality. Insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, elevations in intrahepatic lipid and detrimental alterations in the gut microbiome are also evident. The application of caloric restriction-induced weight loss (CRWL) used to address these health risks in younger individuals may exacerbate muscle wasting and increase morbidity in older adults. Unfortunately, low fitness levels and poor compliance limit the mitigating influence of weight loss through exercise training on sarcopenic obesity. In order to address anabolic resistance or the decreased ability to maintain protein synthesis that contributes to sarcopenic obesity, the investigators have developed a complete meal replacement that contains a mechanism-targeted profile of essential amino acids (17 grams). This profile is designed to overcome anabolic resistance and maintain net protein balance even in the hypocaloric state. It is our overarching hypothesis that EMR will promote the retention of lean tissue mass, and improve metabolic and functional outcomes following 12 weeks of CRWL, and that those endpoints will be sustained over a 12 week maintenance period with the once per day (q.d.) consumption of EMR. The investigators will randomly assign older obese individuals to either EMR or an isocaloric serving of Bariatrics Advantage (meal replacement that contains 27 grams of intact protein) during these interventions. The investigators will execute these specific aims to test our hypotheses: SA1. Establish the importance of EMR in the preservation of lean tissue mass during CRWL. Lean tissue mass and adipose tissue mass will be determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy (MRI/MRS) scans. MRI/MRS will be used to measure intrahepatic lipid, and the investigators will evaluate alterations in insulin sensitivity using the HOMA score. The investigators will measure potential changes in gut microbiota in collaboration with Dr. Duddleston at the University of Alaska Anchorage. SA2. Determine the influence of EMR on physical function and increased daily activity during CRWL. Slow walking speed is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality. The investigators chose the 6-minute walk test to represent the primary endpoint for this aim. The investigators will also determine alterations in gait speed, skeletal muscle power and strength and stair climbing ability, and changes in physical activity using Actigraph GT3X+ devices. SA3. Identify whether EMR q.d. will sustain improvements in body composition, physical function and metabolic parameters over a 12 week, maintenance period following CRWL. Since the preservation of lean tissue mass is directly linked to optimal function and metabolic health, the investigators will measure the influence of EMR q.d. on the indices of metabolic health (ie., intrahepatic lipid, insulin sensitivity) and physical function.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
6
Participants will consume a 1,200 kcal/day diet for twelve weeks. This is the amount of calories most commonly provided in medical weight loss programs, and considered the maximum allowable caloric intake to induce a physiologically significant weight loss. Following the weight loss portion of the trial, participants will enter the twelve week maintenance period, during which time they will consume one serving per day in place of lunch of the same meal replacement beverage used during medical weight loss.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Lean tissue mass and adipose tissue mass
Lean tissue mass and adipose tissue mass will be determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry.
Time frame: 24 weeks for each participant
Skeletal muscle
Magnetic resonance imaging scans will be used to measure the cross sectional area of skeletal muscle
Time frame: 24 weeks for each participant
Metabolic health
The investigators will evaluate alterations in insulin sensitivity using the HOMA score.
Time frame: 24 weeks for each participant
Intrahepatic lipid
Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy scans will be used to measure intrahepatic lipid
Time frame: 24 weeks for each participant
Physical function
A 6-minute walk test will be used to assess changes in physical function.
Time frame: 24 weeks for each participant
Gut microbiome
Stool kits will be provided with standardized instructions to participants for collection and transportation of stool samples. DNA will be extracted to evaluate alterations in gut microbiota.
Time frame: 24 weeks for each participant
Timed step test
This test will be used to evaluate dynamic balance ability. The participant will step and down from a 4 inch bench as quickly as possible 5 times.
Time frame: 24 weeks for each participant
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Timed floor transfer test
This test will be used to evaluate mobility. While being timed, the participant will start in the standing position, go to the supine position and return to the standing position.
Time frame: 24 weeks for each participant
Hand grip test
This test will determine muscle strength. The participant will grip the hand dynamometer and perform three tests, alternating with a brief rest period of 20 seconds.
Time frame: 24 weeks for each participant