Plant vs Animal-based Protein Sources as an Anabolic and Metabolic-protective Options for SO in Older Adults

Launched by TEL-AVIV SOURASKY MEDICAL CENTER · Jun 12, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is looking at how different protein sources—red meat, beans and lentils (called legumes), or a combination of both—affect muscle strength, body fat, and overall health in older adults who have obesity and are at risk of losing muscle. Participants will follow a personalized weight loss diet that includes one high-protein meal each day featuring one of these protein types. Along with the diet, they will do a strength training program at home. The study will last three months and will include tests like blood work, measurements of muscle and fat, and physical function checks to see which protein source helps best with building strength, reducing fat, and supporting healthy aging.

To join, participants need to be 55 years or older, have obesity, and show signs that they might be losing muscle or have related health concerns like diabetes or heart disease. People currently doing strength training, on special diets, or with certain medical conditions may not be eligible. If accepted, participants can expect regular health assessments and guidance on diet and exercise throughout the study. This trial aims to find the best protein option to help older adults improve muscle health while managing their weight safely.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 55 years or older.
• • Diagnosed with obesity.
• • At risk for sarcopenia, based on at least one of the following: Low score on the validated SARC-F-calf questionnaire (as suggested in prior studies). More than one comorbidity associated with sarcopenic obesity (e.g., diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, etc.). Polypharmacy: taking 8 or more prescribed medications. Evidence of strength or functional impairment, assessed using validated measurements at the baseline visit.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Recent use of steroid agents within the past 6 months (replacement therapy is allowed).
• • Uncorrected hypothyroidism: TSH \> 6 mIU/L.
• • Diagnosis of malignancy within the past 5 years, except for non-melanoma skin cancer.
• • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) at stage \>1 (due to protein restriction needs).
• • Recent (≤6 months) or unstable cardiovascular condition, or NYHA Class III or higher congestive heart failure.
• • Currently performing resistance training.
• • Currently undergoing nutritional therapy, have recently changed diet (\<1 month), or are enrolled in active weight-loss programs or therapies (including lifestyle and/or pharmacotherapy). Note: Patients stable on GLP-1 agonists or other pharmacotherapy are eligible.
• • Vegetarians/vegans, or individuals with aversion or allergy to all legumes or all red meat products.
• • Habitual consumption of more than 3 servings/week of either legumes or red meat.
• • Other medical, psychiatric conditions, or lab abnormalities that may pose a risk to participation.