ObesityNCT07541677
Investigating the Prevalence and Risk Factors for Sarcopenia Amongst Adults Seeking Treatment for Obesity
An observational study of Obesity, run by Singapore General Hospital at 1 site in Singapore.
Trial summary
Sarcopenia, a condition where individuals lose muscle mass and strength, is associated with poorer health and function. While aging is a well-known cause of sarcopenia, obesity is increasingly recognised as a significant factor. When sarcopenia and obesity occur together, it can result in more severe health problems. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 21 to 100 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Obesity
- How many people
- 160 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSingapore
- Study dates
- 26 May 2025to 31 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 21 to 100 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Adults with obesity seeking treatment at Singapore General Hospital Obesity Centre
Who may be able to join
- body mass index ≥ 27.5kg/m2
- able to provide informed consent.
Who cannot join
- unable to undergo the physical function tests (handgrip strength testing and chair-stand tests)
- pregnant women
- history of bariatric procedures or surgeries
- on medications for treatment of obesity (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, phentermine, naltrexone-bupropion, orlistat)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Sarcopenia, a condition where individuals lose muscle mass and strength, is associated with poorer health and function. While aging is a well-known cause of sarcopenia, obesity is increasingly recognised as a significant factor. When sarcopenia and obesity occur together, it can result in more severe health problems. This is especially concerning because weight loss, the treatment for obesity, can further reduce muscle mass and potentially worsen the situation. Despite this, it is unknown how common sarcopenia is among people with obesity, as only a few studies have looked into this using the most accurate diagnostic criteria, showing a prevalence of 4-13%.
In this study, the investigators will examine the prevalence of sarcopenia in 300 adults with obesity at a specialized Obesity Center. The investigators expect to find a higher prevalence among Asian participants due to differences in body composition compared to other ethnic groups.
Read more
The investigators will also explore various factors that might be linked to sarcopenia in these individuals, such as age, gender, race, body mass index, smoking and alcohol use, medical conditions, medications, physical activity, aerobic capacity, and dietary protein intake. Some of these factors could help in identifying those at risk of sarcopenia and could be targeted for future treatments.
Currently, screening for sarcopenia is not a standard part of routine obesity care as it requires specialized equipment and trained staff. By determining how common sarcopenia is in people with obesity, this study will help healthcare providers better understand the problem and allocate resources effectively. Identifying factors associated with sarcopenia will also help streamline diagnosis and monitoring for those at risk.
- Conditions
- Obesity
- Medical subject headings
- Obesity
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Sarcopenia
Skeletal muscle mass Skeletal muscle mass measurement will be obtained via bioimpedance analysis using the TANITA MC 780 MA Multi-frequency Segmental Body Composition Analyser. Low skeletal muscle mass will be defined by percentage of skeletal muscle mass divided by body weight of ≤ 37% in males and ≤ 27.6% in females.
Measured: Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline only.
Handgrip strength
Handgrip strength will be measured using the Jamar handgrip dynamometer. Two trials will be performed for each hand, and the maximum strength will be used for diagnosis.
Measured: Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline only.
5-time chair stand test
Time taken (seconds) to perform 5 sit-to-stand repetitions
Measured: Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline only.
30-second sit-to-stand test
Number of sit-to-stand repetitions performed in 30 seconds
Measured: Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline only.
Secondary outcomes (3)
Aerobic capacity
The study will use a validated non-exercise prediction model comprising a physical activity questionnaire to estimate peak oxygen uptake, VO2 milliliter/kg/minute (ml/kg/min). This simple physical activity questionnaire consists of age, gender, height, weight, estimated maximum heart rate, frequency of exercise, length of time for each workout, intensity of each workout, waistline diameter, and resting heart rate. It will be self-administered or administered with the assistance of the clinical research coordinator if required.
Measured: At baseline
Physical activity questionnaire
Number of minutes per week spent on moderate to vigorous physical activity will be recorded
Measured: At baseline
Dietary questionnaire
72 hour dietary recall questionnaire will be administered and dietary macronutrient composition will be calculated
Measured: At baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Apr 2026
- Study start26 May 2025
- Primary completion31 May 2026
- Study completion31 Jul 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for ObesityStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Singapore General HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 160 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Singapore General Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07541677
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- sarcopenicobesity
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 11 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 27 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigating the Prevalence and Risk Factors for Sarcopenia Amongst Adults Seeking Treatment for Obesity
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07541677
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- sarcopenicobesity
- Conditions
- Obesity
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 160 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Singapore General HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 26 May 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 21 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Sarcopenia, a condition where individuals lose muscle mass and strength, is associated with poorer health and function. While aging is a well-known cause of sarcopenia, obesity is increasingly recognised as a significant factor. When sarcopenia and obesity occur together, it can result in more severe health problems. This is especially concerning because weight loss, the treatment for obesity, can further reduce muscle mass and potentially worsen the situation. Despite this, it is unknown how common sarcopenia is among people with obesity, as only a few studies have looked into this using the most accurate diagnostic criteria, showing a prevalence of 4-13%.
In this study, the investigators will examine the prevalence of sarcopenia in 300 adults with obesity at a specialized Obesity Center. The investigators expect to find a higher prevalence among Asian participants due to differences in body composition compared to other ethnic groups.
The investigators will also explore various factors that might be linked to sarcopenia in these individuals, such as age, gender, race, body mass index, smoking and alcohol use, medical conditions, medications, physical activity, aerobic capacity, and dietary protein intake. Some of these factors could help in identifying those at risk of sarcopenia and could be targeted for future treatments.
Currently, screening for sarcopenia is not a standard part of routine obesity care as it requires specialized equipment and trained staff. By determining how common sarcopenia is in people with obesity, this study will help healthcare providers better understand the problem and allocate resources effectively. Identifying factors associated with sarcopenia will also help streamline diagnosis and monitoring for those at risk.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 21 to 100 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Adults with obesity seeking treatment at Singapore General Hospital Obesity Centre
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- body mass index ≥ 27.5kg/m2
- able to provide informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- unable to undergo the physical function tests (handgrip strength testing and chair-stand tests)
- pregnant women
- history of bariatric procedures or surgeries
- on medications for treatment of obesity (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, phentermine, naltrexone-bupropion, orlistat)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Sarcopenia
Time frame: Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline only.
Skeletal muscle mass Skeletal muscle mass measurement will be obtained via bioimpedance analysis using the TANITA MC 780 MA Multi-frequency Segmental Body Composition Analyser. Low skeletal muscle mass will be defined by percentage of skeletal muscle mass divided by body weight of ≤ 37% in males and ≤ 27.6% in females.
Handgrip strength
Time frame: Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline only.
Handgrip strength will be measured using the Jamar handgrip dynamometer. Two trials will be performed for each hand, and the maximum strength will be used for diagnosis.
5-time chair stand test
Time frame: Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline only.
Time taken (seconds) to perform 5 sit-to-stand repetitions
30-second sit-to-stand test
Time frame: Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline only.
Number of sit-to-stand repetitions performed in 30 seconds
3 secondary outcomes
Aerobic capacity
Time frame: At baseline
Physical activity questionnaire
Time frame: At baseline
Dietary questionnaire
Time frame: At baseline
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 27 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Obesity, run by Singapore General Hospital at 1 site in Singapore.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Singapore. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Sarcopenia (time frame: Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline only.). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Oct 2026.