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

Summary

This study is testing how different types of protein - from red meat, legumes (like lentils and beans), or a mix of both - affect muscle strength, body composition, and metabolic health in older adults with obesity who are also at risk for sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass and function). Participants will follow a personalized weight loss diet with one high-protein meal each day that includes either red meat, legumes, or both, along with a home-based strength training program. The study will last three months and will include health assessments such as blood tests, muscle and fat measurements, and physical function tests. The goal is to find out which type of protein source is most helpful for improving strength, reducing body fat, and supporting healthy aging.

Conditions

• Sarcopenic Obesity
• Obesity and Obesity-related Medical Conditions
• Obesity (Body Mass Index >30 kg/m2)
• Sarcopenia
• Muscle Loss
• Aging

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Legume-Based High-Protein Diet + Resistance Training

Participants receive a hypocaloric, high-protein diet primarily based on legumes (e.g., lentils, beans, peas) designed to meet protein goals (\~2g/kg body weight). Diet is combined with a structured home-based resistance training program performed 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The exercise includes progressive resistance exercises focusing on major muscle groups using body weight and resistance bands.

BEHAVIORAL

Meat-Based High-Protein Diet + Resistance Training

Participants follow a hypocaloric, high-protein diet emphasizing animal-based protein sources, mainly lean meats, to achieve \~2g/kg body weight protein intake. This dietary intervention is combined with a 12-week, home-based resistance training protocol, performed thrice weekly, targeting major muscle groups with progressive overload using body weight and resistance bands.

BEHAVIORAL

Mixed Legume and Meat High-Protein Diet + Resistance Training

Participants adhere to a hypocaloric, high-protein diet combining both legumes and lean meats as protein sources to reach \~2g/kg body weight. The dietary plan is paired with a 12-week home-based resistance training program, performed 3 times per week, emphasizing progressive resistance exercises for all major muscle groups using body weight and resistance bands.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center

  lead OTHER_GOV

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

55 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-09-30

Primary Completion

2026-03-31

Completion

2026-06-30

Countries

• Israel

Study Locations