The effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on exercise adaptation

About the Project

markers of adaptation.

In parallel, the student will utilise muscle biopsies collected within the ongoing OPAL trial. Participants serve as their own control, with samples obtained at:

1. baseline,
2. 24 hours after an acute exercise bout prior to drug exposure,
3. 24 hours after the same exercise bout following one week of GLP-1 RA therapy, and
4. 24 hours after exercise at the end of the full training programme.

This design allows precise evaluation of acute and chronic exercise responses and how these responses are modified by GLP-1 RA therapy.

Expected Outcomes and Impact:

The project will generate mechanistic insight into how obesity pharmacotherapies interact with exercise – a fundamental question as these drugs become embedded in routine care. Findings have the potential to inform clinical guidance, optimise combined therapy strategies and ultimately improve long-term musculoskeletal and metabolic outcomes for people living with obesity. The student will gain extensive experience in in-vitro modelling, multi-omic approaches and human biopsy analysis within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Training opportunities:

The student will receive comprehensive training across cellular, molecular and human physiology techniques. This includes primary human skeletal muscle cell culture, in-vitro exercise modelling, mitochondrial functional assays, and multi-omic data generation and interpretation. They will be fully trained in ex-vivo muscle biopsy handling, processing and analysis, including histology, fibre typing and molecular pathway assessment. Additional opportunities include advanced statistical analysis, data visualisation, and engagement with interdisciplinary teams across the NIHR Leicester BRC and LLHRG. The student will also access workshops in professional development, scientific writing, conference presentation and public engagement, ensuring strong preparation for an independent research career.