Researchers investigating how to maximise the benefits of new 'block-buster' anti-obesity medications through a study combining pharmaceutical treatment with tailored exercise programs are urging more men to sign up.
Led by Professors Bu Yeap and Danny Green, from The University of Western Australia, the research examines whether combining the anti-obesity medication tirzepatide (Mounjaro) with structured exercise delivers superior outcomes for cardiovascular health, compared to medication alone.
"All participants in the study receive 40 weeks of free treatment with Mounjaro, and have a 50 per cent chance of getting a free state-of-the-art exercise program supervised by a specialised exercise physiologist at our UWA gym," Professor Green said.
"The medication being studied has shown remarkable effectiveness in clinical trials, exceeding that of Ozempic and produces weight reduction of 15-to-20 per cent over a 40-week period.
"However, questions remain about how to optimise their health benefits beyond weight loss alone."
The research team has already recruited 60 women and 40 men for the study, with openings remaining for an additional 20 male participants.
"Several male participants who have completed the 40-week treatment have described their experience as 'life-changing'," Professor Yeap said.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for 20 men who need to lose a bit of excess weight for health reasons, to receive highly effective treatment in a carefully supervised environment."
PhD student Evie Winterton, who is working on the project, described the study as exciting and encouraged men who want to lose weight to get involved.
"As part of the study we do tests of heart and artery function, so we are looking for men who are not on blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medication and have not previously been on Ozempic or other weight loss drugs," she said.
The research takes on increased significance as the new medications become more widely prescribed globally, with growing interest in understanding how lifestyle factors can complement pharmaceutical approaches to obesity management.
Men interested in participating in the study can email the research team at
