Meet CAG presenter Simon Birk Kjær Jensen

Simon Birk Kjær Jensen, MSc in Human Physiology, PhD

Postdoctoral researcher in the Torekov group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

What is your research project about?

Newly developed gut hormone-based medications results in large weight losses and mark a new era in obesity management. However, long-term adherence is challenging, and termination of obesity medication typically leads to rapid weight regain. In contrast to medication, exercise is a behavior that can, in principle, continue after supervised exercise programs ends. In my research project, I investigated whether combining supervised exercise with obesity medication (GLP-1 receptor agonist) can better preserve weight loss and body composition one year after stopping treatment compared with medication alone.

I found that, one year after treatment had ended, participants who had previously received combined supervised exercise and obesity medication had maintained weight loss and body-fat reductions in contrast to weight regain for participants who had previously received medication without exercise. These results support the importance of implementing supervised exercise programs into the medical treatment of obesity to improve healthy weight loss and minimize weight regain after medication discontinuation.

What does it mean to be part of a CAG?

The newly formed CAG SHIFT brings together a strong interdisciplinary group of researchers within sustainable obesity treatment. My hope is that this network can facilitate new collaborations aimed at optimizing long-term obesity care with increased physical activity and potentially reduced medication need. I also look forward to connecting with other early-career researchers in the planned young investigators network, which will create opportunities for learning and idea exchange, support, and shared resources.