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A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Body Composition Changes in Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Undergoing an Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation
Ian Jennings1, Kristine Ly1, Mariam Marooki1
1UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States, 9300 Campus Point Drive #7414, La Jolla, California 92093.
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology
|May 21, 2026
Summary
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) did not significantly alter skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in patients undergoing intensive cardiac rehabilitation. This suggests GLP-1 RA therapy can be safely combined with structured exercise programs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are effective for type 2 diabetes and obesity, promoting weight loss.
- Concerns exist regarding potential skeletal muscle mass (SMM) loss with pharmacologic weight reduction, especially in older adults at risk for sarcopenia.
- The impact of GLP-1 RA therapy on SMM within Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) programs is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between GLP-1 RA use and changes in SMM and fat mass (FM) in patients undergoing ICR.
- To determine if GLP-1 RA therapy affects SMM preservation during a structured cardiac rehabilitation program.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 468 patients in a Pritikin ICR program (2017-2024).
- Compared 67 patients on GLP-1 RAs with non-users, assessing body composition (SMM, FM) via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) at baseline and program completion.
- Utilized multivariable regression models adjusted for age, sex, BMI, diabetes status, and baseline fitness (METs).
Main Results:
- Both groups showed improved cardiorespiratory fitness (METs) with ICR (p < 0.001).
- Patients on GLP-1 RAs had higher baseline BMI and body fat but similar SMM compared to non-users.
- Adjusted analyses revealed no significant difference in percent change of SMM (β = 0.62%, p = 0.326) or FM (β = 3.01%, p = 0.204) between GLP-1 RA users and non-users.
Conclusions:
- GLP-1 RA use during ICR was not associated with significantly different skeletal muscle mass changes.
- Findings support the safe integration of GLP-1 based pharmacotherapy with structured exercise programs like ICR.
- This suggests GLP-1 RAs can be used alongside cardiac rehabilitation without compromising muscle mass.
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