{"id":27496,"date":"2025-07-22T16:22:57","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T16:22:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/?p=27496"},"modified":"2025-07-22T17:27:27","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T17:27:27","slug":"glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-fail-to-provide-key-long-term-benefit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-fail-to-provide-key-long-term-benefit\/","title":{"rendered":"Researchers Warn GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Fail to Provide Key Long-Term Benefit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-blockquote uagb-block-e7eb3fc3 uagb-blockquote__skin-border uagb-blockquote__stack-img-none\"><blockquote class=\"uagb-blockquote\"><div class=\"uagb-blockquote__content\">GLP-1 weight loss drugs are popular for their short-term benefits. However, UVA researchers warn these medications might not improve long-term cardiorespiratory health and could impact muscle mass. Here&#8217;s what you need to know.<\/div><footer><div class=\"uagb-blockquote__author-wrap uagb-blockquote__author-at-left\"><\/div><\/footer><\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b0ffac9c wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-size:16px\" class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-post-author\"><div class=\"wp-block-post-author__content\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-author__name\">The University Network<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share uagb-social-share__outer-wrap uagb-social-share__layout-horizontal uagb-block-ee584a31\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-ec619ce7\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256c0 123.8 90.69 226.4 209.3 245V327.7h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.28c-30.8 0-40.41 19.12-40.41 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V501C413.3 482.4 504 379.8 504 256z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-32d99934\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"twitter\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M389.2 48h70.6L305.6 224.2 487 464H345L233.7 318.6 106.5 464H35.8L200.7 275.5 26.8 48H172.4L272.9 180.9 389.2 48zM364.4 421.8h39.1L151.1 88h-42L364.4 421.8z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-1d136f14\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?url=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"linkedin\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M416 32H31.9C14.3 32 0 46.5 0 64.3v383.4C0 465.5 14.3 480 31.9 480H416c17.6 0 32-14.5 32-32.3V64.3c0-17.8-14.4-32.3-32-32.3zM135.4 416H69V202.2h66.5V416zm-33.2-243c-21.3 0-38.5-17.3-38.5-38.5S80.9 96 102.2 96c21.2 0 38.5 17.3 38.5 38.5 0 21.3-17.2 38.5-38.5 38.5zm282.1 243h-66.4V312c0-24.8-.5-56.7-34.5-56.7-34.6 0-39.9 27-39.9 54.9V416h-66.4V202.2h63.7v29.2h.9c8.9-16.8 30.6-34.5 62.9-34.5 67.2 0 79.7 44.3 79.7 101.9V416z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GLP-1 receptor agonists, popular for their significant weight loss effects, may not offer long-term enhancements in cardiorespiratory function. Researchers from the University of Virginia are urging caution and additional measures to ensure patients reaping the short-term benefits do not face adverse long-term consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In collaboration with fellow UVA experts, Zhenqi Liu, a professor of medicine and James M. Moss Professor of Diabetes at University of Virginia School of Medicine, raised concerns in their recent paper <a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/jcem\/advance-article-abstract\/doi\/10.1210\/clinem\/dgaf335\/8158597\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">published<\/a> in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &amp; Metabolism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the benefits, GLP-1 drugs are known to improve blood sugar control and short-term cardiovascular health for those struggling with obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart failure. However, a critical improvement in heart and lung health, vital for long-term well-being, seems to be lacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSome patients literally told me that they felt that they were losing muscle or muscle was slipping away from them while they were on these medications,\u201d Liu said in a news release. \u201cThis is a serious concern. Muscle, especially axial muscle, is essential for posture, physical function and overall well-being.\u00a0&#8230; We need to make sure that patients prescribed these medications aren\u2019t already at risk for malnutrition or low muscle mass.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research indicates that while GLP-1 drugs are effective in fat loss, they also lead to a significant reduction in fat-free mass, notably muscle. This phenomenon is alarming since muscle comprises about 40-50% of fat-free mass, and its decline goes far beyond mere aesthetics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Liu explains the gravity of this muscle loss, adding \u201cLosing lean body mass can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality and diminished quality of life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Liu and fellow researchers &#8212; graduate student Nathan R. Weeldreyer and Siddhartha S. Angadi, an associate professor of kinesiology at UVA\u2019s School of Education and Human Development &#8212; reviewed data on the impact of GLP-1 drugs on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CRF, or VO2max, is an essential marker that evaluates how efficiently the heart and lungs perform during exercise and is a potent predictor of mortality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCardiorespiratory fitness is a potent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk across a range of populations, including obesity, diabetes and heart failure,\u201d added Angadi. \u201cIn a recent study by our group that examined mortality outcomes from almost 400,000 individuals across the world, we found that CRF was far superior to overweight or obesity status for predicting the risk of death.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite some heart function improvements, the study found that these enhancements do not translate into substantial improvements in VO2max. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To mitigate these concerns, the researchers suggest incorporating exercise programs and nutritional strategies to maintain muscle mass. These might include adequate protein intake and regular physical activity throughout the treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also point to promising developments in the field, such as monoclonal antibodies that may counteract muscle loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis is an area of active research, and we are hopeful that better solutions are coming soon,\u201d Liu added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For now, patients and health care providers must discuss strategies to protect against muscle loss. Besides, the American Diabetes Association recommends screening for malnutrition and low muscle mass risk before commencing treatment with these drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFinally,\u201d added Angadi, \u201cexercise training during GLP1 therapy remains to be assessed in its ability to preserve or improve VO<sub>2<\/sub>max during GLP1 therapy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/newsroom.uvahealth.com\/2025\/07\/21\/glp-1-drugs-fail-to-provide-key-weight-loss-benefit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">UVA Health<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>GLP-1 receptor agonists, popular for their significant weight loss effects, may not offer long-term enhancements in cardiorespiratory function. Researchers from the University of Virginia are urging caution and additional measures to ensure patients reaping the short-term benefits do not face adverse long-term consequences. In collaboration with fellow UVA experts, Zhenqi Liu, a professor of medicine [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"single-no-separators","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[422],"class_list":["post-27496","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health","tag-university-of-virginia-school-of-medicine"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"The University Network","author_link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/author\/funky_junkie\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"GLP-1 receptor agonists, popular for their significant weight loss effects, may not offer long-term enhancements in cardiorespiratory function. Researchers from the University of Virginia are urging caution and additional measures to ensure patients reaping the short-term benefits do not face adverse long-term consequences. In collaboration with fellow UVA experts, Zhenqi Liu, a professor of medicine&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27496","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27496"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27496\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27504,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27496\/revisions\/27504"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27496"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27496"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27496"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}