Understanding GLP-1 Therapies Through WHOOP: A Groundbreaking Look at Heart Health and Physical Activity

At WHOOP, we’ve conducted groundbreaking research using wearable technology to explore how GLP-1 therapies influence overall health and fitness beyond weight loss. 

Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications have gained recognition for their transformative effects on weight management. About one in eight adults (12%) say they have used a GLP-1 . However, these therapies have complex effects on heart health, like causing an increase in resting heart rate (RHR). Our findings reveal that incorporating physical activity, as recommended by the FDA, can play a vital role in reducing the risk of increase in RHR associated with these therapies, highlighting the importance of an active lifestyle for long-term health outcomes. This research was published in the American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology.

WHOOP provides the insights and support you need to make meaningful changes, whether you are focused on weight management, fitness, or overall health. By incorporating GLP-1 tracking into our Journal feature, along with 160+ other behaviors, WHOOP empowers you to see how these factors personally impact your physical activity, recovery, and overall health. 

Increased Physical Activity: The Key to Better Health Outcomes

Over 12 weeks, GLP-1 users in our study added an average of 30 minutes of exercise per week to their routines. This increase in activity didn’t just improve overall fitness—it also reduced the risk of some cardiovascular changes associated with GLP-1 therapies, such as an increase in RHR.  A higher RHR reflects added strain on the heart and is often associated with reduced cardiovascular efficiency and higher long-term risk of heart-related issues. Participants who engaged in more physical activity experienced smaller increases in RHR, demonstrating the power of regular exercise. This research provides groundbreaking evidence that physical activity can counteract certain cardiovascular side effects of GLP-1 therapies, reinforcing its role as a vital component of these treatments.

Tracking GLP-1 Therapy Like Never Before

Our mission at WHOOP has always been to empower individuals with a deeper understanding of their bodies. By using wearable technology, this groundbreaking study delivers unique insights into how these medications influence weight and heart health while revealing how physical activity modifies their cardiovascular impact–ultimately, offering insights no other wearable has delivered. Here’s what we discovered: 

1. Clinically Meaningful Weight Loss. 90% of WHOOP members using GLP-1 therapies lost at least 5% of their body weight in just 12 weeks; on average, participants lost 10% of their body weight. Both results exceed weight loss results typically seen in pharmaceutical trials.
2. Understanding Cardiovascular Impacts. Participants experienced notable changes in heart health markers, including a 3 bpm increase in RHR and a 6 ms decrease in HRV. These findings highlight the importance of closely monitoring cardiovascular health and adopting proactive strategies, such as regular physical activity, during GLP-1 therapy.
3. Increased Physical Activity. On average, GLP-1 users increased their physical activity by 30 minutes per week; those who were more active saw less significant increases in RHR, suggesting that physical activity may counteract some cardiovascular side effects of GLP-1 therapy. Additionally, people taking GLP-1 medications can lose as much muscle in 12-18 months as they would naturally over a decade, but staying active may reduce this effect.

Reach Your Goals With Confidence

WHOOP is more than a wearable—it’s your partner in achieving sustainable health. With the ability to track over 160 behaviors, including GLP-1 therapies, WHOOP delivers actionable insights tailored to your unique health. Through advanced monitoring and research-driven insights, WHOOP helps you achieve your goals sustainably and with confidence. 

Explore WHOOP.