GLP-1 Therapies, Heart Health, and Exercise | WHOOP

GLP-1 therapies have transformed weight management and metabolic health, but their effects extend far beyond the scale. At WHOOP, we've conducted groundbreaking research using wearable technology to explore how these medications influence cardiovascular health and physical activity—revealing insights that can help you optimize your health outcomes while using these therapies.

Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications have gained recognition for their ability to support significant weight loss. A significant portion of adults report having used a GLP-1 medication. However, these therapies introduce complex changes to heart health, including an increase in resting heart rate (RHR).

Our findings reveal that incorporating physical activity can reduce the risk of RHR increase associated with these therapies. 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 300+ other behaviors, WHOOP empowers you to see how these factors personally impact your physical activity, Recovery, and overall health.

What are GLP-1 therapies?

GLP-1 therapies are medications originally developed to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone your body naturally produces that regulates appetite, slows digestion, and signals fullness. By activating GLP-1 receptors, these medications help reduce food intake and support weight loss.

While GLP-1 therapies are highly effective for weight management, they also introduce physiological changes beyond appetite control. These include effects on your cardiovascular system, such as increases in resting heart rate, and potential impacts on body composition, including muscle loss. Understanding how these medications interact with your physiology is essential for maintaining your long-term health and performance.

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 improved overall fitness and reduced the risk of 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.

Participants who engaged in more physical activity experienced smaller increases in RHR, demonstrating the power of regular exercise. This research provides 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 study delivers unique insights into how these medications influence weight and heart health while revealing how physical activity modifies their cardiovascular impact.

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, staying active may help preserve muscle mass while taking GLP-1 medications.

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 300 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.

Frequently asked questions about GLP-1 therapies

Is GLP-1 similar to Ozempic?

Yes. Ozempic is a brand name for a specific type of GLP-1 medication. Other common brand names include Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Trulicity.

What are the negative side effects of GLP-1?

Common side effects include nausea, digestive discomfort, and fatigue. From a physiological perspective, these therapies can cause an increase in your resting heart rate and a decrease in your heart rate variability. They can also lead to a reduction in lean muscle mass if you do not actively maintain a strength training routine.

How can I track my body composition and weight trends on WHOOP?

You can monitor your progress by logging your weight and lean body mass directly in the WHOOP app. By tracking these metrics alongside your daily behaviors in the Journal, you gain a complete picture of how your habits influence your body composition over time. This helps you ensure you are losing fat while preserving essential muscle mass.