Effects of exercise and liraglutide on vascular health and inflammation during weight loss maintenance: a prespecified secondary analysis of the S-LiTE trial

Abstract

Obesity and inactivity are linked to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. In this secondary analysis of the S-LiTE trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04122716; EudraCT identifier: 2015–005585-32), 130 adults with obesity completed a diet-induced weight loss plan, followed by randomization to weight maintenance with exercise and/or liraglutide for 52 weeks. We show that exercise, alone or in combination with liraglutide, reduces carotid intima-media thickness and systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (interleukin-6 and interferon-γ). Combination treatment also improves endothelial function biomarkers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and tPA). Liraglutide alone shows no such improvements. Overall, regular physical activity, with or without GLP-1R agonists, is essential for promoting vascular health in adults with obesity.