Optimizing Obesity Management With GLP‐1 Agonist Medication Through Mobile Health Technology, Nutrition Therapy, and Progressive Strength Training: A Retrospective Program Review

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Authors: Elizabeth Sharp Edens, Heather Falise, Rebecca Smith, Elle Bernardo
Cited by: 1
References: 33

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background GLP‐1 RAs are effective in treating obesity; however, they typically result in significant loss of skeletal muscle mass. Real‐world evidence to inform systematic guidelines and clinical implementation for preserving skeletal muscle mass and reducing cardiometabolic risk with lifestyle modifications on GLP‐1 RAs remains limited. Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of the TouchCare Method, a lifestyle intervention incorporating nutrition and exercise with GLP‐1 RAs, for improving body composition and cardiometabolic risk. Methods A retrospective chart review included patients enrolled in Bucks Health and Wellness between February 2024 and September 2025, for at least 12 month ( n = 187). The TouchCare Method incorporates registered dietitian counseling, progressive exercise programming, mobile self monitoring, and body composition analysis during visits. Primary outcomes included: clinically significant weight loss (> 10% of body weight), proportion of weight loss from skeletal muscle mass, and changes in total‐C, LDL‐C, Apolipoprotein B, Triglycerides, HbA1c, and blood pressure at 12 months. Results Patients adherent to the TouchCare Method for 12 months were included in the final analysis ( n = 171). Clinically significant weight loss (≥ 10%) was achieved by 69.56% ( n = 139) of patients. Skeletal muscle mass accounted for 12.22% ± 8.73% of total weight loss. Among prediabetic patients ( n = 95), 74.7% ( n = 71) reached euglycemia by 12 months. Patients with Stage II hypertension or higher (77% of the cohort) demonstrated improved blood pressure control, with most reaching < 140/90 mmHg. Patients with HLD experienced significant reductions in Total‐C (24.71 ± 23.31 mg/dL), LDL‐C (−13.75 ± 21.51 mg/dL), and ApoB (−14.24 ± 16.19 mg/dL). All lipid and HgA1c changes were statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Conclusion The TouchCare Method may improve GLP‐1 RA treatment outcomes by providing comprehensive structured lifestyle interventions supporting clinically significant weight loss while preserving skeletal muscle mass and improving cardiometabolic risk factors.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Mobile Health and mHealth Applications Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
Obesity Science & Practice
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
12
Issue
2
Pages
e70140–e70140
Publication date
1 April 2026
Language
EN