A team at the University of Copenhagen followed 130 people with severe obesity for one year after they completed a low-calorie diet and lost an average of 13.7 kg (30.2 lbs). Participants were assigned to four groups: exercise only, liraglutide only, exercise plus liraglutide, and placebo. The study focused on changes in vascular health and inflammation after weight loss.
The main finding was that those who exercised had healthier blood vessels and lower levels of inflammatory markers. Measurement of carotid artery wall thickness showed a clear reduction in the exercise groups, while the liraglutide-only and placebo groups showed no improvement. Combining exercise with medication led to additional weight loss and improved several markers of vascular function.
Researchers noted that the training was not intense: participants averaged around two and a half hours per week, mostly spinning and circuit training, and activity was recorded with heart-rate monitors. The participants were in their mid-40s and had not developed diabetes or heart disease.
Difficult words
- liraglutide — a medicine used to help weight loss
- placebo — a treatment with no active medicine
- inflammation — body reaction that causes pain or swelling
- vascular — relating to the body's blood vesselsvascular health, vascular function
- carotid artery — the main blood vessel in the neck
- exercise — do physical activity to become fitexercised
- low-calorie diet — a plan that uses few calories each day
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you prefer exercise, medication, or both to support weight loss? Why?
- Do you think around two and a half hours of exercise per week is realistic for most people? Explain.
- How could lower inflammation and healthier blood vessels change a person's daily life?
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