The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on objective physical activity in adults: a systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
GLP-1 RA treatment does not significantly alter overall PA but may be associated with a small reduction in free-living PA, while structured exercise participation remains unaffected.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with overweight or obesity; studies of objectively measured physical activity (PA) (e.g., step counts, sedentary time, intensity-specific PA); PubMed and Embase to March 10, 2026
- Participants
- 924 adults7 studies6 trials
- Comparison
- GLP-1 RA vs control
- Outcome
- Objectively measured PA
Methodological detailsPRISMA, random-effects meta-analysis, narrative synthesis
- PRISMA
- Random-effects meta-analysis
- Narrative synthesis
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Pooled effect of GLP-1 RA on free-living PA (meta-analysis of 3 RCTs)
No significant pooled effect, Hedges' g
−0.11
95% CI −0.30 to 0.09; I2 = 0.0%
Further pooled results
PA, GLP-1 RA vs control (narrative synthesis)
- Studies showing numerically lower free-living PA in GLP-1 RA-treated groups
- five studies (71.4%)
- Most studies reported no statistically significant differences in PA between GLP-1 RA and control
Daily step counts (one study)
- Significant reduction in daily step counts with GLP-1 RA (p = 0.01)
- −1144 steps/day
Sensitivity analyses: pooled effect on PA
- Modest reduction in PA, Hedges' g (95% CI −0.46 to −0.02; p = 0.035; I2 = 34.3%), influenced by study design and outcome heterogeneity
- −0.24
Structured exercise-related outcomes (adherence, prescribed exercise duration)
- Comparable between groups
Original publication
The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on objective physical activity in adults: a systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 3 July 2026. doi:10.
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