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

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.