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

Sandsdal RM, Holt J, Alkhefagie HGA, Jørgensen JR, Juhl CR, Olsen LM, Byberg S, Thirumathyam R, Gliemann L, Stallknecht B, Holst JJ, Hove JD and 8 more

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Bandholm T, Bojsen-Møller KN, Madsbad S, Størling J, Bladbjerg EM, Antoniades C, Jensen SBK, Torekov SS

Nature metabolism24 Jun 2026Cited by 2 (Europe PMC)

PMID42342869PMCIDPMC13400309DOI10.1038/s42255-026-01554-4PepBankPUB-42342869

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Summary

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.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study12

6 results from studies that gave the peptide. 6 results from people.

01HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with obesity after diet-induced weight loss, liraglutide alone showed no reported improvement in carotid intima-media thickness during 52-week maintenance.
In plain wordsIn adults with obesity after diet-related weight loss, liraglutide alone showed no reported improvement in carotid artery thickness.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicableCarotid intima-media thickness
Study
n: not reported in source
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 52 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Liraglutide alone shows no such improvements.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
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).
Summary · context
Combination treatment also improves endothelial function biomarkers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and tPA).
Summary · context
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.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4234286907
02HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with obesity after diet-induced weight loss, liraglutide alone showed no reported improvement in interleukin-6 during 52-week maintenance.
In plain wordsIn adults with obesity after diet-related weight loss, liraglutide alone showed no reported improvement in interleukin-6.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicableInterleukin-6
Study
n: not reported in source
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Inflammation markers · Immune and inflammation
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 52 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Liraglutide alone shows no such improvements.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
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).
Summary · context
Combination treatment also improves endothelial function biomarkers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and tPA).
Summary · context
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.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4234286908
03HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with obesity after diet-induced weight loss, liraglutide alone showed no reported improvement in interferon-gamma during 52-week maintenance.
In plain wordsIn adults with obesity after diet-related weight loss, liraglutide alone showed no reported improvement in interferon-gamma.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicableInterferon-gamma
Study
n: not reported in source
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Inflammation markers · Immune and inflammation
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 52 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Liraglutide alone shows no such improvements.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
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).
Summary · context
Combination treatment also improves endothelial function biomarkers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and tPA).
Summary · context
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.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4234286909
04HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with obesity after diet-induced weight loss, liraglutide alone showed no reported improvement in sICAM-1 during 52-week maintenance.
In plain wordsIn adults with obesity after diet-related weight loss, liraglutide alone showed no reported improvement in sICAM-1.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicablesICAM-1
Study
n: not reported in source
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 52 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Liraglutide alone shows no such improvements.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
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).
Summary · context
Combination treatment also improves endothelial function biomarkers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and tPA).
Summary · context
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.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4234286910
05HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with obesity after diet-induced weight loss, liraglutide alone showed no reported improvement in sVCAM-1 during 52-week maintenance.
In plain wordsIn adults with obesity after diet-related weight loss, liraglutide alone showed no reported improvement in sVCAM-1.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicablesVCAM-1
Study
n: not reported in source
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 52 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Liraglutide alone shows no such improvements.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
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).
Summary · context
Combination treatment also improves endothelial function biomarkers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and tPA).
Summary · context
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.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4234286911
06HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with obesity after diet-induced weight loss, liraglutide alone showed no reported improvement in tPA during 52-week maintenance.
In plain wordsIn adults with obesity after diet-related weight loss, liraglutide alone showed no reported improvement in tPA.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicableTissue plasminogen activator
Study
n: not reported in source
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 52 weeksAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Liraglutide alone shows no such improvements.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
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).
Summary · context
Combination treatment also improves endothelial function biomarkers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and tPA).
Summary · context
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.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4234286912

Studies that did not test the peptide alone6

In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

07HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with obesity after diet-induced weight loss, exercise alone or exercise combined with liraglutide reduced carotid intima-media thickness.
In plain wordsIn adults with obesity after diet-related weight loss, exercise alone or with liraglutide reduced carotid artery thickness.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseCarotid intima-media thickness
Study
n: not reported in source
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
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).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
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.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4234286901
08HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with obesity after diet-induced weight loss, exercise alone or exercise combined with liraglutide reduced interleukin-6.
In plain wordsIn adults with obesity after diet-related weight loss, exercise alone or with liraglutide reduced interleukin-6.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseInterleukin-6
Study
n: not reported in source
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Inflammation markers · Immune and inflammation
Source sentences
Summary
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).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
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.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4234286902
09HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with obesity after diet-induced weight loss, exercise alone or exercise combined with liraglutide reduced interferon-gamma.
In plain wordsIn adults with obesity after diet-related weight loss, exercise alone or with liraglutide reduced interferon-gamma.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseInterferon-gamma
Study
n: not reported in source
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Inflammation markers · Immune and inflammation
Source sentences
Summary
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).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
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.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4234286903
10HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with obesity after diet-induced weight loss, exercise plus liraglutide improved the endothelial-function biomarker sICAM-1 during weight maintenance.
In plain wordsIn adults with obesity after diet-related weight loss, exercise plus liraglutide improved sICAM-1, an endothelial-function biomarker.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedsICAM-1
Study
n: not reported in source
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
Combination treatment also improves endothelial function biomarkers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and tPA).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
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).
Summary · context
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.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4234286904
11HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with obesity after diet-induced weight loss, exercise plus liraglutide improved the endothelial-function biomarker sVCAM-1 during weight maintenance.
In plain wordsIn adults with obesity after diet-related weight loss, exercise plus liraglutide improved sVCAM-1, an endothelial-function biomarker.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedsVCAM-1
Study
n: not reported in source
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
Combination treatment also improves endothelial function biomarkers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and tPA).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
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).
Summary · context
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.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4234286905
12HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In adults with obesity after diet-induced weight loss, exercise plus liraglutide improved the endothelial-function biomarker tPA during weight maintenance.
In plain wordsIn adults with obesity after diet-related weight loss, exercise plus liraglutide improved tPA, an endothelial-function biomarker.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedTissue plasminogen activator
Study
n: not reported in source
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Vascular function · Cardiovascular
Source sentences
Summary
Combination treatment also improves endothelial function biomarkers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and tPA).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
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).
Summary · context
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.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4234286906

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Registered trials1

Trials this study reports on, or that list this study as a reference. Registry data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

1 trial · source ClinicalTrials.gov (opens in a new tab)

Status unknownPhase 4NCT04122716

Combined Effects of GLP-1 Analogue and Exercise on Maintenance of Weight Loss and Health After Very-low Calorie Diet

Signe Torekovn = 215Sept 2016 to est. Nov 2021

Obesity

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 2 Nov 2020

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
12 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:04 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

Publication types

MeSH terms

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