Date of Award

Spring 5-8-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Kinesiology

College

College of Health and Human Performance

First Advisor

Kelly Johnson

Abstract/Description

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have taken over in medicine as commonly used and effective therapies for improving the human body’s regulation of glucose and promoting weight loss in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and obesity. Loss of body weight has been consistently shown in research, but less is known about how GLP-1s influence specific components of body composition. In this retrospective review, we analyzed clinical data from patients prescribed GLP-1s to evaluate changes in resting metabolic rate and body composition components, including total body fat and muscle mass. Body composition was assessed using SECA bioelectrical impedance analysis methods at baseline and follow-up visits. We examined correlations between changes in resting metabolic rate and changes in fat and lean mass to better understand the metabolic impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Our findings demonstrate significant decreases in resting metabolic rate, as well as decreases in total fat mass with relative preservation of lean body mass in most patients. These results suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonist use beneficially modifies body composition while improving metabolic function, supporting the claim of GLP-1 manufacturing companies and medical professionals that these receptor agonists are a successful metabolic treatment strategy.

Additional Files
Sydney Roberson Signed.pdf (31 kB)
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Available for download on Friday, June 30, 2028

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