Date of Award

4-22-2025

Document Type

Independent Study

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

Program Affiliation

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

First Advisor

Dr. Jana Zwilling

Abstract

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) drugs have been transformative when managing obesity in the clinical setting. Though these medications are effective for weight loss, questions regarding their efficacy for long-term weight loss or maintenance remain unanswered.

Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to answer the following clinical question: Can overweight or obese patients (P) who use tirzepatide without exercise (I) as compared to those incorporating 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic exercise (C) sustain a ≥5% weight loss (O) one-year post-treatment (T)?

Methods: Five electronic article databases were searched to locate articles related to the PICOT question. Articles, including those that utilized primary studies and focused on weight loss, were evaluated. Across all article searches, 245 abstracts were retained, yielding 15 articles for use in this review.

Results: The results do not provide a definitive answer to the PICOT question. Although there is evidence that GLP-1 medications can be used to maintain weight, and that the use of a GLP-1 medication with exercise does accelerate weight loss, it is not possible to state that tirzepatide is the best medication or that aerobic exercise is the only method for weight loss.

Implications: Patients should be encouraged to exercise when prescribed a GLP-1. Exercise should be undertaken using national guidelines: 150+ minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise. The GLP-1 medication and the type of exercise used should be based on patient preferences. Additional clinical research into the topic is needed to ensure that a GLP-1 medication alone can sustain weight loss at one year.

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