Combining Healthy Lifestyle Habits with GLP-1 RA Medications Significantly Lowers Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events

Strategic Insights -

A new study has found that combining healthy lifestyle habits with GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications significantly lowers the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in people with Type 2 diabetes. The study, which included over 63,000 military veterans with Type 2 diabetes, found that those who adhered to at least six healthy lifestyle habits had a 50% lower risk of serious cardiovascular events compared to those who did not follow these habits.

The healthy lifestyle habits studied included a healthy diet, regular physical activity, not smoking, restful sleep, moderate alcohol intake, good stress management, social connection and support, and no opioid addiction. The study found that each of these habits was independently associated with a lower likelihood of major adverse cardiovascular events.

The researchers also found that there was a 63% lower risk of a major cardiovascular event among participants who adhered to all eight healthy lifestyle habits compared to those who adhered to one or fewer habits. In addition, the study found that the risk of a major cardiovascular event was 20% lower among veterans taking GLP-1 RA medications compared to those who did not take the medication.

The study's lead author, Xuan-Mai Nguyen, M.D., Ph.D., noted that "taking a GLP-1 RA alone is less effective than combining it with other beneficial lifestyle factors. Achieving some healthy lifestyle behaviors can lower the risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event."

Key Takeaways:

  • Combining healthy lifestyle habits with GLP-1 RA medications significantly lowers the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in people with Type 2 diabetes.
  • Adhering to at least six healthy lifestyle habits is associated with a 50% lower risk of serious cardiovascular events compared to those who do not follow these habits.
  • Each of the healthy lifestyle habits studied was independently associated with a lower likelihood of major adverse cardiovascular events.
  • There was a 63% lower risk of a major cardiovascular event among participants who adhered to all eight healthy lifestyle habits compared to those who adhered to one or fewer habits.
  • The risk of a major cardiovascular event was 20% lower among veterans taking GLP-1 RA medications compared to those who did not take the medication.
  • The study found that participants who adopted a higher number of positive lifestyle habits were more likely to be currently married, have a higher level of education and family income, and were less likely to have obesity and less likely to be Black.

Statistics:

  • The study included over 63,000 military veterans with Type 2 diabetes.
  • 63% of participants had a lower risk of a major cardiovascular event when adhering to all eight healthy lifestyle habits compared to those who adhered to one or fewer habits.
  • 20% of participants had a lower risk of a major cardiovascular event when taking GLP-1 RA medications compared to those who did not take the medication.
  • The study period was from 2011 to September 30, 2023.
  • There were 418,513 person-years of follow-up in the study.

Sources:

  • The American Heart Association news release, November 3, 2025.
  • American Heart Association's Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health.
  • The Million Veteran Program.
  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
  • COMTEX_469990941/2549/2025-11-03T06:04:52.