How Cardiometabolic Health Affects Your Energy, Weight, and Wellness

When you think about heart health, you might picture cholesterol numbers or blood pressure readings. When you think about metabolism, you probably think about blood sugar or weight loss. But here’s something many people do not realize:

Your heart and metabolism are closely connected. Together, they play a big role in how much energy you have each day, how your body manages weight, and how you feel long-term.

In this article, we will break it down in a simple, easy-to-understand way, including:

What is cardiometabolic health?
Symptoms associated with cardiometabolic disease
How weight loss and muscle loss can impact your heart
Special considerations for bariatric and GLP-1 patients
The role of protein

What Is Cardiometabolic Health?

Cardiometabolic health is simply a big-picture view of how your heart, blood vessels, and metabolism work together. “Cardio” refers to your heart and blood vessels, while “metabolic” refers to how your body turns food into energy, balances blood sugar, and stores or burns fat.

It may not sound like it from the definitions, but these two systems are linked. When one struggles, the other often does too. That’s why things like blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, weight, and muscle mass all play a role in your overall wellness.

Understanding the Basics of Cardiometabolic Health

There are a few key terms and risk factors to keep in mind:

High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, often without noticeable symptoms.
High blood sugar or insulin resistance can cause fatigue, unmanageable cravings, and inflammation, which can damage blood vessels over time.
High cholesterol or high triglycerides can affect blood flow and increase strain on the heart.
Visceral fat, or fat stored around the midsection, releases inflammatory chemicals that affect both metabolic and heart health.
Muscle is a metabolic engine. It burns calories, helps you control blood sugar, and supports mobility. When muscle mass is low, your metabolism and heart have to work harder.
Family history. Genetics can increase the risk of cardiovascular or metabolic disease, but you and the health habits you choose still have primary control over your health outcomes.

Symptoms Associated With Cardiometabolic Disease

Cardiometabolic issues often develop quietly, but when symptoms appear, they may include:

Low energy or fatigue
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Brain fog
Trouble losing weight or unexpected weight gain
High blood sugar
Poor stamina during daily activities

Why Cardiometabolic Health Affects Your Energy, Weight, and Daily Wellness

Think of your body like a system that’s always working to stay in balance. Your heart pumps blood and oxygen to fuel your cells, while your metabolism turns nutrients into energy so that your muscles can help regulate blood sugar and keep your body active. When one part of this system struggles, other parts are affected too.

Warning: How Weight Loss and Muscle Loss Can Impact Your Heart

This is especially important for bariatric patients and people using GLP-1 medications.

Rapid weight loss often leads to muscle loss. When you lose weight too quickly, your body may break down muscle tissue for energy, including skeletal muscle (arms, legs, core), organ tissue, and heart muscle.¹

Your heart is made of specialized muscle called myocardium. Losing too much muscle during weight loss can weaken the heart, reducing its ability to pump efficiently.

A weaker heart may cause fatigue, shortness of breath, poor exercise tolerance, or heart palpitations. Feeling weak despite losing weight successfully can be frustrating, especially when you look forward to increasing activity post-weight loss.

You can prevent weakness by protecting muscle mass while you lose weight. The key is to get at least 90 grams of high-quality protein each day. A simple approach is 30-30-30: 30 grams of high-quality protein at each meal.² Include light resistance or strength-based movement, along with regular walks, bike rides, or other gentle cardiovascular exercise.³

A strong body supports a strong heart.

Special Considerations for Bariatric and GLP-1 Patients

People on GLP-1 therapy or those recovering from bariatric surgery face unique challenges:⁴

Appetite is often low, making it hard to get enough protein.
Nausea, taste changes, and food aversions can limit intake.
Rapid weight loss increases the risk of losing muscle mass.
Muscle loss slows metabolism and can negatively affect heart health.
Protein needs are high even when calorie intake is low.

A protein-focused routine becomes essential, not optional.

The True Role of Protein in Cardiometabolic Health

Protein isn’t just about “bulking up.” It plays a pivotal role in keeping your heart and metabolism strong.⁵

Your heart is a muscle. Just like your arms or legs, your heart muscle relies on amino acids from protein to maintain strength and function.
Protein helps preserve lean body mass. More muscle means better blood sugar control, higher metabolism, and stronger daily function.
Protein supports heart health. Combined with gentle movement, it helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular fitness.
Protein intake matters when appetite is low. Protein powder or liquid protein shakes can make a meaningful difference.
High-quality protein counts. When protein needs are above average, concentrated sources help you meet goals without extra volume.

Final Takeaway

Remember to keep regular check-ins with your healthcare team. Blood pressure, A1c, cholesterol, and general wellness markers are important, especially during active weight loss.

Your heart, muscles, and metabolism are connected. When you protect and support each, they lift one another up. You deserve to feel energetic, strong, and supported on your journey, and a heart-smart protein routine is a great way to make that happen.

Want to learn more about the connection between protein and heart health? Check out these blogs:

References

1. Weiss EP et al. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2017;49(1):206-217.
2. Lonnie M et al. Nutrients. 2018;10(3):360.
3. National Institute on Aging. Accessed on January 21, 2026. Accessed from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/three-types-exercise-can-improve-your-health-and-physical.
4. Mozaffarian D et al. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2025:15598276251344827.
5. Abbott. Accessed on January 21, 2026. Accessed from https://www.abbott.com/en-us/corpnewsroom/nutrition-health-and-wellness/what-does-protein-do-and-what-are-its-health-benefits.