Understanding Weight Loss Medications and Exercise Considerations

Weight loss medications, including GLP-1s, are changing the way individuals approach weight management. But how do these drugs actually work, and what exercise factors should you keep in mind while taking them? Let’s dive in.

How Should We View These Medications in the Marketplace?

Weight loss medications should be viewed as tools—useful in the right context but not magic solutions. Given that we now recognize obesity as a formal medical condition, these drugs serve a valuable purpose, particularly for individuals who face health risks from obesity or struggle to manage their weight through lifestyle changes alone. However, it’s crucial to understand that medications are only part of the answer to improving your health.

These medications create an environment where it’s easier to make healthier decisions, and they can aid in long-term behavioral change for other critical lifestyle factors, which includes proper nutrition, exercise, and a strong support system. Medications should be seen as part of a broader health strategy, not the only approach.

How Do Weight Loss Medications Work?

Weight loss medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy (Semaglutide) or Mounjaro and Zepbound (Tirzepatide), are designed to regulate appetite and improve blood sugar control. Here’s what happens when you use them:

Appetite Suppression

These medications mimic the body’s natural hormones responsible for signaling to your brain that you’re full. This leads to reduced appetite, making it easier to control portion sizes and resist overeating.

Slowed Digestion

Weight loss drugs slow the emptying of food from the stomach, prolonging feelings of fullness. This can make you feel satisfied with smaller meals, further supporting calorie management.

Improved Blood Sugar Regulation

For individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance, these medications improve blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin production and lowering glucagon secretion after meals. This promotes better control over blood glucose, which can aid overall health.

Exercise Considerations When Taking Weight Loss Medications

While these medications help control hunger and improve metabolism, it’s essential to consider how exercise fits into the equation for overall health and safety.

1.Energy Levels May Fluctuate: While these medications help control hunger and improve metabolism, it’s essential to consider how exercise fits into the equation for overall health and safety.
2. Blood Sugar Considerations: If you’re using a weight loss medications for diabetes management, be mindful of how exercise may affect your blood sugar levels. Moderate-intensity exercise can lower blood glucose, and combining this with medications may require adjustments in insulin or dietary intake. Always consult with your health provider for personalized advice.
3. Muscle Maintenance and Mobility: While weight loss medications help reduce body weight, they do not differentiate between fat and muscle. Incorporating strength and mobility exercises helps preserve muscle mass and ensures that your body stays functional and strong as you lose weight. Prioritize exercises that maintain muscle strength and support joint health, such as resistance training and flexibility exercises.
4. Hydration is Key: Some weight loss medications can lead to dehydration, especially when combined with exercise. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after workouts to stay properly hydrated and prevent issues like cramps or dizziness.

Finding the Right Balance

Exercise remains a crucial component of health, even while on weight loss medications. However, the focus should be on maintaining overall wellness, not just pushing for fat loss. Balance your workout routines with how your body feels, and focus on sustainable activity levels that promote strength, mobility, and mental well-being.

Let Us Help You Navigate Your Health Journey

At AFS, we’ve spent countless hours learning about how these medications work in concert with lifestyle behavior change. In fact, many of our current members are taking these medications alongside their exercise program. We work closely with them to ensure the above considerations are properly managed, keeping them safe and on track to achieve their goals.

We believe knowledge is power. If you’re currently taking Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy or any other weight loss medication, download our free webinar for an in depth breakdown on exactly what to consider when beginning an exercise program.