You’re not imagining it: GLP-1 receptor activating drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and… zipbound-truly We are This is everywhere. Nearly one in five American adults have taken this type of drug at some point, and one in eight currently do, according to a November 2025 report. reconnaissance By KFF Health.
Many people use GLP-1s for weight loss and treatment Type 2 diabetesAnd/or management of other long-term health conditions. Although these medications are very effective for weight loss and chronic disease management, they are not a cure-all.
“They are basically a tool.” Yuval Pinto, MDsays an obesity medicine specialist at the Johns Hopkins Healthy Eating, Activity, and Weight Program. About 98% of Dr. Pinto’s patients use GLP-1s, and he stresses to all of them the importance of pairing the medication with specific lifestyle habits to achieve maximum benefits. One of the key components of those lifestyle habits? Regular movement.
Read on to learn why physical activity is important when taking GLP-1, which specific types are best, and expert tips for incorporating these tips into your routine.
Why regular movement is essential for anyone using GLP-1s
First, Dr. Pinto says exercise and general movement are “essential to our existence and longevity.” This is true whether you take GLP-1 or not. Regular exercise is associated with a range of health-promoting benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, He sleepsDigestion and mood, says Dr. Pinto.
But the reason it’s beneficial for people who use GLP-1 is because weight loss is a common side effect of these drugs. And when you lose weight any Some of the weight comes from fat mass, whether from medication, bariatric surgery, or diet and exercise, and some comes from muscle and bone, Dr. Pinto says.
If you lose too a lot If you lose muscle and bone mass, you face an increased risk of later developing conditions such as sarcopenia (low muscle mass and fragility) and osteoporosis (low muscle and bone mass). Bone density) and osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones). This is particularly concerning for women, who already face an increased risk of decreased muscle and bone mass in midlife and later in life due to hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, explains Dr. Pinto.
Now for the good news: Strength training is a great way to combat some of these things. That’s because, when combined with proper nutrition and sleep, it can help maintain (and in some cases, increase) bone and muscle mass, says Dr. Pinto. Another way to think about it: Taking GLP-1 can facilitate weight loss, but pairing the drug with exercise tells your body where Weight loss comes from Kelesa Hallan exercise physiologist and certified strength and conditioning specialist at Hospital for Special Surgery, tells SELF.
