INFOGRAPHIC

Important Reasons to Exercise While Taking a GLP-1 Medication

Reviewed by Claudia Levi, R.N.
September 12, 2024
3 Fast Facts About Exercise & GLP-1s 1. Pairing GLP-1 medication with regular exercise can improve results for people with obesity and metabolic syndrome. 2. Exercise can help preserve muscle mass (specifically, strength training) and bone density. 3. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medication. Sources: Akerstrom, T., et al. (2022). Endurance Training Improves GLP-1 Sensitivity and Glucose Tolerance in Overweight Women, Journal of the Endocrine Society. | Jensen, S. B. K., et al. (2024). Bone Health After Exercise Alone, GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment, or Combination Treatment: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open. | Jensen, S. B. K., et al. (2024) Healthy weight loss maintenance with exercise, GLP-1 receptor agonist, or both combined followed by one year without treatment: a post-treatment analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet. | Sandsdal, R. M., et al. (2023), Combination of exercise and GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment reduces severity of metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity, and inflammation: a randomized controlled trial. Cardiovascular diabetology.

If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication, your doctor probably told you it’s important you move your body regularly. These are just 3 benefits of exercise while taking a GLP-1:

1. Exercise Can Improve Results from GLP-1s

A review published in Cardiovascular Diabetology found that when GLP-1 medications were combined with regular exercise, participants showed a greater reduction in abdominal obesity and improved markers of metabolic syndrome compared to those who only took the medication.

2. Exercise Can Help Preserve Muscle Mass and Bone Density

Combining GLP-1 medications with resistance exercises (weight training) helps preserve muscle mass during weight loss. This is crucial because losing muscle can slow metabolism. A study in Obesity Reviews emphasized that preserving lean mass during weight loss is key to maintaining long-term metabolic health.

A study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that combining GLP-1 medications with exercise not only improved weight loss but also preserved bone mineral density, reducing the risk of fractures, which is a common concern during significant weight loss

3. Exercise Can Help People Maintain Weight Loss Results

The combination of GLP-1 medications and regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of weight regain after stopping the medication. A study in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that those who exercised regularly were far more likely to maintain their weight loss after discontinuing GLP-1 treatment.