A new study has found that people who take GLP-1 meds for obesity often exercise less once they start taking the drug. Researchers looked at the daily steps of more than 750 people before and after they started taking a GLP-1.
On average, people’s steps decreased from 5,047 steps to 4,487 steps per day. They also went from 28 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous exercise to 22 minutes a day. The data was pulled from Fitbits. The study started with 1,950 adults, but only 753 used their Fitbits enough to be included in the analysis. They were 78.6 percent women, and the average age was 52.7 years old.
Men and people with joint and muscle pain had the steepest decline in movement. Side effects from the medications, like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, may limit a person’s ability to exercise.
“While many assume that weight loss leads naturally to increased physical activity, our study suggests otherwise,” said study lead Dr. Sajana Maharjan of HSHS St. John's Hospital. “The findings in our study reinforce that exercise cannot be optional for people taking these medications.”
As GLP-1 drugs cause both fat and muscle loss, Dr. Maharjan said that exercise is “essential for preserving strength and long-term health.”
The study had limitations. Most of the participants were middle-aged women. And it was observational; it can see a link but cannot prove a direct cause. It did not measure people's motivation levels or track what guidance a person got from their doctor.
Dr. Peter Balazs, a hormone and weight-loss specialist, said that exercise “is not optional” for people taking GLP-1s. He said an exercise plan was needed to “preserve lean muscle mass, maintain metabolic health and support long-term weight management.”
Dr. Amanda Kahn spoke about the dangers of not keeping a close eye on patients taking GLP-1s. She said, “The success of GLP-1 therapy is directly tied to the expertise of the provider. When these medications are prescribed thoughtfully – with attention to nutrition, resistance training, body composition and laboratory monitoring – they can help patients lose weight while becoming healthier, stronger and more motivated to exercise.”
If you are taking a GLP-1, you should pay attention to your steps or changes in your fitness routine. It’s essential to stay active while on a weight-loss journey. If you are struggling with staying active, reach out to your doctor. They can help you come up with a plan to stay active that doesn’t feel like a struggle.
