How to Exercise While Taking GLP-1 Medications

Medically reviewed by Kristie Reed, PharmDMedically reviewed by Kristie Reed, PharmD

GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are medications that help treat type 2 diabetes by mimicking the action of a hormone naturally produced in the body. Several brands of GLP-1 receptor agonists are available, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These medications work by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas and reducing blood sugar levels after meals.

While originally developed for diabetes management, a few GLP-1s have also been FDA-approved for weight loss. These medications can help individuals with obesity achieve weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness after eating. However, adding exercise to your daily routine can improve the effectiveness of these medications and bolster your weight management goals.

The Connection Between GLP-1s and Exercise

Exercise plays a crucial role in overall health and can interact with GLP-1 medications. While there's limited data on how exercise directly affects the efficacy of GLP-1s, regular physical activity is generally beneficial for managing blood sugar levels and weight. Several studies suggest exercise may enhance the metabolic effects of GLP-1s and offer the following benefits:

• Glucose control: Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in muscle cells. Regular physical activity can further enhance these effects when combined with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Saxenda, which stimulate insulin release and lower blood sugar levels. This dual action can also help manage blood sugar levels better throughout the day.
• Weight management: GLP-1s such as Wegovy are FDA-approved for both obesity and diabetes treatment. Exercise can complement these medications by promoting calorie expenditure, reducing fat mass, and preserving lean muscle mass. However, it’s essential to balance exercise intensity and duration to avoid excessive strain or fatigue, which could affect how well you can adhere to your treatment plan.
• Heart health benefits: Exercise and GLP-1s may collectively improve cardiovascular health markers, such as reducing blood pressure and improving lipid profiles. This combination can lower the risk of heart disease, a common concern for people with diabetes and obesity.

Things To Consider

While exercise generally enhances the benefits of GLP-1s, it's important to be aware of some considerations. Potential hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is possible if your exercise intensity is too high and you're not adjusting your medication dosage or dietary intake. It's also important to monitor blood glucose levels closely, especially when starting a new exercise regimen or changing medication doses.

Before starting a new exercise program, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it's safe for you.

Why It's Important to Exercise While Taking GLP-1s

It's important to incorporate exercise into your routine while using GLP-1 medications. Rapid weight loss, which can occur with GLP-1s, may lead to muscle mass loss and affect bone density over time. Exercise helps mitigate these effects by:

• Preserving lean muscle mass
• Improving bone strength
• Enhancing overall physical fitness

Regular exercise can also complement the metabolic benefits of GLP-1s, supporting long-term health and diabetes management. One study looked at 129 adults with obesity (some with and some without diabetes) who combined exercise with GLP-1s. The research showed that this combination effectively reduced the severity of metabolic syndrome, decreased abdominal fat, and lowered inflammation levels.

This approach shows promise in reducing the overall risk of heart and metabolic diseases more than either treatment alone.

How To Start Exercising

If you're new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration. For example:

• Begin with low-impact aerobic activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling
• Aim for moderate intensity (where you can speak a few words while working out but not sing)
• Get at least 150 minutes of this activity per week
• Try to incorporate some strength training exercises, like bodyweight exercises or using resistance bands, 2-3 times weekly to build muscle and support bone health

To maximize the benefits of physical activity, aim to spread it across several days each week rather than cramming it into one or two days. If you are short on time some days, consider breaking your activity into 10-minute segments or more.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Recommended Exercises While Taking GLP-1s

Many people tend to stick to a single type of exercise, believing it is sufficient for their physical fitness. However, research emphasizes the importance of incorporating various exercise types: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility.

Each type offers unique benefits, and engaging in one type can enhance your performance in others. Mixing up these exercises combats boredom and lowers the risk of injury. Regardless of age, there are suitable activities to match every fitness level and requirement.

Consider the following exercises:

• Endurance: Enhance cardiovascular health and stamina through brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming
• Strength: Build muscle mass, boost metabolism, and improve bone density with weightlifting, resistance band workouts, and bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats
• Balance: Improve stability and prevent falls by practicing exercises like standing on one leg, yoga, tai chi, or using balance boards and stability balls
• Flexibility: Maintain joint mobility, prevent muscle stiffness, and improve overall range of motion with stretching, yoga, and pilates

By incorporating all four types of exercise into your routine, you can achieve a well-rounded fitness regimen that supports overall health and wellness. It's also important to adapt your exercise regimen based on your fitness level and preferences, aiming for a balanced approach that includes aerobic and strength-training exercises. Stay hydrated, wear appropriate footwear, and listen to your body's cues during exercise to prevent injury and optimize health benefits.

A Quick Review

Integrating exercise into your routine while using GLP-1 medications can significantly enhance their benefits for managing diabetes and obesity. Exercise improves glucose control, supports cardiovascular health, and helps reduce potential side effects like muscle mass loss.

Whether new to fitness or looking to diversify your workout, combining endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises ensures a comprehensive approach to overall wellness.

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