Using GLP-1s for Weight Loss? Here’s Why You Must Move Your Bod
At my 9-to-5, I’ve watched a quiet shift happening around me: more and more colleagues are losing noticeable amounts of weight—quickly. And while I don’t ask questions (your health journey is personal), I can’t help but wonder if GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro are part of the picture.
Some have that unmistakable “Ozempic face”—a gaunt, hollowed look that comes from rapid weight loss without muscle preservation. But others look vibrant and strong. The difference? Many of them are pairing their weight loss efforts with consistent strength training.
This distinction is crucial—and it’s exactly why I want to talk to you about movement and muscle.
GLP-1s Aren’t Magic. They Need a Support Plan.
Originally created to manage type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications are now widely used off-label for weight loss. These drugs work by reducing appetite and slowing digestion, which results in lower calorie intake and, yes, weight loss. But here’s the catch:
Rapid weight loss without exercise can mean losing muscle, not just fat.
That’s why some people on GLP-1s may look frail or tired, even if the scale says they’re succeeding. Weight loss without movement often comes at the cost of your body’s strength, structure, and vibrancy.
Why Exercise—Especially Strength Training—Is Non-Negotiable
If you’re using GLP-1s (or even just considering it), movement is not optional. It’s your secret weapon to preserving health, muscle, and confidence as your body changes.
Here’s how strength training helps:
- Preserves lean muscle mass
- Keeps your metabolism active
- Supports bone health and joint function
- Improves posture and skin tone
- Boosts mental health and body confidence
- Enhances insulin sensitivity and blood sugar balance
- Makes long-term weight maintenance more achievable
And no, you don’t need to live in the gym. Just 2–3 strength workouts a week (think resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, or dumbbells) plus daily movement like walking, yoga, or dancing makes a huge difference.
Remember: Movement Protects What Matters
GLP-1s can suppress your appetite, but they can’t build muscle, improve your endurance, or strengthen your heart. Those results come from daily choices—what you eat, how you move, how you rest.
Whether you're currently using a GLP-1 or considering it, your lifestyle habits still matter. And if you’re not using these medications but feel pressured to start, I want you to know something important:
There is another way.
Sustainable health doesn’t require injections or shortcuts—it requires education, support, and a realistic plan that honors your life.
Let’s Build a Healthier, Stronger You—Together
If you're ready to feel strong in your body—whether you're using a GLP-1 or not—I’d love to help. As a holistic health coach, I specialize in helping women feel empowered through sustainable lifestyle changes (movement, real food, sleep, etc).
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
👉 Book a free discovery call
👉 Join my email list for weekly motivation
Your future self deserves a body that feels strong, nourished, and supported—let’s get you there.