The GLP-1 Boom:

Is The Risk Worth The Reward?

Let’s talk about something that’s been buzzing lately—GLP-1 drugs. If you haven’t heard of them, you’ve probably seen the headlines or have a friend (or friends) raving about Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. These meds, originally designed to manage type 2 diabetes, have taken the weight loss world by storm. And honestly, it’s not hard to see why. People are dropping pounds like it’s nothing, and the stats back it up: usage is skyrocketing, with millions hopping on the GLP-1 train in the last couple of years alone. But before you start dreaming of a quick fix, let’s unpack what’s really going on—especially the sneaky risk of losing more than just fat—and why hitting the gym (especially lifting weights) might be your secret weapon.

First Off, What’s the Deal with GLP-1 Drugs?

They’re all based on a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Translation: they make you feel full faster and longer, so you eat less without feeling like you’re starving. Studies show they’re legit—people lose 15-20% of their body weight on average, sometimes more. That’s huge compared with a typical diet-and-exercise approach, where 5-10% is the target. No wonder celebs, influencers, and your cousin’s coworker are all singing their praises. Doctors are prescribing them more than ever, and off-label use for weight loss is through the roof.

But Here’s the Catch: Not All That Weight Loss is Fat.

Research—like a 2021 study in The New England Journal of Medicine—shows that up to 40% of the weight lost on GLP-1 drugs can come from lean mass, aka your muscles. That’s a big deal, especially considering that lean mass isn’t just about looking lean and toned—it’s about strength, metabolism, and keeping your body running like a well-oiled machine. Lose too much muscle, and you could tank your energy, slow your metabolism, or even set yourself up for injuries down the road. For older folks, it’s even riskier—less muscle means more frailty, with an increased risk of falling and a harder time bouncing back after one. Less muscle has also been directly linked to a shorter lifespan. 

So, Does That Mean GLP-1 Drugs Are a No-Go?

Not necessarily. They’re still a game-changer for a lot of people, especially those battling obesity or health issues tied to extra weight. Side effects like nausea, fatigue, or the rare-but-scary pancreatitis risk are real. I would encourage anyone who is considering a GLP-1 to first make sure they have tried everything else, and I don’t mean fads on the internet; I mean working with a professional. Get an Inbody scan to see where your body fat is. Get on a workout and exercise plan, and really give it your all. I would never recommend injecting your body with anything as your first line of attack. If, after all of this, your body fat is still at a level that is unhealthy, the risks may still outweigh the downsides. The lean mass thing, though? That’s where we can fight back—and it starts with exercise.

Strength Training Is Not Optional

Enter strength training, your new best friend if you’re on a GLP-1 drug.

While these drugs might make it tempting to skip the gym (less hunger = less energy, right? And you’re looking marvelous without it!), lifting weights is non-negotiable if you want to keep—or even build—muscle while the scale drops. And you need to remember, this is about improving your overall health. Without incorporating the gym and lifting, you are missing the big picture. Studies, like one from Obesity in 2023, show that pairing resistance training with weight loss (drug-induced or not) helps preserve lean mass way better than just coasting on calorie cuts. It signals your body to hold onto muscle even as the fat melts away. Strength training also keeps your metabolism humming, making you less likely to hit that dreaded plateau.

Here’s My Two Cents:

What I see a lot of is people going on GLP-1s and not adapting their lifestyle whatsoever. They drastically restrict calories and don’t exercise, which is a guarantee you’re not only losing muscle rapidly but guaranteed to gain the weight back when you go off the GLP. And even worse, when the weight is gained back, it will be gained back as all fat, not muscle, resulting in an even worse body composition. So, if you’re on GLP-1s or thinking about them, you need a plan. Swing by and chat with one of our Personal Trainers. They’re pros at tailoring a plan to keep your lean mass intact—think progressive overload, proper form, and nutrition guidance to keep your muscle mass as intact as possible. It’s not just about dodging risks; it’s about improving your overall health and making sure you come out of this looking and feeling stronger than ever. A trainer can tweak your routine to match where you’re at, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned lifter, and keep you accountable when the GLP-1 “I’m not hungry” vibe tries to derail your gym days.

The Bottom Line?

GLP-1 drugs are probably here to stay, and they’re helping tons of people hit their goals. But let’s be smart about it. Consider all options first before turning to GLP-1s. Don’t let your hard-earned muscle slip away—grab some dumbbells, team up with one of our well-educated trainers, and work to maintain your lean mass. 

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About the Author

Jourdan Ilardi

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