Key Takeaways:
- Combining GLP-1 medications with exercise can significantly enhance weight loss.
- GLP-1 medications help control appetite and reduce cravings, while exercise burns calories and preserves muscle mass.
- Incorporating exercise into your routine can help keep weight off long-term.
Imagine having the power to supercharge your weight loss efforts. That’s exactly what the dynamic duo of GLP-1 medications and exercise offers. GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Wegovy and Zepbound, are doctor-prescribed medications that can aid weight loss by mimicking a hormone that reduces your appetite. When combined with regular physical activity, the results are even more impressive.
How impressive? A study that paired exercise with a GLP-1 treatment showed that people who combined the therapy with exercise lost nearly 23% more weight than those who relied solely on the medication.
Why are people seeing such impressive results? While these drugs help control appetite and reduce cravings, exercise boosts the results by burning calories and preserving muscle mass. Let’s look at some popular GLP-1 medications and explore why exercise can make this a truly winning combo.
How GLP-1 medications help you lose weight
GLP-1s work by mimicking a hormone that is naturally found in the body called, not surprisingly, GLP-1. Through this action, the medication can:
- Signal to your body that you feel full.
- Slow down digestion.
- Help control appetite and reduce cravings.
These three actions work together to help you eat less, which ultimately leads to weight loss. This effect can be particularly helpful when combined with exercise, as studies have shown that exercise can also increase GLP-1 levels.
What are the most popular GLP-1 medications?
| Medication | Brand names and uses | Administration | Effectiveness | Cost per month (without insurance) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide – GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite and calorie intake | Wegovy (weight loss), Ozempic (diabetes management, off-label for weight loss), Rybelsus (diabetes management, off-label for weight loss) | Weekly injection or daily pill (Rybelsus) | In a clinical trial, people taking semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their initial body weight over 68 weeks. | $930-$1,350 |
| Tirzepatide – GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite and calorie intake. The action on both receptors boosts effectiveness | Zepbound (weight loss), Mounjaro (diabetes management, off-label for weight loss) | Weekly injection | In a study, average weight loss with tirzepatide treatment at 72 weeks ranged from 15 to 21% of body weight | $1,000-$1,050 |
| Liraglutide– GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite and calorie intake | Saxenda (weight loss), Victoza (diabetes management, off-label for weight loss) | Daily injection | Liraglutide has been shown to lead to an average weight loss of 8% over 56 weeks. | $800-$1,400 |
All the medications mentioned above are most effective and should be combined with diet and exercise changes. Noom can help you develop a personalized plan to maximize the benefits of your medication through positive lifestyle changes. People who used Noom alongside an early GLP-1 medication reported losing over 39% more weight* on average compared to those who only used a GLP-1.
*Based on a retrospective study of self-reported data of pounds lost for active versus passive users who were offered the Noom program when being prescribed an early-stage GLP-1.
Why exercise is important when taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss
It’s important to combine GLP-1 therapy with both diet and exercise. Here’s why exercise is a crucial companion to GLP-1 therapy:
- Helps preserve muscle mass: Exercise, particularly strength training, is crucial for preserving lean muscle mass during weight loss. This is important because losing weight can also result in muscle loss, so it’s essential to counteract this with strength training.
- Protects bone density: A study found that combining exercise with GLP-1 agonists preserved bone mineral density in the hip, spine, and forearm despite significant weight loss.
- Boosts mood and energy: Regular physical activity releases endorphins, improving your mood and boosting energy levels. This can be especially helpful if you’re experiencing any side effects from GLP-1 medications, such as fatigue.
- Enhances medication effectiveness: Exercise can increase natural GLP-1 levels, potentially improving the overall effectiveness of GLP-1 medications.
- Reduces chronic disease risk: Physical activity helps lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions, complementing the health benefits of GLP-1 medications.
- Keeps the weight off: Incorporating exercise into your routine while taking GLP-1 medications could help you keep weight off long-term. Studies show that around 85% of people who take GLP-1 medications stop using them after about a year, often regaining the weight they lost. However, those who incorporate diet and exercise changes, such as those offered by Noom, are more likely to maintain their weight loss after reducing or discontinuing their medication.
Tips for integrating exercise with GLP-1 therapy
Following a workout routine while taking GLP-1 medications can boost your weight loss and overall health, but you’ll need to find the right one. While Noom’s GLP-1 Companion can help you create a routine that works for you, here are some quick tips to point you in the right direction:
High-quality meds. Powerful psychology-based weight loss.
- Starting at $149/month
- Meds to your door in 7 days
- 100% online access to coaches and doctors
- Backed by Noom's award winning behavior change program
Medications require consultation and prescription by clinician through Noom platform. Not all customers will qualify for prescription. Compounded semaglutide is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy or quality.
- Start slow: Begin with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase duration and intensity. It takes time for your body to adjust to a GLP-1, so don’t start a strenuous workout routine at the same time. Give yourself a few weeks to adjust to the medication.
- Schedule workouts strategically: Plan exercise sessions when energy levels are highest, typically a few hours after eating a small meal or snack.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to combat potential dehydration, which can be a side effect of GLP-1 medications.
- Mix it up: Incorporate a variety of activities, including strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you feel during workouts and adjust intensity as needed. Remember, the most important thing is to do something you can stick with.
- Track your progress: Use Noom’s tools to monitor your exercise routine, food intake, and weight loss, which will help you stay motivated. And don’t forget about the handy exercise videos available through Noom’s Muscle Defense™ program!
Following these tips and maintaining a consistent exercise routine can amplify your weight loss results.
Kickstart your weight loss with Noom
Having the right support can make all the difference when combining GLP-1 medications and exercise for weight loss. Noom’s innovative approach offers personalized guidance to help you maximize the benefits of this powerful combination.
If you qualify for Noom Med, we’ll pair you with a qualified clinician who can find the right medication for you and help you design a program to maximize its benefits.
If your doctor has already prescribed a GLP-1 to you, our GLP-1 Companion will help you create an exercise routine that can boost your results. You can create the perfect mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises from our library.
Noom’s GLP-1 Companion will also give you guidance on protein intake, muscle preservation, and strategies for long-term success. This unique approach addresses both the biological and behavioral aspects of weight loss, helping you overcome barriers that may have hindered your progress in the past.
By leveraging Noom’s expertise in behavior change alongside the benefits of GLP-1 medications and exercise, you’re setting yourself up for success. Remember, sustainable weight loss isn’t just about the numbers on the scale—it’s about creating lasting habits that support your overall health and well-being. With Noom’s structured support and personalized planning, you can navigate the challenges of weight loss with confidence and achieve your goals.
Note: Ozempic. Mounjaro, Rybelsus, and Victoza are not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.
