Should You Exercise While on Ozempic?

The rise of drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been fueled by their success in helping celebrities and civilians lose weight. But many questions remain about these medications, one of which is common: can you exercise with Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Mounjaro and Zepbound?

These pharmaceutical products, collectively known as incretin mimetics or GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) medications – can help reduce appetite, but can also have digestive side effects like nausea, leaving you feeling exhausted and unmotivated. So, is it advisable to work at Ozempic and the like? This is what the experts say.

Can you exercise with Ozempic and Mounjaro?

“Not only can you exercise while taking Ozempic, but it is highly recommended to do so,” says Sergio Alvarez, MD, medical director of My Aesthetics in Miami. “Ozempic and similar weight loss medications may help speed up your weight loss journeybut it is likely that regain lost weight as long as you stop taking them.”

Experts say drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide are a complement to healthy habits, not an end in themselves. “Weight loss medications are intended to help you while you adopt a healthy diet and exercise regimen. They do not intend to replace them,” says Álvarez.

But it is always important to choose an exercise routine. that’s right for youand long-term use of these medications requires additional considerations. They are also associated with sometimes serious problems, such as pancreatic inflammation or pancreatitis, so care should be taken before undergoing treatment, including a thorough consultation with a doctor.

Why You Should Exercise While Taking Weight Loss Medications

Here’s why it’s important to start or maintain a regular exercise routine while taking GLP-1 medications.

Helps maintain weight

Average weight loss with these medications it is about 15 percent of total body weight, but pharmaceutical weight management is not known for its sustainability. if you want that weight loss to lastan exercise regimen is highly recommended.

“Developing and then sticking to new healthy habits is the best way to ensure that weight loss is permanent,” says Alvarez. “This is the best way to prevent weight gain if you need to stop taking Ozempic for any reason.”

Benefits besides weight loss

“Regular physical activity can help improve weight loss results, increase insulin sensitivityand improve blood sugar control,” he says Reza Elmardi, CSCS, RDcertified strength and conditioning trainer and registered dietitian in New York City. “It may also provide mental health benefits by reducing stress and promoting a positive attitude.”

The use of incretin mimetics also typically results in greater muscle loss than other forms of weight loss, due in large part to the rate at which pounds are lost. Regular exercise, especially if it involves resistance training – can help limit this loss of lean mass, called sarcopenia.

Additionally, medications like these do not increase strength, bone density, or the ability to walk up a flight of stairs without breathing hard like exercise does.

But experts emphasize that your mileage may vary. The intensity, duration, and type of exercise that is right for you depends on your current well-being, including your fitness level and any pre-existing conditions.

How to start exercising with semaglutides or tirzepatides

Consider these tips before starting a new exercise routine while taking weight loss medication.

1. Consult your healthcare provider

“Before beginning any exercise regimen, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you are taking weight loss medications like Ozempic,” says Elmardi. “They will have a comprehensive understanding of your medical history and will be able to provide you with personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.”

2. Start slow

If your healthcare provider gives you the green light to exercise while taking semaglutide or a similar medication, it’s critical to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts, Elmardi says. “This approach allows your body to adapt and prevents the risk of overexertion or injuries.”

“As your body adapts to weight-loss medications and exercise, you can gradually increase the intensity of your workouts,” says Elmardi. You could walk longer, transition to jogging, or cyclingor incorporate other aerobic activities such as dancing. Even gardening counts as a moderate-intensity activity: it’s anything that increase your heart rate.

3. Eat enough calories

“Because these types of weight-loss medications suppress appetite, it can be difficult to eat enough calories, especially protein, to maintain and increase muscle mass,” he says. Kerri HowellNASM-CPT, ACE-CPT, NASM-CNC, PN1-NC, PN1-SSR, a certified personal trainer based in New York.

Make sure you eat a balanced diet with enough protein, healthy fatsand complex carbohydrates for energy. Meal planning It can help a lot and is easier than it seems.