GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide reduce appetite and help people feel full sooner. Research shows they lead to better results when combined with regular exercise.
GLP-1 is a hormone the gut releases after a meal. It tells the brain you are full, slows how quickly the stomach empties and helps regulate blood sugar. GLP-1 medications act like this hormone, which is why many people find it easier to eat less while taking them.
Eating less is only part of the picture. The medication does not build muscle, improve heart fitness or create the daily habits that help people maintain their weight. Regular exercise does.
A 2021 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at this question directly. Adults with obesity first lost about 13 kg (29 lb) on a low-calorie diet. For the next year, each person was assigned to one of four groups: exercise, a GLP-1 medication, both, or a placebo.
Compared with placebo, additional weight loss over that year was:
People in the combined group also reduced their body fat percentage by 3.9 points, about twice as much as either approach on its own, and had better blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity and fitness. The study used liraglutide, an older GLP-1 medication. Newer medications have not been studied in exactly the same way, but the findings support pairing any GLP-1 treatment with regular physical activity.
The U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, along with muscle-strengthening activity on two or more days.
Most people work up to that gradually. A 10-minute walk after meals and two short strength sessions a week using body weight or resistance bands is a reasonable place to begin. Check with your provider before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have heart disease, joint problems or another health condition.
Medication is not necessary for everyone who wants to lose weight, and it is not appropriate for everyone. Your provider will look at your health history, current conditions and goals to decide what makes sense for you.
Our physician-supervised weight loss program in The Woodlands and Katy begins with a full health evaluation and an InBody 580 body composition scan. From there, our team builds a plan around nutrition, exercise and regular follow-up visits. To schedule a consultation, use the Book Appointment button at the top of this page or call (281) 466-4644.
The liraglutide study was funded in part by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
It is strongly recommended. In research comparing the two, people who combined exercise with a GLP-1 medication lost more weight and more body fat than people who used the medication alone. Exercise also helps protect muscle. Talk with your provider before starting a new exercise program.
U.S. guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on two or more days. Many people start with short walks after meals and build up over several weeks.
No. Medication is not necessary or appropriate for everyone. Your provider will review your health history and goals to decide on the right approach.
Yes. Our physician-supervised program in The Woodlands and Katy starts with a full health evaluation and an InBody 580 body composition scan, followed by a plan that covers nutrition, exercise and regular follow-up.
25511 Budde Rd, Suite 3901, The Woodlands, TX
2715 N Mason Rd, Katy, TX
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Please talk with a provider about your own health. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
