Why is Exercise Important When Taking GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 medicines can help lower blood sugar, lower appetite, and support weight loss. Despite the benefits, moving your body is still an important element of long-term health. In addition to weight control, exercise can help your body, your mood, and your stress. Research suggests that improvements in these areas are from increasing blood flow to the brain and are helping to regulate stress hormones.

How does exercise help your mind?

Exercise can help you:

• Feel happier and calmer
• Lower stress and worry
• Sleep better at night
• Have more energy during the day
• Feel proud of what your body can do
• Think more clearly and focus better
• Walking with a friend or family member
• Gentle stretching, yoga, or chair exercises
• Dancing to a favorite song
• Riding a bike or swimming

A short walk can give your mind a break from life stress. You do not have to do a hard workout to feel benefits from movement!

Why movement matters on GLP-1 medicine

When you lose weight, your body can lose some muscle too. This is especially important in people who are taking GLP-1 medications, as sudden weight loss can come from a combination of fat tissue, bone, and muscle. Strength exercises help keep your muscles and bones strong during your weight-loss journey. Activities both in and outside of the gym can help your heart and assist in keeping weight off over time.

Good non-gym-based choices include:

Start small and go slow

Start with 10 minutes of easy movement each day. Add a few more minutes when you feel ready. A good long-term goal (as recommended by the American Heart Association) is 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, or about 30 minutes each for five days of the week. You can split movement into small parts. For example: walk for 10 minutes after breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Strength exercises are also recommended two days each week to help maintain strength and muscle mass with weight loss.

Listen to your body

GLP-1 medicines may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or an upset stomach. Drink water often, start slowly, and choose gentle movement on days you do not feel well.

Stop exercising and call your care team if you have severe belly pain, cannot keep fluids down, feel faint, or have symptoms that worry you. Ask your doctor or care team before starting a new exercise plan, especially if you take insulin or other diabetes medicines.

References:

Guszkowska M. Wpływ ćwiczeń fizycznych na poziom leku i depresji oraz stany nastroju [Effects of exercise on anxiety, depression and mood]. Psychiatr Pol. 2004 Jul-Aug;38(4):611-20. Polish. PMID: 15518309.

Sharma A, Madaan V, Petty FD. Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(2):106. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a. PMID: 16862239; PMCID: PMC1470658.

Mehrtash F, Dushay J, Manson JE. I Am Taking a GLP-1 Weight-Loss Medication—What Should I Know? JAMA Intern Med. 2025;185(9):1180. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.1133

This content is for educational purposes only and is meant to provide general information. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health. In case of a medical emergency, contact your doctor or call 911 right away.