# People Using GLP-1s Like Ozempic and Wegovy Exercise Less, Study Finds
A new study reveals a troubling pattern: people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) are exercising significantly less than they did before starting the medications, despite the well-documented health benefits of physical activity.
Researchers found that patients on these weight-loss drugs reported decreased exercise frequency and intensity. The trend holds across different age groups and fitness levels. This matters because while GLP-1s effectively reduce appetite and promote weight loss, they work best alongside regular movement.
The reason behind reduced exercise appears twofold. First, these medications genuinely suppress appetite and boost feelings of fullness, which can reduce the energy people feel motivated to expend. Second, patients sometimes assume the medication alone handles weight management, making exercise feel less necessary.
Experts emphasize that this approach backfires. Exercise provides benefits no medication delivers: improved heart health, stronger bones, better mental health, and increased longevity. Dr. David Katz, founding director of Yale's Prevention Research Center, notes that weight loss without muscle maintenance leads to metabolic slowdown and poor long-term outcomes.
Parents considering these medications for themselves should understand the full picture. If you take a GLP-1, the medication becomes a tool in a larger health strategy, not a replacement for movement. Similarly, if your teen struggles with weight and you're exploring medication options, conversations with their doctor should include exercise plans.
The takeaway for families: GLP-1 medications work, but they work better alongside consistent physical activity. Even light movement, like 30 minutes of walking daily, enhances outcomes significantly. If you're on these medications or considering them, ask your doctor