BITESIZE: New Study: Could GLP-1 Medications Be Reducing Physical Activity?

Do GLP-1 medications like Ozempic reduce physical activity? Preliminary research suggests they might, raising important questions about how exercise should be supported alongside treatment.

GLP-1 medications are helping many people achieve meaningful weight loss and metabolic improvements. At the same time, findings presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting showed declines in daily steps and moderate-to-vigorous activity after treatment began. In this video, Dr. Bret Scher examines those results, explores why activity levels may fall, and explains how similar concerns can arise with medications such as statins and antipsychotics.

He covers:

• What the study found about physical activity
• Why side effects and rapid weight loss may reduce movement
• How muscle loss can affect long-term metabolic health
• Why resistance training and protein intake matter
• How clinicians can provide more structured exercise support

These findings highlight the importance of pairing GLP-1 medications with proactive support for physical activity and muscle preservation. More broadly, they suggest that when a treatment can affect appetite, energy, or body composition, those effects should be monitored and addressed as part of ongoing care.

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Expert Featured:

Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/
• https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en
• https://x.com/bschermd

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Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.

Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.