Combining GLP-1 medication with regular exercise can significantly enhance its benefits. We’ll explain how exercise improves the effectiveness of GLP-1 medication, why strength training is crucial, how GLP-1 medication impacts your energy levels and mood, and offer tips for finding enjoyable and safe exercises. Understanding these aspects will help you maximize the benefits of your GLP-1 treatment and support a healthier lifestyle.
Exercise enhances GLP-1 medication
When you incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine, you enhance the effects of GLP-1. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and aids in weight management, which means your body can make better use of the medication. Studies show that combining exercise with GLP-1 treatment leads to better glucose control and reduced visceral fat, which is more effective to achieve your health goals. Without exercise, you might miss out on these enhanced benefits, making it more difficult to manage blood sugar levels and achieve long-term weight loss (1, 2, 3).
Boosting energy and mood
Regular physical activity promotes the release of endorphins, improving emotional well-being and reducing stress, which supports better adherence to diet and exercise plans. GLP-1 medication reduces appetite and can make it easier to stick to a healthy eating routine, and exercise can amplify these effects by boosting energy and stabilizing mood. Over time, this combination of exercise, healthy eating and medication creates a positive cycle, where improved mood leads to more physical activity, which in turn helps with weight management.
Finding exercises you like
Finding exercises you like can make all the difference in maintaining a consistent routine. Here are some tips to help you enjoy and stick to your exercise routine:
Start slow and progress slowly: If you're new to exercise or getting back into it, start with light activities and don’t over do it – over time you can increase duration or intensity. This helps prevent injuries and makes it easier for your body to adjust.
Choose what you love: Whether it's dancing, walking outside, or playing a sport, pick activities you enjoy. When you have fun exercising, you're more likely to do it regularly.
Get social: Exercising with friends or joining a class can make it more enjoyable. Make a date with a friend to take a walk or join a group exercise class together. It’s a great way to build exercise into your daily life. Plus, it’s a two-fer: time with friends plus exercise!
Prioritize safety: Check that you're using proper form to avoid injuries. Consider working with a fitness trainer, especially if you're new to exercise or haven’t exercised in a while.
Mix it up: Try a combination of different types of exercises. Variety is the spice of life! It keeps things interesting and ensures a well-rounded fitness routine.
By incorporating regular exercise into your routine while on GLP-1 medication, you'll not only enhance the benefits of your medication but also improve your overall health and well-being.
We hope this gives you a better understanding of the relation between GLP-1 and exercise. To learn more, and create your own exercise program, click one of the links below. If you're looking for a health provider working with Sinque, click here
For more information:
Learn more about GLP-1 medication
Learn more about creating your own exercise plan
Learn more about exercise tips that could help reduce side effects Learn more about combining nutrition and exercise while using GLP-1 medication
Learn more about GLP-1 medication and nutrition
Learn more about tracking your progress with Sinque
References
O'Hare, J. P., & Creighton, S. A. (2021). The role of exercise in enhancing the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity management. Obesity Reviews, 22(2), e13147. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13147
Steinberg, G. R., & Kemp, B. E. (2009). AMPK in health and disease. Physiological Reviews, 89(3), 1025-1078. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00001.2009
Sainsbury, A., & Loughnan, M. (2015). The role of diet and exercise in optimizing GLP-1 effects for weight loss. Clinical Obesity, 5(3), 171-179. https://doi.org/10.1111/cob.12114
van Bloemendaal, L., et al. (2014). The effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on appetite regulation and satiety. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 16(1), 20-28. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.12223
van Dijk, M., et al. (2017). Pre-meal carbohydrate intake, GLP-1 secretion, and glucose tolerance. Endocrinology, 158(8), 2581-2589. https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2017-00123
Thompson, P. D., et al. (2003). Physical activity and the prevention of cardiovascular disease: How much is enough? American Journal of Cardiology, 91(8), 1011-1019. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9149(03)00132-X
Trexler, E. T., et al. (2014). The effect of post-exercise nutrition on recovery and muscle glycogen resynthesis. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31829f15f4
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