Achieving sustainable weight management isn’t simply a matter of diet and exercise, though these are important. Increasingly, advances in weight loss medications—like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda—highlight the intricate role that genetics and modern medicine play in a personalised approach to weight loss. But where does exercise fit into this evolving landscape? While medications can help to regulate appetite or influence metabolic processes, combining them with an exercise routine can significantly bolster long-term success.
Exercise and Metabolism: More Than Just Burning Calories
Exercise, often seen as the “calorie burner,” plays a bigger role in weight loss and, crucially, in weight maintenance. While weight loss medications like Mounjaro work by targeting pathways to control hunger, exercise enhances metabolism beyond just burning calories in a workout. Regular activity, especially strength training, helps increase lean muscle mass, which in turn boosts resting metabolic rate. This means that even at rest, your body will burn more calories, creating a sustainable calorie deficit over time.
Some people might experience better fat-burning during high-intensity workouts, while others respond best to endurance training. Newer medications like Retatrutide and Survodutide work to enhance the body’s natural fat-burning ability. However, without physical activity, these medications might only work to a certain extent. Exercise essentially “unlocks” the full potential of these treatments by complementing their metabolic effects.
Balancing Medication with Physical Activity for Lasting Results
Many people turn to weight loss medications due to traditional methods of weight loss proving to be ineffective. But a reliance on medication alone can lead to plateauing results or a lack of long-term adherence. Physical activity offers benefits that medication cannot, such as improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and better mental well-being—all of which support a healthy weight over the long term. In fact, stress management through exercise can even reduce emotional eating, a common barrier in weight loss.
People on medications like Saxenda or Orlistat, which reduce fat absorption or control appetite, may find it easier to maintain a calorie deficit, but exercise ensures that this deficit is supported by muscle maintenance and strength. Studies suggest that a combination of medication and consistent physical activity may help break through weight loss plateaus, as both work together to foster sustainable habits and reinforce the mindset needed for healthy weight management.
Customising Exercise Routines with the Help of Modern Science
Personalisation is key—just as weight loss medications are chosen based on individual needs, so should exercise routines be. A “one-size-fits-all” approach rarely works, as some benefit from higher intensity workouts while others need a more gradual build-up. Monitoring your body’s response to exercise alongside your medication plan is crucial, as over-exertion might interfere with the benefits of medications like Mounjaro or Semaglutide. Consulting with a weight loss coach or participating in a healthy lifestyle community can help tailor both medication and exercise to suit personal needs.
Exercise for Mindset and Behavioural Change
Finally, exercise brings about a shift in mindset that is difficult to achieve through medication alone. It fosters a sense of accomplishment and encourages behavioural changes, which are essential for those looking to maintain weight loss long-term. When exercise becomes a regular part of life, it’s less about “losing weight” and more about adopting a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
In essence, the role of exercise in weight management cannot be overstated. While weight loss medications provide the biochemical support that many need, exercise offers metabolic, psychological, and emotional benefits that complete the picture for sustainable, long-term weight management. It’s about creating a synergy where medication and movement come together to support the journey toward a healthier life.