Ozempic Users Are Skimping Out on Exercise, Study Finds
Gizmodo • • health
Key Points:
- A new study using Fitbit data shows that people with obesity prescribed GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide tend to decrease their physical activity levels after starting the medication.
- Average daily steps dropped from 5,047 to 4,487, and moderate-to-vigorous activity declined from 28 to 22 minutes, with a steeper decrease observed among men and those reporting musculoskeletal pain.
- Although GLP-1 drugs effectively promote weight loss, exercise remains important to prevent muscle loss and maintain physical function, especially in older adults or those at higher risk.
- Researchers emphasize that patients on GLP-1 therapy should be encouraged to maintain or increase their exercise habits alongside medication to optimize health outcomes.
- These preliminary findings will be presented at ENDO 2026, and while muscle loss is generally not a major concern with GLP-1 use, targeted interventions promoting physical activity are recommended.