Benefits of Supplementing a GLP-1 Type Medication With Physical Activity

In 2023, more than 100 million US adults-approximately 40% of the adult population-were classified as having obesity. Individuals with obesity often encounter complex health challenges because of physiological changes that alter metabolic processes and gene expression, making weight loss increasingly difficult. Many people with obesity now seek glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) medications to lose weight and improve their health. Supplementing GLP-1 RA medications with physical activity (PA) can produce synergistic effects that help to reduce risks associated with use of GLP-1 RAs and improve health outcomes, such as blood glucose control, blood pressure control, lipid management, body composition, and overall cardiometabolic risk. Healthcare professionals need to routinely prescribe PA concurrently with a GLP-1 RAs, when appropriate. Moreover, to attenuate disparities related to accessing these medications and PA, insurance carriers, employers, and advocates need to commit to benefit design that covers and/or reduces costs for all who need access to these treatments.