Adherence
Exercise prescriptions for clients taking anti-obesity medications (AOMs) should be reframed from caloric expenditure to focus on health, well-being, and functional targets (strength, aerobic fitness, body awareness) rather than enhancing weight loss.
Stop telling your client on Ozempic or Wegovy that they need to run 5 miles to 'earn' their food. The drug handles the weight loss. Instead, ask them how they feel. Do they have energy? Are they strong? Program for those feelings. If they feel weak, lift weights to improve strength. If they feel tired, do light cardio to boost energy. This builds trust and keeps them coming back, which is what matters for long-term health.
Exercise prescriptions can move away from dosing activity in terms of calories burned and focus on personalized programming relevant for patients taking an AOM.
Why this rating
Based on a review of existing literature and a specific survey by the author, not a new randomized controlled trial of the intervention itself.
Source
Exercise for Clients Taking an Anti-Obesity Medication
Renee J. Rogers · ACSMʼs Health & Fitness Journal · 2024
DOI 10.1249/fit.0000000000000959
More from this paper
- Contemporary NuSH anti-obesity medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide) produce significantly greater weight loss than intensive lifestyle interventions alone.Strong
- Discontinuation of anti-obesity medications leads to significant weight regain (approx. 6.9% of lost weight) and return of hunger, indicating AOMs are for chronic management, not short-term fixes.Good
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →