For those of you who consistently train at 212, you may be under the impression that I have my head in the sand when it comes to GLP1, the most well-known of which may be Ozempic. After all, I don’t think I have made a single announcement about them since they seem to have taken off in the past 3 years. However, since they have become fairly mainstream, and because they have the potential to be life changing, they’ve been on our radar for some time, and we’ve been doing regular in-depth research on them for the past two and a half years. In fact, we’ve been adamant that people who are on GLP1s like Ozempic strength train since these medications can lead to loss of lean muscle mass.
So why is this the first time I’ve written extensively on GLP1s?
The first reason is that I have always focused the training we do here at 212 on functional performance. I want our members and athletes to be their best outside of the gym, and that primarily means being stronger, better conditioned, improved joint stability and sufficient mobility. For many people, losing body fat can play a role in performing and moving better outside the gym, but it’s not often the main component.
The second reason I haven’t formally addressed GLP1s is because I’m not qualified to give professional advice on them! Many of the conversations around GLP1s and if they would be a fit for you and your goals need to be had with a licensed medical provider. I know it goes without saying, but I needed to mention in nonetheless.
The last, and maybe the biggest, reason that I haven’t talked much about GLP1s is that I don’t have a lot of personal interest in supplements myself. Let me be clear, I understand that many protocols, like supplements, hormone replacement therapies and peptide therapies can amplify one’s results. However, I’m a bit old school in my approach and truly believe that most people can achieve the results they want with exercise and real food. I personally only take three “supplements”- whey protein, vitamin D and creatine, and could easily only count it as two supplements if you consider whey protein a food. It’s not that I am anti-supplement, or anti-GLP1, it’s just that I don’t have much interest in using them myself, so I only educate myself about them to the extent that I can help members at 212 who are using them. It is important to remember that if you are using a GLP1 like Ozempic, one of the main drawbacks is that the medicines can lead to loss of lean muscle mass.
So why am I writing about GLP1s now? I recently read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal entitled “Ozempic’s New Frontier: The War on Aging”. My main takeaway had nothing to do with the possible benefits of GLP1s preventing age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s, osteoarthritis and certain cancers, but on the idea that exercise is an incredible intervention for longevity. It’s also especially critical to strength train when using GLP1s since they can lead to loss of lean muscle mass.
There is nothing wrong with using supplements to help you achieve better results, or to achieve your results faster. However, it’s also important to remember that the basics of exercise and a healthy diet have been proven to work tens, hundreds and even thousands of years! A healthy body and mind will always be rooted in strength training, consistent movement and a diet rich in unprocessed foods including lean protein, fruits and vegetables.
Don’t forget the definition of a supplement “something that completes or enhances something else when added to it”. Ensure you have a strong foundation of strength training, movement and healthy food, and then supplement to that to see even greater returns on your investment!
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Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or nutrition regimen.
