Losing weight is not always as easy as it sounds. We tend to think that if you exercise more and eat less, you will hit your ideal body weight. But for some people, losing weight is more complicated than that.
Whether it is insulin resistance, excess cortisol from stress, endocrine issues, or something else, weight loss can be a bit of a puzzle. Making healthy dietary choices and getting consistent, well-rounded exercise is the first step. However, some people are also choosing to seek medical support and weight loss medications.
The Paseo Club is a private club in Santa Clarita that offers dozens of ways for members to be fit, healthy, and socially engaged. We support people of all fitness levels in being physically active and living their best lives.
In this article, you will learn why people take weight loss medications, their side effects, and how to exercise safely.
Why do people take weight loss medications?
The Centers for Disease Control reported that from 2013 to 2016, 49.1% of U.S. adults tried to lose weight. A second report noted that an estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet each year.
Many adults who want to lose weight have a very hard time doing so. They try different methods and continue to be unsuccessful. This process can be both frustrating and disheartening.
New weight loss drugs are on the market as injectables. They work consistently to curb hunger, so people eat less and reduce their caloric intake.
Some of the prescription weight-loss medications are:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- What are some of the side effects of weight loss medications?
Are there side effects?
Although these drugs are effective for many people, prescription medications often have side effects, and these are no exception.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Tiredness
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Hair thinning and loss
Serious side effects can be inflammation of the pancreas, thyroid tumors, cancer, and kidney and gallbladder problems.
How does being on these medications affect how you need to train?
Weight loss drugs are most effective when combined with diet changes and regular exercise. Exercising also helps you maintain weight loss after you stop taking the medication. Therefore, creating a consistent fitness routine is an essential key to your long-term success.
These medications can lower your appetite — you might not want to eat very much at all. However, without adequate amounts of carbs, fat, and protein to support the type of workouts you do, you will not have the energy to sustain yourself.
Anyone taking weight loss medications must consult their doctor about their physical activity.
4 steps to safely training when using weight loss medicine
The guidelines for physical activity for people using weight loss drugs are the same as what the American College of Sports Medicine recommends for everyone. They encourage people to do 50 minutes of cardio exercise for three days and strength training activities (weightlifting or bodyweight exercises) at least two days a week.
Not everyone can follow that regimen initially, but it is a great goal to work toward. Here are a few important steps to help you safely train when using weight loss medicine.
- Start with realistic and achievable goals — even if that is a 15-minute walk daily.
- Exercise is a must-do, but so are rest days. Do not overdo the exercise and build in rest days throughout your week.
- Be consistent with your workout routine. Aim to exercise 3-4 days per week and vary cardio with strength training and mobility work.
- Insufficient nutrients can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and poor recovery, so be sure to be well-hydrated AND well-fed before you exercise.
Are there certain types of exercises that are best for people who are using weight loss medications?
You can continue your regular exercise program when you are on weight loss meds. There are no exercises to avoid.
You can also start an exercise program. Remember to diversify your activity between cardio, strength training, and mobility or stretching exercises, and get the proper nutrition to sustain your workouts.
Living a healthy lifestyle at the Paseo Club
More than 20 million Americans are using weight loss injectable medications today. Many choose these medicines to lose weight, although others are also treating heart disease and diabetes.
These medicines can be effective in helping people transition to a healthier weight and reduce the effects of life-threatening diseases.
However, weight loss medicine is not a panacea that magically shrinks you into size four jeans and cures all that ails you. It is simply a tool that can be effective in conjunction with healthy lifestyle choices.
Dr. Jihad Kudsi, an obesity medicine specialist and bariatric surgeon at the University of Chicago/LaGrange Hospital, states, “Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in overall health, and relying solely on medication without addressing underlying lifestyle factors can limit the medication's effectiveness.”
Making healthier choices can be hard, but doing it with others can be inspiring. The Paseo Club is a community where you can learn tennis, pickleball, weight lifting, Pilates, yoga, and swimming. Find the classes you like best so you can enjoy your workout every time.
Personal trainers and small group fitness programs are great options to help you get custom, individualized attention. Each session builds on the one prior so you can get more fit every week.
If you are not yet a member of the Paseo Club, now is the time to become one. Simply sign up online and receive instant access to all eight acres of the club. There are memberships for individuals, couples, families, and juniors. We can’t wait to see you!
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