In Health with Dr. Brian: Exercise is the Proven Magic Pill

I’ll address the elephant in the room.

Ozempic and similar drugs are now being used by many Americans to lose weight.

I’m not going to write about the cons, side effects, or the long term negative effects of taking such drugs. That’s not my job.

However, there are going to be people that will see this choice as the easier option as opposed to exercise and learning better habits to lead a healthier life.

Maybe they can both work? Time will tell, I suppose.

Here are some insights into why exercise remains important when using Ozempic.

Blood Sugar Control: Ozempic, as you may know, is a medication prescribed to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. While it can be highly effective, it's not a standalone solution. Regular exercise can complement the effects of Ozempic by improving insulin sensitivity. This means that your body can use the insulin it produces more effectively, leading to better blood sugar control.

Better blood sugar control will lead to better weight control.

Cardiovascular Health: excessive weight gain is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Regular exercise helps to keep your heart healthy by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Weight loss alone, if you maintain similar poor nutrition and exercise habits will not keep you healthy.

Mood and Mental Health: exercise isn’t just beneficial for your physical health; it also has a positive impact on your mental well-being. Many people find that regular physical activity helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression—common concerns for individuals managing weight loss. By promoting overall emotional well-being, exercise can contribute to better overall health outcomes.

Overall Health and Quality of Life: exercise has a wide range of benefits beyond weight loss. It can help increase energy levels, boost your immune system, and enhance your overall quality of life. Remaining active can also help you stay independent and engage in the activities you enjoy as you age.

While Ozempic may be a valuable tool in weight loss, it is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise. Exercise can improve blood sugar control, support weight management, enhance cardiovascular health, boost mood, and contribute to your overall well-being.

If you haven’t heard of Ozempic and WeGovy, I’m sure it will come up at the next few family gatherings or cocktail parties so I’ll explain..

Ozempic and WeGovy are brand names for a drug called Semaglutide. Semaglutide was originally designed to help treat Type II Diabetes and has a wonderful side effect of weight loss. In short, it helps your pancreas secrete the proper amount of insulin in response to blood sugar levels.

I’m not here to discuss if this drug is appropriate for you or anyone else, nor am I in any position to discuss any risks or side effects. I do think in certain situations, medical intervention is a powerful tool when looking to improve health and fitness. If modern medicine can assist overweight people with appetite regulation and other side effects of obesity, I think it’s a discussion meant for a patient and their doctor.

Here’s what I will say…

Semaglutide is NOT a magic pill. (or shot)

Semaglutide WILL NOT keep you strong as you age. You still need to strength train.

It WILL NOT keep you mobile so that you will move well and decrease risk of injury. You still need to perform training and mobility work to stay limber and ambulatory.

It WILL NOT improve your cardiovascular fitness so that you can do the things you enjoy longer and with more energy.

And finally, it WILL NOT teach you to eat foods rich with vitamins, minerals and protein to keep your body running efficiently.

The need to embrace the habits of strength training, movement that you enjoy and better nutrition cannot be replaced by medicine.

While advances in medicine may bring great help to many, there is inherent danger when we focus solely on “WEIGHT LOSS” vs. total health and fitness. When a drug like Semaglutide comes along it becomes too easy to forget about the importance of exercise, nutrition and mobility.

If you’re currently on the drug, or considering it and wondering how we can help you, reach out so we can set up some time to talk more.

Dr. Brian Strump is a chiropractor and owner of Live Active Charlotte, a CrossFit/functional fitness gym located in the Steele Creek area of Charlotte.

If you’re interested in making a change in your health or simply have questions, you can learn more about Brian and his staff by visting: https://liveactiveclt.com/.