What Did the Study Find?
A 2023 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that individuals using Ozempic (semaglutide) for weight management reported a 20% reduction in moderate to vigorous physical activity compared to those not taking the medication, according to researchers at the University of California, San Francisco. The study analyzed data from 1,200 participants over 12 months, tracking exercise habits via wearable devices and self-reported surveys.
Why Might This Be Happening?
Experts suggest that Ozempic’s appetite-suppressing effects may lead users to prioritize weight loss over exercise, though the study did not directly establish causation. Dr. Sarah Lin, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, noted that “the medication’s impact on metabolism and energy levels could inadvertently shift user priorities, but this requires further investigation.” The study authors emphasized that participants were not explicitly discouraged from exercising, but some reported feeling “less motivated” due to reduced hunger cues.
What Do Experts Say?
While the study highlights a correlation, many physicians caution against overinterpreting the data. “This is an observational study, not a controlled trial,” said Dr. Michael Torres, a professor of internal medicine at Harvard Medical School. “Factors like comorbidities or lifestyle changes could influence both medication use and exercise habits.” The American College of Sports Medicine advises that “Ozempic users should maintain regular physical activity to optimize metabolic health, as exercise complements the drug’s effects on glucose regulation.”
What Should Users Know?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that Ozempic is approved for weight management in adults with a BMI of 27 or higher, but emphasizes that “lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, remain critical components of treatment.” Patients are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers to balance medication use with physical activity. A 2022 review in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that combining GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic with structured exercise led to 15% greater weight loss than medication alone.
How Do Other Studies Compare?
A 2022 study in The New England Journal of Medicine examined similar medications, such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide), and found no significant decline in exercise levels among users. However, the sample size was smaller, and the study focused on shorter-term outcomes. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania suggest that “longer follow-up is needed to understand whether exercise patterns change over time with prolonged Ozempic use.”