The Role of Exercise in the Contemporary Era of Obesity Management Medications

Contemporary obesity management medications have been shown to be highly efficacious for weight loss and improvements in many related health outcomes. However, a potential concern is the reduction in lean body mass, and possibly muscle mass, that may accompany the weight loss that is achieved. Physical activity and structured exercise have been suggested as potential strategies for attenuating these reductions, yet there is a paucity of research to support that these benefits will be realized. The effects of exercise may be most effective for enhancing the quality of lean tissue and muscle tissue, suggesting a need to pivot to these as important outcomes for patients treated with an obesity management medication. Thus, the inclusion of exercise in the treatment of patients with obesity who are prescribed an obesity management medication should be primarily focused on the health benefits beyond weight loss, with programming focused on the individual health needs of the patient.