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A new study from ENDO 2026 found that people on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic take 560 fewer steps per day after starting treatment. For Indian patients, adding structured exercise to GLP-1 therapy is not optional — it is essential.
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If you are taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or any other GLP-1 medication, you may assume that losing weight will naturally make you more active. A landmark new study presented at ENDO 2026 — the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, held in Chicago on June 14, 2026 — has found the opposite to be true. People on GLP-1 drugs are actually moving significantly less after starting treatment, not more. For Indian patients on these medications, the findings are an urgent wake-up call: exercise is not optional, it is medically necessary alongside GLP-1 therapy.
What the Study Found
Researchers led by Dr. Sajana Maharjan of HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, analysed data from the National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program — one of the most comprehensive health databases in the world, linking electronic health records with wearable Fitbit device data. The team identified 753 adults with obesity who had sufficient Fitbit activity data both before and after starting a GLP-1 medication. Most participants were women (78.6%) and the average age was 52.7 years.
The results were striking. After starting a GLP-1 medication, average daily step counts fell from 5,047 to 4,487 — a drop of around 560 steps per day. Time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) also fell, from 28 minutes per day to just 22 minutes. The largest declines were seen in men and in people with musculoskeletal or joint pain. Crucially, weight loss from the medication did not lead to any increase in physical activity. This is the first large-scale study to use wearable fitness tracker data to examine physical activity patterns specifically among people taking GLP-1 drugs.
Why This Is a Serious Warning
The findings go against what most patients and even some doctors intuitively expect. The logic seems simple: lose weight, move more easily, become more active. But the study shows the reality is different, and the reason matters a great deal for long-term health.
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GLP-1 medications reduce more than just fat. They also cause a loss of lean muscle mass — sometimes accounting for 25 to 40 percent of total weight lost on these drugs. When muscle is lost, patients feel weaker and more fatigued, making physical activity feel harder rather than easier. GLP-1 medications can also cause fatigue as a side effect, particularly in the early months of treatment. The combination — less muscle, more fatigue, less motivation to move — creates a dangerous cycle where the very patients who most need to exercise are the ones least likely to do so.
"While many assume that weight loss leads naturally to increased physical activity, our study suggests otherwise. Exercise cannot be optional for people taking these medications," said Dr. Maharjan. "People need targeted interventions that encourage physical activity alongside medication for obesity."
The Risk for Indian Patients on GLP-1 Therapy
This finding has specific and serious implications for Indian patients. India has one of the fastest-growing populations of GLP-1 users in Asia, driven by the semaglutide patent expiry in March 2026 and the availability of affordable generic versions from Indian manufacturers. Millions of Indian patients are now on these drugs — many of them managing type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic conditions.
Indian patients already face higher risks of muscle-related health problems. A condition called sarcopenic obesity — where a person carries excess fat but has low muscle mass — is significantly more common in South Asians than in Western populations, partly due to genetic differences in how muscle and fat are distributed. GLP-1 medications, without adequate exercise, can worsen sarcopenic obesity by further reducing muscle while the patient loses weight. This ultimately raises the risk of falls, fractures, weakness in older age, and insulin resistance — a cruel irony for drugs that are primarily prescribed to improve metabolic health.
For Indian patients who are sedentary by profession or lifestyle — which is increasingly common among urban working-age adults — the natural pull toward inactivity on GLP-1 drugs may go unnoticed without regular monitoring.
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What Exercise Should Look Like on GLP-1 Therapy
The good news is that the right exercise programme, combined with GLP-1 therapy, can dramatically improve outcomes — preserving muscle, maintaining strength, and maximising the long-term benefits of the medication. Doctors recommend the following framework for patients on GLP-1 drugs.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week. This does not have to be intense — brisk walking, cycling, or swimming all count. If 30 minutes at once feels too much, break it into three 10-minute sessions spread through the day — research shows the benefits are comparable. Add resistance training at least two to three times per week. This is the single most important intervention for preventing muscle loss on GLP-1 drugs. Simple bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or light weights all work effectively and can be done at home without a gym.
Protein intake also matters. Indian vegetarian diets can sometimes be lower in the high-quality protein needed for muscle repair and maintenance. Patients on GLP-1 drugs — who often eat significantly less due to appetite suppression — should consciously ensure adequate protein intake, ideally 1.2 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight daily, under dietary guidance.
A GLP-1 specialist can help Indian patients build a combined medication and exercise plan that accounts for their specific health profile, activity level, and mobility limitations. Exercise plans for people with joint pain or prior injuries can be adapted to avoid strain while still delivering muscle-preserving benefits.
What To Do Next
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If you are currently on Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or any generic semaglutide, this study is a timely reminder to add structured exercise to your routine now — not later. If you have been considering starting GLP-1 therapy, pair your decision with an exercise plan from the beginning. The combination of GLP-1 medication and regular physical activity is significantly more effective — and safer — than medication alone.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on information published on the referenced websites below and is intended for general awareness only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
References: 1. ScienceDaily (The Endocrine Society, ENDO 2026) — https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260614011841.htm 2. Healthline — https://www.healthline.com/health-news/people-taking-glp-1-weight-loss-less-exercise 3. NIH All of Us Research Program — https://allofus.nih.gov
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