Source credit: The Endocrine Society, with presentation details listed in the ENDO 2026 abstract program.
Adults with obesity who started GLP-1 receptor agonist medication moved less afterward in a new ENDO 2026 analysis built from electronic health records and Fitbit activity data in the NIH All of Us Research Program.
The researchers reviewed 1,950 adults who began GLP-1 therapy and analyzed the 753 who had enough wearable-device data before and after treatment. Average daily steps fell from 5,047 to 4,487, while moderate-to-vigorous physical activity declined from about 28 minutes to 22 minutes per day.
The study was observational, so it does not prove that the medication caused the activity decline. But the pattern matters because GLP-1 treatment can reduce both fat mass and lean mass, making strength work, walking, protein planning, and clinician-guided follow-up important parts of a responsible weight-loss plan.
Why it matters for lifters
For lifters, the takeaway is not that GLP-1 drugs are incompatible with training. It is that appetite suppression and weight loss do not automatically protect training volume, daily movement, or muscle. Anyone using these medications should treat resistance training and basic step targets as planned habits, not optional extras that will appear once the scale moves.
What to watch next
Watch for peer-reviewed follow-up from the ENDO 2026 presentation, especially studies that test structured resistance training, protein targets, and step-goal coaching alongside GLP-1 prescriptions. Future work also needs to separate short-term side effects, joint pain, starting fitness level, and medication type.
Health disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified clinician before changing medication, nutrition, or exercise plans, especially if you use prescription weight-loss or diabetes medication.