Over the last few years, medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) and other peptide-based therapies have exploded in popularity. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about them. I assumed they were shortcuts or temporary fixes that wouldn’t address the real problem.

But after working with multiple clients who’ve used them — and seeing the positive effects firsthand — my perspective has evolved.

How GLP-1s Are Helping People

These medications reduce appetite, calm “food noise,” and help people get back control. After coaching thousands of clients, I can tell you: food noise is a real struggle for many people.

Some clients also experience major improvements in health. One of my current clients recently told her doctor she no longer had diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure — after losing 100 pounds.

The doctor asked how that was possible.
Her answer: “I lost the weight.”

But here’s the other side of the conversation — and it’s one people need to understand.

One of the Biggest Risks: Losing Muscle

GLP-1s help you lose weight, but not just fat. Research and expert commentary show that people often lose significant amounts of lean mass, including muscle, when they don’t combine medication with resistance training and adequate protein intake.

I spoke to a DEXA scan provider who told me the same thing:
People who rely only on the medication lose too much muscle.

Longevity doctors like Peter Attia have expressed this concern many times. Losing muscle may reduce scale weight in the short term, but it weakens metabolism and long-term health.

Why Muscle Matters More Than People Think

As we age, muscle becomes one of the strongest predictors of:

• metabolic health

• mobility

• independence

• joint support

• energy

• longevity

• quality of life

Muscle is vitality.
Muscle is youth.
Muscle is health.

This is why I tell people:
GLP-1s can help as long as the right conditions are in place.

The Formula That Actually Works

This combination creates the best long-term outcomes:

• Resistance training

• Adequate protein

• Daily movement

• Proper sleep

• Hydration

• Balanced nutrition

• Lifestyle consistency

The medication may help move the needle, but your habits determine whether the results last.

Final Thoughts

Whether someone uses GLP-1s or not, the foundation of long-term health comes down to strength, movement, and consistency. These medications can be a helpful tool — not a replacement for the fundamentals.

If you’re considering using them or already taking them, make sure you protect your muscle, your strength, and your long-term health.

—Chris