{"id":127234,"date":"2024-09-10T09:41:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-10T13:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/cchl\/?p=127234"},"modified":"2024-09-10T09:41:00","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T13:41:00","slug":"on-ozempic-diet-and-exercise-are-still-key-montclair-experts-say","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/cchl\/2024\/09\/10\/on-ozempic-diet-and-exercise-are-still-key-montclair-experts-say\/","title":{"rendered":"On Ozempic? Diet and Exercise are Still Key, Montclair Experts Say"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are not among the millions of people on Ozempic, Wegovy and other GLP-1 agonists medications for weight loss, chances are you know someone who is. In a country where obesity<\/a> remains widespread \u2014 2 in 5 adults or 42 percent of the U.S. population \u2014 the GLP-1 agonist drugs have been recognized as life-changing.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many health benefits to weight loss but long-term, sustainable weight loss must be paired with healthy eating and regular exercise plans, according to ÌÇÐÄvlog nutrition and kinesiology experts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nutrition and Food Studies Assistant Professor Jong Min Lee<\/a>, who works privately with telehealth clients on weight-loss drugs, and Kinesiology Associate Professor Evan Matthews<\/a>, a cardiovascular and exercise physiologist, recommend focusing on healthy, mindful eating and a practical exercise routine for long-term physical and mental health benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ozempic and other semaglutide injections are prescribed for weight loss. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Know the Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Drugs<\/h3>\n

Weight loss drugs such as Zepbound, Mounjaro and Ozempic are increasingly prescribed for people with diabetes for improved health and to many people who are not diabetic or considered obese [a body mass index of 30 or above<\/a>]. While the drugs do help suppress a person\u2019s appetite, resulting in them eating less and losing weight, Lee cautions that they are \u201cnot magic pills.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do have some concerns,\u201d Lee says, noting that she worries about \u201ca distorted view of food and body image and thinness,\u201d particularly among her younger clients. Once clients start losing weight, \u201cthey don\u2019t want to see the nutritionist as often as before because they rely on the drug,\u201d Lee says, warning that weight loss should be accompanied by good nutrition. Without it, the weight loss will likely only be temporary, particularly if they eventually get off of the drug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe medications are powerful. You’re initially going to lose weight whether you exercise or not,\u201d Matthews says. Eventually, though, the weight will plateau and diet and exercise are going to be necessary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Exercise Does More Than Help with Weight Loss<\/h3>\n

A lifestyle change also should include exercise, which is even suggested on Ozempic\u2019s website<\/a>, says Matthews. <\/span>\u201cMost of the benefits of exercise are not about weight loss. Yes, exercise does improve and help with weight loss but there’s just so much more that it does, and you’re not getting any of those benefits if you’re only taking a drug like this. There\u2019s very little that exercise does not improve.\u201d Some of those benefits include:<\/span><\/p>\n