Empowering Health

It’s the time of year when many people become ultrafocused on their health. They set intentions and establish big goals, committing (or recommitting) to fresh starts.

For more than a third of American adults, those resolutions revolve around losing weight. Motivated to be leaner or fitter, or to hit a target weight by a target date, they often reach for quick fixes that deliver initial results but are largely unsustainable.

Over more than three decades of new years at Life Time, we’ve seen many variations of this, as well as countless fad diets, plans, and programs that quickly fizzle out. Very few have staying power because they’re too extreme or hard to stick with.

One trend that I predict is here to stay, though, is the use of the weight-loss medications that have gone mainstream in recent years. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide one) agonists, such as semaglutide, have dominated headlines because of the significant weight loss and other benefits that many users experience.

Like all things, GLP-1s have their pros and cons. My concern, especially this time of year, is that people will turn to them without fully understanding how they work or what their long-term health implications are.

Two of the primary effects of ­GLP-1s are appetite suppression and the reduction of food noise — the constant internal chatter about food that many experience. But when you eat less, you’re nourishing your body less. In a calorie deficit, you’ll lose weight but not necessarily the kind you want. Without proper nutrition — including protein specifically — the body will begin ­using muscle rather than fat as fuel.

Rather than losing only fat, you’ll also lose lean muscle mass as well as bone density. The latter two are critical factors for healthy aging.

The effects of inadequate nutrition extend beyond muscle and bone loss: Skin can lose its elasticity and glow; mood and energy can tank. So, while you might be achieving weight loss, you’re suffering in the larger picture of health.

The effects of inadequate nutrition extend beyond muscle and bone loss: Skin can lose its elasticity and glow; mood and energy can tank. So, while you might be achieving weight loss, you’re suffering in the larger picture of health. Many people on GLP-1s have experienced this.

My point is not to say these drugs don’t have their place — they do. GLP-1s can be an important tool in the healthy-living toolkit when they’re used in the right way. They can kick-start the weight-loss journey for those who are struggling with significant weight or who have under­lying metabolic issues. They can help regulate body chemistry (insulin and blood glucose, specifically), and they may provide additional benefits, like reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health.

The key is to use GLP-1s as part of a holistic, personalized plan that prioritizes regular exercise (particularly strength training),  adequate nutrition (including eating multiple times a day and getting plenty of protein), and targeted supplementation, among other lifestyle factors.

As Cliff Edberg, registered dietitian, personal trainer, and senior director of MIORA at Life Time, stated during a livestream event on GLP-1s this past fall: “As people break through that insulin resistance and they start to see success [with GLP-1s], the momentum builds. . . . They’re motivated to continue those healthy behaviors.” (Tune in to this event at “GLP-1s, Weight Loss, and Health: A Panel Discussion With Life Time’s MIORA Leaders” to learn more; you can also find it in the On Demand section of the LT app.)

Whatever your goals are as you transition into the new year, take some time to understand your body and motivations, as well as the broader effects your choices and the tools in your personal toolkit can have on your health and well-being.

And know that Life Time is here to support you. We want to ­empower you to take your health into your hands, and we have a variety of ­resources to help you along the way:

• The LT app features daily workouts and livestream and on-demand classes, as well as educational podcasts, articles, and programs to inform and inspire your efforts. Use L-AI-C, our AI search tool, to get answers to your health and wellness questions. (Download the app in the Apple Store or get it on Google Play.)
• ExperienceLife.com has more than 25 years of coverage on health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness topics. Learn how your body works, discover the benefits of certain nutrients, delve into the science of GLP-1s, and more.
• Our team of Dynamic Personal Trainers and nutritionists can help you figure out what’s right for you — or point you in the right direction. Ask for their help while visiting your club.
• MIORA Performance and ­Longevity combines the tried-and-true foundation of a sound diet and exercise program with expanded nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals (including ­GLP-1s, if appropriate) to help you feel and look your best. Visit Miora.lifetime.life to learn about this new offering.

Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy 2025!

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