Why We Must Talk About Weight Loss Jabs and Exercise
(Here’s a clue — exercise still matters, even if you’re losing weight without it.)
You’d have to have been living on Mars not to have noticed the inexorable rise of weight loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. Whether prescribed for diabetes or used off-label for weight management, they’re everywhere — in the news, on social media, in group chats. For some people, they’ve been genuinely life-changing. For others, micro-dosing has become a way of life.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a takedown. I’m not here to judge anyone’s choices — because how you manage your health is entirely up to you. Your body, your rules. Always.
But what I am evangelical about (and I do mean evangelical) is this: being thin is not the same as being fit. And losing weight is definitely not the same as being well.
As more people discover they can lose weight without stepping foot in a gym or rolling out a mat, we’re seeing a corresponding dip in how many are prioritising exercise. And that worries me.
If you're taking weight loss injections, movement becomes even more important — not less. These medications can lead to rapid weight loss, but that often includes a loss of muscle mass, not just fat. And muscle is gold dust, especially in midlife. It keeps your metabolism ticking, supports your joints, protects your bones, and helps with balance and strength as you age. Without regular resistance or strength-based movement, you risk feeling weaker, wobblier, and more tired — even if you’re lighter on the scales.
Exercise helps preserve your strength while your body changes — so you don’t just get smaller, you get stronger too.
Other Reasons to Keep Moving, No Matter What You Look Like
Because movement changes how you feel, not just how you look.
It boosts energy. Lifts your mood. Sharpens your brain. Supports your joints. Builds muscle mass. Keeps your heart healthy. Strengthens your bones. Improves your sleep. And — especially important for us midlife women — it balances blood sugar, supports hormone health, and even helps regulate your appetite.
And here’s the kicker: none of that shows up on a bathroom scale.
Even if you’re lighter, your body still needs movement. Not just to look good — but to function well. To get up off the floor without pain. To carry your kids or your shopping. To feel capable, connected, and alive in your body — not just smaller in it.
Exercise Isn’t Punishment — It’s Power
We’ve been sold the idea for years that exercise is something you do to undo a meal. That it’s only “worth it” if it changes how you look.
No wonder so many people stop when they find another way to lose weight.
But movement is so much more than that. It’s self-respect. It’s resilience training. It’s joy and energy and a place to put your stress.
And maybe most importantly — especially in a world obsessed with quick fixes — it’s something you do for yourself, not to yourself.
Final thought:
If you’re on a weight loss journey, with or without medication, I’m cheering you on. But please don’t stop moving your body. You deserve the strength, energy, and confidence that only movement can bring — whatever your size.