There’s a new disruptor in the fitness and wellness world, and nope—it’s not the latest workout trend or some overpriced collagen powder promising eternal youth. It’s GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media (or just listening to people talk at your studio), you know these little injections are everywhere. Originally designed for type 2 diabetes, they’ve now become the go-to for weight loss—and with that, they’ve sparked some big debates in the fitness industry.

Are they revolutionizing health and making fitness more accessible, or are they a shortcut that undermines the foundational principles of movement, strength, and longevity? As usual, the answer isn’t so black and white, but one thing I know for sure? This is an opportunity, not a threat.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: GLP-1s Are Everywhere

Before we jump into my two cents, let’s look at some hard facts:

Over 9 million prescriptions for GLP-1 medications were written in the U.S. in 2023, and demand continues to skyrocket.
Studies show patients lose an average of 15-20% of their body weight on these drugs, significantly impacting metabolic health.
80% of GLP-1 users report experiencing muscle loss alongside fat loss, which raises concerns about long-term health and mobility.
Fitness professionals are divided: Some fear GLP-1s will reduce the need for structured fitness, while others believe they create a new population of people who finally feel confident enough to step into a studio.

GLP-1s Aren’t the Enemy—They’re a Gateway

I get it—if your business revolves around helping people achieve weight loss through movement and nutrition, seeing clients turn to a prescription drug instead might feel like a slap in the face. But what if we flipped the script?

Here’s the truth: GLP-1s aren’t replacing fitness. They can’t. They don’t build strength, improve mobility, enhance endurance, or create the feel-good endorphins that come from movement. What they do is remove the biggest barrier that keeps many people from even considering fitness in the first place—discouragement.

For years, the fitness industry has faced a major hurdle—just getting people through the door. So many feel like they need to lose weight first before they even consider a gym membership. And let’s be real, at some point, you’ve probably had that thought yourself—I know I have. Others have tried and failed so many times that they start believing nothing will ever work for them.

GLP-1s are shifting that mindset. They’re giving people the momentum they need to take that first step—and momentum is everything when it comes to building lasting habits.

How Studios Can Leverage This Shift

Instead of fighting GLP-1s, let’s integrate them into the wellness conversation and meet people where they are. Here’s how:

Educate on the Importance of Strength Training
- Weight loss without strength training? That’s a muscle mass disaster waiting to happen. Studios should be marketing strength-focused classes, explaining how resistance training protects metabolism, prevents bone loss, and ensures long-term weight maintenance.
Create Programs for the GLP-1 User
- How about a "Metabolic Health & Strength" series specifically designed for those on GLP-1s? Educate members on the importance of muscle retention, cardiovascular health, and functional movement to sustain their results and optimize their health.
Reposition Fitness as Medicine
- We’ve been saying it for years: Exercise is the best prescription for long-term health. GLP-1s might help people lose weight, but it’s movement, strength, and community that will keep them healthy.
Normalize the Conversation
- Some people feel shame about using weight loss medication, and that shouldn’t be the case. If we create a welcoming environment where movement is celebrated—not just as a means to an end but as a lifelong habit—we turn these clients into lifelong members.

The Takeaway? This Is Just the Beginning

The fitness industry is at a crossroads. We can cling to outdated narratives about weight loss and dismiss GLP-1s as a “cheat,” or we can evolve, adapt, and embrace the fact that more people than ever are looking for sustainable health solutions.

To me, this isn’t a loss for the fitness industry—it’s a massive opportunity. More people are seeking change. More people are looking for ways to sustain their results. More people need our expertise now than ever before.

So, rather than resisting the GLP-1 wave, let’s ride it—and show people that fitness isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about gaining your life back.

I’m rooting for you,

With love and encouragement,

Beth

I’d love to hear your thoughts -how is your studio or business adapting to the rise of GLP-1s? Have you seen an impact on your clients or class attendance? What strategies are you using to keep movement and strength at the center of long-term health?