Glucagon-Like-Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonist use is an increasingly common treatment for diabetes, obesity and other related conditions in the United States. These medications act in a similar manner as the GLP-1 hormone that is naturally produced by the body, to regulate appetite and blood sugar. These drugs are most commonly seen in today’s culture in their name brands, Ozempic or Wegovy. While these drugs are highly effective at helping patients lose weight, they can put patients at risk for other conditions and injuries due to the loss of lean body mass.
To mitigate this loss of fat free mass caused by these interventions, it is recommended that patients start on an exercise training program. Research shows that participating in an exercise program while taking GLP-1 medication created a significant loss in Fat Mass while preventing loss of Fat Free Mass.
By coordinating care between physicians, nutrition specialists, physical therapists, and fitness trainers, we can build a comprehensive program that will support GLP-1 users in creating an active and healthy lifestyle after their weight loss.
The Program
Intake
Our intake includes a consultation session where the participants will meet with coaches or physical therapists to discuss their goals, challenges they are facing on their journey, injury history, and take body composition measurements. After the consultation, the coach/therapist will take the participants through a movement screening. The movement screening will include:
- Table tests measuring passive range of motion for each joint
- Kinotek movement assessment
- Plank/Side plank test
- Stork test
- Any other tests deemed necessary based on the participants’ goals
The intake and consultation sessions will take ~1 hour. Participants will also have the option to have a nutrition consultation with our partner nutritionist.
Intervention
The program itself will include two training sessions per week with a coach with an optional third group session. The weekly training sessions will be focused on building strength and lean body mass and will be conducted as one-on-one sessions. The optional third session will be a group session open for all participants, this session will either be a boot camp style session, a walk, an outdoor game, or a run. If participants are unable to start on a basic training program, they will start on a plan of care with a physical therapist.
If participants choose to, they will have the option to work with a nutritionist to develop a meal plan and guidelines to supplement their training.
Program Length
On average, people experience significant weight loss in the first 6-12 months after starting GLP-1 medication. The program recommendations will reflect that and have options for 6 and 12 month commitments (while providing flexibility for vacations, illness, etc).
Program Options
- In person:
- Training done in a clinic, one-on-one or in small groups of 2 or 3. Large group training session on Saturday (group run/walk, bootcamp style workout)
- Remote:
- Utilizing Elliott PT app to build remote training programs with a community chat feature and the ability to connect with coaches in real time
Pricing
- Initial Assessment: $250
- Includes: Kinotek movement sssessment, one-on-one goal setting session and body composition assessment
- Monthly Fee (Personal Training):
- 8 sessions, training 2x per week w/optional 3rd group training session on the weekend
- one-on-one individual: $600/month
- Group of 2 people: $400/month per person
- Group of 3 people: $250/month per person
- Remote: $100/month
- Remote training program, and weekly check in calls
- 8 sessions, training 2x per week w/optional 3rd group training session on the weekend
With the increasing use of GLP-1 medications, it is becoming increasingly necessary to provide additional assistance and support to those taking them. By creating a training program and offering dietary support, Elliott Physical Therapy will help patients maintain their lean body mass and strength while achieving their weight loss goals.