By Radley West
When GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy first hit the market, I’ll be honest—I was skeptical. As a health and fitness professional with over 16 years of experience helping people build stronger, healthier lives, I’ve seen plenty of so-called “miracle” weight loss solutions come and go. Most overpromise, underdeliver, and leave people discouraged.
At first glance, GLP-1s felt like just another shortcut. Too many unknowns. Too little emphasis on actual lifestyle change. I was worried that people would trade hard-earned healthy habits for a quick fix.
But as time passed and more research emerged, I started to pay closer attention—not just to the headlines, but to the real people using these medications. What I’ve seen has made me shift my thinking. GLP-1 medications can help. In fact, when used responsibly and as part of a bigger wellness plan, they can be life-changing.
The power of reducing food noise
One of the most common things I hear from clients struggling with weight loss is the constant mental chatter around food: what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat. It can feel exhausting. GLP-1 medications help quiet that noise for many people. By regulating appetite and blood sugar, these medications give folks a little breathing room to make better choices without feeling constantly pulled toward the fridge or pantry.
That doesn’t mean they remove the need for discipline or structure, but that shift can be incredibly freeing for someone who’s felt at war with food for years.
Exercise still matters
Here’s where I feel strongly: GLP-1s are not a replacement for healthy habits. They are a support tool, not a solution on their own. When someone uses these medications without an exercise plan, they risk losing muscle mass and fat. That’s a big deal, especially as we age. Muscle is key to strength, balance, energy, and long-term health.
That’s why at Anytime Fitness Lake Murray, we encourage people using GLP-1s to pair their medication with a personalized exercise plan: one that includes strength training, mobility work, and cardiovascular conditioning. This combo not only supports better results, but also helps you maintain those results for the long haul.
No shame. Only support.
There’s still a stigma around weight loss medications, and I think it’s time to let that go. Choosing to use a GLP-1 isn’t cheating, it’s using a tool that modern medicine has provided to support a better outcome. There is no shame in doing what you need to do to improve your health, your confidence, or your quality of life.
But I’ll say it again: this isn’t a magic pill. If you think GLP-1s will do all the work for you, you’ll likely be disappointed. However, if you use them as a launchpad, to help shift habits, regain energy, and build a sustainable routine, they can change your life.
You deserve a plan that works
Whether you’re considering GLP-1s, already using them, or simply trying to find a better way to feel good in your body again, you deserve support, not judgment. My team and I work with real people every day. We’ve seen the power of combining smart science with solid coaching. And we’re here to help you build a plan that fits your life, your goals, and your values.
If you’re on a GLP-1 and don’t know where to start with fitness, or you’ve tried every diet and feel stuck, come talk to us. Let’s build something together. No shortcuts, no shame, just smart, supportive guidance to help you feel strong again.
Because your health journey is yours, and you get to decide what tools you use along the way.
Radley West is married to Dr. Andrew West and together they own Anytime Fitness Lake Murray and 33/18 Chiropractic Associates. Radley is a gym owner and personal trainer with more than 20 years of experience helping people achieve non-traditional health goals. She and her team approach fitness by teaching clients to build better habits and create sustainable, feel-good fitness and nutrition routines—no need for intense six-pack aspirations (unless that’s your thing).
