Meghan Trainor’s recent journey with weight loss has brought the significant role of exercise in tandem with medication to the forefront. After the singer revealed her use of Mounjaro injections to assist in her post-pregnancy weight loss, her fitness coach, Bella Maher, emphasized the critical importance of strength training and proper nutrition alongside the medication. In an Instagram post, Maher expressed her pride in Meghan’s transformation, stating that the singer’s dedication and hard work were the true keys to her success, not solely the GLP-1 medication.
Maher shared a powerful before-and-after photo of Meghan, noting, “She prioritised strength training, protein, intention, structure, and showing up even on the days she didn’t feel like it. She built this. She earned this.” This underscores the message that while GLP-1 medications can support weight loss, they are not a complete solution on their own.
Research supports the idea that combining exercise with GLP-1 usage leads to superior weight loss results. Dr. Jennifer James, a specialist in physiotherapy and obesity, indicates that individuals who engage in formal exercise, along with GLP-1 treatment, experience more significant changes in body composition, including reduced body fat percentage and waist circumference, compared to those who rely solely on medication.
Despite their benefits, GLP-1s can also lead to muscle loss, which is concerning as muscle plays a crucial role in metabolic health. Dr. James explains that weight loss can affect all body tissues, including fat, bone, and muscle, making it essential to maintain lean muscle mass, especially for women during and after menopause. Strength training is a proactive measure to preserve muscle, and Dr. Saima Ajaz recommends engaging in resistance exercises at least two to three times a week, focusing on all major muscle groups.
In addition to strength training, incorporating balance and functional exercise routines, like Pilates, can enhance mobility and improve overall strength. Cardiovascular activities remain important too; however, they should complement, not replace, resistance training as part of a well-rounded fitness regimen.
Meghan Trainor’s experience serves as an encouraging reminder that a holistic approach to weight loss—blending medication, exercise, and a dedicated lifestyle—is essential for achieving sustainable results. This integrative strategy highlights the importance of personal agency and effort in health journeys.