Building a Foundation for Better Health
With 1.3 million Australians living with diabetes and 66% managing weight challenges, the nation is facing a growing health crisis[1]. In response, the rise of GLP (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications marks a breakthrough in chronic disease management offering new hope to individuals seeking effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
These innovative therapies available under widely known brand names like Ozempic® and Wegovy®, are rapidly becoming a central part of healthcare conversations. And the numbers speak for themselves: government spending on Semaglutide prescriptions almost doubled from $146 million in 2022–23 to $284.6 million just one year later[2].
This dramatic increase, the largest growth of any medication on the PBS in that financial year, is more than a statistic. It reflects the growing confidence in these medications and the real-world impact they’re having for countless Australians taking positive steps in managing their health.
Understanding How GLP Medications Work
GLP medications work by carefully mimicking your body’s natural GLP hormone, which plays an essential role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite control[3]. This approach works with your body’s existing systems to help achieve better health outcomes.
Navigating Treatment
While GLP medications are generally well-tolerated, knowing what to expect when taking them can help you feel more prepared and supported throughout your treatment. Side effects may include:
- Decreased appetite and nausea
- Digestive issues including diarrhea or constipation
- Energy fluctuations involving fatigue or low energy
- Muscle mass loss (particularly if losing weight too quickly) – something that is easily combatted with regular resistance-based exercise[3].
Want Results That Last? Pair It With Movement
GLP medications excel at reducing appetite and driving weight loss, but strategic exercise ensures you’re losing the right kind of weight. With resistance training, you preserve and build lean muscle while maximising fat loss, without it you may lose valuable muscle alongside fat[4]. But this is not the only benefit. Pairing regular resistance exercise with GLP medications:
- Improves blood sugar control and reduces insulin requirements, with benefits starting immediately after exercise as well as long term
- Lowers blood pressure and improves cholesterol
- Reducing inflammation throughout the body
- Enhances blood flow, cardiac efficiently and resilience
- Fights medication side effects combatting constipation naturally through movement and reducing nausea by promoting healthy digestion
- Boosts mental wellbeing, which can dip during rapid weight changes
- Helps to maintain energy and vitality throughout your progress
Build Lasting Success
The combination of GLP medications and regular exercise creates a comprehensive approach to health improvement. Rather than relying on medications alone, you’re building a complete strategy that addresses multiple aspects of your wellbeing.
GLP medications provide: appetite regulation and metabolic support
Exercise contributes: muscle preservation, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and sustainable lifestyle changes
Together, these approaches create a thorough and effective path to better health, particularly beneficial for individuals managing excess weight or Type 2 diabetes.
Your commitment to both components sets the foundation for sustained success and improved quality of life.
Personalise your exercise strategy with Saluti Exercise
Our Exercise Physiologists work with you to set a starting point and develop a structured and graduated exercise plan aligned with your goals. We support you at every stage, ensuring safe and effective progress, so you can redefine your joy in life and activity.
Exercise isn’t just recommended—it’s your pathway to extraordinary results.
References
1 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024, December 12). Diabetes: Australian facts. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes/contents/summary
2 Attwooll, J. (2025, May 27). Are we at a ‘watershed moment’ for weight‑loss drugs? newsGP. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. https://www.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/are-we-at-a-watershed-moment-for-weight-loss-drugs
3 Kanellis, C., Williams, K., Holt, D. Q., Wong, J., David, R., Carothers, R., & Le, S. (2025, February 17). The role of GLP‑1 receptor agonists in the management of obesity: risks and opportunities for the Australian health care system. Medical Journal of Australia, 222(3), 118–121. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52582
4 Heymsfield, S. B., Wadden, T. A., & Pi-Sunyer, F. X. (2023). Muscle mass changes with anti-obesity pharmacotherapy: A clinical concern. Obesity, 31(5), 909–917. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23796
