The GLP-1 Conversation No One’s Having
The Importance of Cardio for Weight Management And my honest take on GLP-1s
Cardio has gotten a weird reputation over the years. At one point it was pushed as the only way to manage weight, then it swung hard in the opposite direction and became something people were told to avoid entirely. As with most things in fitness and nutrition, the truth lives somewhere in the middle.
Cardio isn’t a punishment — and it isn’t a magic solution either. It’s simply a tool, and when used intentionally, it plays an important role in weight management, overall health, and long-term sustainability.
Why Cardio Still Matters
Cardio supports weight management by increasing daily energy expenditure, improving cardiovascular health, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and helping regulate appetite and energy levels. It also supports mental health, stress management, and overall quality of life — which matters just as much as what’s happening physically.
And no, this doesn’t mean hours on a treadmill. Walking, cycling, running, rowing, hiking, dancing — it all counts. Cardio should feel supportive, not depleting.
Strength + Cardio > Either One Alone
Strength training builds muscle, supports metabolism, and improves body composition. Cardio complements that by supporting endurance, heart health, and recovery.
When people try to rely on one without the other, things often feel harder than they need to be. A balanced approach — one that includes both — tends to be more sustainable and easier to maintain long term.
My Honest Stance on GLP-1s
I want to be clear: I’m not anti–GLP-1 medications. These drugs can be incredibly helpful and even life-changing for some people. They exist for a reason, and for the right individual, they can be an appropriate tool.
What I am concerned about is when the medication becomes the only focus — and the habits, behaviors, and foundations that support long-term health get ignored.
Why Habits Still Matter (Even With Medication)
GLP-1s can reduce appetite, but they don’t teach:
How to fuel your body adequately
How to move in a way that supports strength and longevity
How to manage stress, sleep, and consistency
How to maintain progress once medication is reduced or stopped
Without these habits in place, many people struggle once the medication is no longer part of the equation.
The Philasophy Perspective
There is no single solution to weight management. Not cardio alone. Not lifting alone. Not medication alone.
True, lasting change comes from combining tools — movement you enjoy, strength that builds confidence, cardio that supports your heart and energy, nutrition that fuels your life, and habits you can actually sustain.
Whether someone uses medication or not, the goal remains the same: a strong body, a resilient mind, and a life that feels good to live.