Pills vs push-ups: Truth about weight loss drugs and real fitness

When a drug promises quick results, people naturally get excited. But real fitness isn’t about shortcuts.(Image: Pexels)

Ever since celebrities flaunted dramatic body transformations, rumoured to be fuelled by pills, the buzz has only grown. Everywhere from social media to dinner tables and gyms, people are talking about the new trend in fat loss: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus. Originally meant for diabetics, these drugs have become popular for making people feel full and lose weight quickly.

It may sound tempting. However, before you rush to the pharmacy, doctors warn that these injections may shrink your waist, but they don’t build strength, stamina, or health. And once you stop, the weight often returns with a vengeance. “Weight loss is hard. Staying consistent is harder,” says Dr Richa Mishra, Physiotherapist & VP-Operations at Anytime Fitness.

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“When a drug promises quick results, people naturally get excited. But real fitness isn’t about shortcuts.” Dr Mishra adds, “GLP-1 medicines slow digestion and reduce hunger, leading to rapid weight loss. Yet they were never intended for casual weight loss. Once you stop, appetite comes rushing back, and so does the fat. Worse still, what you regain is usually fat, not muscle. That leaves your body weaker than before."

That’s not all. Users often complain of nausea, constipation, fatigue, and even mood swings. “It also causes muscle loss. Without enough protein or strength training, your muscles break down,” Dr Mishra explains. “Less muscle means slower metabolism, which makes weight gain easier later.” For women and older adults, this spiral is even riskier. “You may weigh less on the scale, but you’re not healthier or stronger,” True fitness, she reminds, has never been about size alone. Here’s what really happens when you depend on these injections.

Dr Mishra shares why quick-fix weight loss drugs aren’t the answer:

• The kilos bounce back: Stop the medicine, and hunger returns. Most people regain fat quickly.

• You lose muscle, not just fat: Low appetite means less protein. Without strength training, your muscles shrink.

• It’s a short cut, not a solution: The injections don’t build stamina, flexibility, or strength.

• Side effects hit daily life: From tiredness to constipation, users report feeling worse overall.

• Health is bigger than weight: “Strength and confidence can’t come from a pill,” says Dr Mishra.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.