Medicated weight loss without exercise

[IntroducingMoiraRose]

Hello Mumsnet!

N/c for this. After debating for a long time, I took the plunge and ordered wegovy tablets a couple of months ago. I didn't start immediately as I had a few trips away and was concerned about initial side effects. In the meantime I had an accident which has limited my exercise capability, though I am hoping to have surgery in the new year.

I am keen to start the tablets ASAP, primarily to be in the best shape for my surgery. However, my exercise capability will be limited to gentle walks and possibly swims, no strength training.

Everything I read highlights how important strength training is with medicated weight loss. I guess I'm wondering whether I'd be better off waiting until I'm able to exercise properly and just wondered if anyone here has been in a similar situation and had some words of wisdom they could share?

My two main concerns are:

1. Will the lack of strength training impact how effective the medication is? I don't mean in a calories in/calories out context, more about building muscle etc.
2. Will it make it harder to (hopefully) continue with the weight loss when I am able to pick up exercising again?

(I guess I'm also concerned about the possibility of loose skin).

For context, I'm 47, menopausal and have between 4 and 5 stone to lose. I generally just walk and cycle for exercise, but was planning to get a PT for strength training.

If you've read all that, thank you so much!

No, when I started Mounjaro I didn’t do lots of exercise, although my job is quite physical. I had an operation as well and had about 8 weeks recovery of no work, just walking and your usual household chores to keep me active. I still lost over 6 stone and have recently started strength training again. I say start now, there’s always a reason not to start but you don’t have to do everything perfectly to make a go of it.

Loose skin is inevitable with any large weight loss, unfortunately. How bad it is depends on genetics mainly. Exercise can help a little but not significantly if you’re prone to it. I’m lucky haven’t had loads of loose skin but there is a little bit on my upper thighs, upper arms and a tiny bit on my stomach if I’m sitting.

Will the lack of strength training impact how effective the medication is? - no not at all. The medication effectiveness is nothing to do with how much strength training or not that you do.

Will it make it harder to (hopefully) continue with the weight loss when I am able to pick up exercising again? - no not at all.

I started at 22st and exercise was pretty much just a bit more walking than usual given my dire fitness level. I am not interested in weight training and have pretty much ignored all advice that I must do some or risk all the weight lost being muscle and not fat. I know it's usually important and for lots of people it's great, they love it and they are evangelical about it. You should probably do some weight training when you get the chance when you are fully recovered from your surgery.

I walk and run, but have a sedentary non physical job. I don't have any obvious muscle wastage after losing 11st and I am stronger and fitter than I have been for a very long time. In terms of loose skin, I have underarm sag, my stomach is pretty wobbly and grabbable but it's not an apron stomach like you see on social media. I have some crepey-ness on my inner thighs. I am a similar age to you, but I am not menopausal or perimenopausal yet. In clothes my figure looks fit and athletic, not skinny and saggy.

I really wouldn't wait to start. My only slight regret is not starting WLI sooner!

What is it that prevents you from exercise? Because there are loads of adaptations according to what that injury/illness is. You can sit in a chair and still workout. Swimming might be a possibility? You can google what is best but I bet there are lots of choices.

Thank you @35965a and @SilenceInside for sharing your experiences. I know, realistically, there must be plenty of folk situations like mine who are still successful, but we are bombarded so much about how we must be strength training and eating enough protein! So it's great to hear from others.

Edited to say: and congratulations on your weight loss, that's amazing!

Everyone should be strength training.

The protein trend is fascinating. Most people in the UK eat more than enough protein, even on a reduced calorie diet.

The weight loss is due to the GLP1 medication not really my own effort - I just went with the flow. it's been a massive relief to find something that works!