Doctors highlight that drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have transformed obesity care, while stressing the importance of using them only with medical supervision.
For decades, the fitness industry has focused primarily on one objective — helping people lose weight. However, the growing use of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro is reshaping that approach.
Across Dubai, fitness professionals say they are seeing a significant increase in clients using these medications, prompting gyms to rethink everything from workout plans to nutrition strategies. Rather than focusing solely on rapid weight loss, the emphasis is shifting towards maintaining muscle mass, improving body composition, and promoting sustainable long-term health.
According to Sarah Lindsay, founder of Roar Fitness and a three-time Olympian, GLP-1 drugs have completely reshaped the way fitness professionals approach new clients and their goals.
Shift from Weight Loss to Muscle Preservation
“A few years ago, the main goal for most new clients was fat loss. Today, for clients using GLP-1 medications, the focus has shifted almost completely towards maintaining muscle and building strength,” Lindsay said.
Rather than creating programmes aimed only at burning calories, trainers are now taking a more personalised approach. They assess factors such as clients’ appetite, energy levels, and how their bodies are responding to the medication before designing suitable fitness plans.
“GLP-1 medications reduce appetite; they do not build a stronger body,” Lindsay explained. “Without resistance training, a significant amount of the weight lost can come from muscle rather than fat.”
She added that nutrition and recovery have become increasingly important, with many clients consuming fewer calories while taking these medications. Trainers are therefore placing greater emphasis on adequate protein intake and proper recovery strategies.
Why Muscle Matters
According to Lindsay, strength training has become an essential part of any weight-loss journey involving GLP-1 medications.
“Rapid weight loss without resistance training can lead to the loss of lean muscle along with fat,” she said. “Muscle plays a key role in metabolism, strength, bone health, and healthy ageing. Losing it can undermine the very results people are trying to achieve.”
She noted that Dubai is among the markets experiencing growing demand for specialised fitness coaching, with more clients seeking expert guidance on preserving muscle while using GLP-1 treatments.
The trend is also influencing the approach of premium gyms, which are moving away from standard memberships towards more personalised, results-focused coaching.
“It has pushed premium fitness further towards individualised training rather than generic gym memberships,” Lindsay said. “Clients need trainers who understand how these medications affect the body and can adjust programmes as their needs change.”
Doctors Urge Caution Over Medication-Only Approaches
Medical specialists acknowledge that GLP-1 medications have transformed obesity treatment but stress that they should only be used under medical supervision and combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
Dr Kingini Bhadran, specialist endocrinologist at Aster Clinic, Qusais, said GLP-1 medications have changed the way obesity is viewed, helping establish it as a chronic medical condition rather than simply a matter of lifestyle choices.
“These medications have significantly improved obesity management by providing an effective medical treatment option alongside lifestyle changes,” she said.
However, she cautioned that patients who fail to consume sufficient protein or engage in regular strength training may experience a loss of lean muscle while losing weight.
“Muscle loss can lower metabolism, reduce strength, affect physical function, and increase the risk of regaining weight after stopping treatment,” she said.
To reduce these risks, Dr Bhadran recommends maintaining adequate protein intake, participating in resistance training two to three times a week, and undergoing regular medical monitoring.
Concerns Over Cosmetic Use
Both experts also raised concerns about the growing use of GLP-1 medications purely for cosmetic weight loss.
“The biggest misconception is believing that the medication does all the work by itself,” Lindsay said.
She warned that some individuals are using these drugs simply to achieve a slimmer appearance without adopting the lifestyle changes required for lasting results.
“The real concern is not the medication itself when it is properly prescribed and monitored,” she said. “The issue is treating it as a shortcut rather than as part of a medically supervised approach.”
Dr Bhadran said she has also observed an increase in people seeking GLP-1 medications despite not meeting the recommended medical criteria.
“This trend is concerning because these medications are not designed as quick fixes or replacements for healthy lifestyle habits,” she said. “Using them unnecessarily may expose individuals to avoidable side effects, nutritional deficiencies, muscle loss, and potential long-term health concerns.”
