The Point of Exercise

Recently, I came across an article written in The Atlantic with a very disturbing title.

In the Age of Ozempic, What’s the Point of Working Out?

Now, the full article was behind a paywall, and I certainly wasn't going to waste my time with a subscription, or filling out forms for a free trial, to read what I was sure was BS. The title alone reeked of misinformation, and the comment section on Facebook... well, let's just say it did not disappoint.

I commented on the social media post, but it's been a while -- and clearly, I'm still mad. Because in the Year of our Lord 2026, when GLP-1 medications have been mainstream for about five years now, we're STILL doing this. And by "this," I mean making assumptions and statements about GLP-1 medications that are simply untrue, and do not acknowledge obesity as a bona-fide disease.

The point of it "all," not just exercise, is that there is no "and/or" here. What has helped me come out of one of the darkest places I've ever been in was not ONLY a GLP-1. It was not ONLY exercise. It was not ONLY making different food choices. A GLP-1 AND exercise AND making different food choices pulled me out. The GLP-1 leveled the playing field so that I CAN exercise and so that I CAN make those different food choices.

Just as obesity is a multi-faceted disease, treatment of obesity is also multi-dimensional. It can consist of making different food choices, exercise, medication, bariatric surgery, talk therapy, and a combination of some or all of these. For me, it has consisted of taking a GLP-1, and then making different food choices once the food noise went away. It then evolved into adding exercise in increments -- starting with walking, and then running, and then strength training. I now work out between six and seven days every week -- combining running, sometimes walking, and group personal training sessions. And of course, my weekly calls with Colleen don't solely focus on the trauma of food addiction, obesity, and body dysmorphia -- but you can bet they're frequent subjects. The mental piece of fighting obesity isn't always talked about, but it's been an instrumental component of my treatment.

All of that said, I know folks who have treated their obesity with no GLP-1 or bariatric surgery. I know others who have undergone bariatric surgery and then started exercising regularly. My good friend Josh Mankiewicz from Dateline lost over 70 pounds by cutting carbs and committing to riding his Peloton for consecutive days in a row -- a massive commitment for someone who spends as much time on the road as he does. My very close friend, Deb, lost 50 pounds by walking miles upon miles and eating smaller portions as well as making different (and more creative!) food choices. And since sharing my own story, so many in my own community in Glen Cove come to me for GLP-1 "advice," which makes me feel honored. But their journeys won't be the same as mine has been, and that's okay!

But to get back to the question asked by that ridiculous article. The point of exercise is different for everyone, with or without GLP-1s. With or without bariatric surgery. And, with or without obesity! Exercise is not just for obesity patients -- it's literally for anyone and everyone who is privileged enough to be able-bodied. The point of exercise, for me, is not only to treat my obesity. It is to increase my self-esteem. It is to do things I never thought I'd be able to do. It is to take advantage of every moment that I can exercise, because I remember what it felt like to not be able-bodied enough to exercise as much and as intensely as I do now. It is to be healthy and strong enough to take care of my parents and my husband as they get older (Anthony and I have a significant age gap!). It is to set an example to friends, family, and community. It is to keep earning medals and Strava challenges (hello, former victim of academic validation). And yes, it is to be happy with my appearance for the first time in my adult life.

As long as it's not hurting you emotionally or physically, whatever the point of exercise is for YOU, is more than good enough. And that's all that matters.