Vienna: A new study presented at the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Congress 2026 has highlighted the importance of combining exercise with semaglutide-based weight loss treatments such as Ozempic. Researchers found that regular physical activity not only enhanced fat loss but also helped preserve muscle function, addressing one of the major concerns associated with weight loss medications.

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, has transformed obesity treatment by helping people reduce appetite, lower food intake and improve blood sugar control. The medication is widely used for managing type 2 diabetes and supporting weight loss. However, health experts have increasingly raised concerns that while patients lose body fat, they may also experience a reduction in lean muscle mass.

The latest findings suggest that exercise could play a key role in reducing that risk and improving overall health outcomes.

Why muscle loss is a concern

Weight loss is generally associated with reductions in body fat, but it can also result in the loss of lean muscle tissue. This is important because muscle contributes significantly to strength, mobility, balance and metabolic health.

Maintaining muscle mass is particularly important for older adults and individuals with obesity-related health conditions. Excessive muscle loss can increase the risk of weakness, reduced physical function and difficulties in maintaining weight loss over the long term.

Previous research has indicated that a portion of the weight lost through semaglutide treatment may come from lean body mass. As a result, experts are increasingly focused on finding ways to maximise fat loss while preserving muscle health.

Study examined exercise and semaglutide together

Researchers investigated whether exercise could improve the effects of semaglutide treatment in obese mice with insulin resistance, fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis.

The animals were divided into four groups. One group received semaglutide alone, another followed an exercise programme, a third received both treatments and a fourth group received no intervention.

The study lasted 14 weeks, allowing researchers to compare changes in body composition, metabolic health and muscle function across the groups.

Combination treatment delivered better results

The findings showed that semaglutide alone reduced fat mass by 31 per cent. However, it was also associated with an 11 per cent reduction in lean muscle mass.

When semaglutide was combined with exercise, the results improved significantly. Fat mass decreased by 45 per cent, while lean mass loss was limited to 8 per cent.

These results suggest that exercise enhanced the medication’s ability to reduce body fat while helping to minimise muscle loss.

Researchers noted that the combined approach produced a healthier overall body composition compared to medication alone.

Benefits extended beyond weight loss

The study found several metabolic improvements in addition to weight reduction.

Both semaglutide treatment and the combined exercise programme improved insulin sensitivity and blood lipid levels. These changes are important because they may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

However, the addition of exercise appeared to offer further health benefits. Researchers observed reduced inflammation in fat tissue and the liver among animals receiving both treatments.

The combination also helped decrease liver fat accumulation and reduced the size of atherosclerotic lesions, fatty deposits that can build up inside arteries and contribute to heart disease.

These findings indicate that exercise may enhance the broader health benefits associated with semaglutide treatment.

Improved muscle strength and performance

One of the most notable findings involved physical function and muscle performance.

Researchers assessed grip strength and muscle fibre size to evaluate how well the animals maintained muscle health during weight loss.

Significant improvements were observed only in the group that received both semaglutide and exercise. Neither exercise alone nor semaglutide alone produced the same level of benefit.

The findings suggest that exercise and semaglutide may work together in a complementary manner. While the medication helps reduce excess body fat, exercise appears to preserve muscle quality and support physical strength.

Maintaining muscle function is crucial because it helps people remain active, lowers injury risk and contributes to long-term health and independence.

More research needed in humans

Although the study offers encouraging results, researchers emphasised that the findings were obtained in animals and further human studies are required before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Nevertheless, the research provides valuable insight into how lifestyle measures can complement modern weight loss medications.

Health experts continue to recommend regular exercise as a core component of weight management programmes, regardless of whether medications are used.

Conclusion

The latest study suggests that combining semaglutide treatment with regular exercise may provide better weight loss outcomes than medication alone. In addition to increasing fat loss, exercise appears to help preserve muscle function and improve overall metabolic health. While more human research is needed, the findings reinforce the importance of staying physically active when using weight loss medications such as Ozempic.