As the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss grows among older adults, the CEO of the American Council on Exercise (ACE) is urging this population to pay special attention to three key areas: preserving strength, physical function, and lean mass. Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, stresses that while the fundamentals of weight loss remain consistent across adulthood, older individuals face unique challenges that require a tailored approach.
Three Pillars for Healthy Aging
According to Bryant, “The importance of preserving strength, physical function and lean mass generally increases with age.” For any older adult following a weight loss plan—whether using GLP-1 medications or not—these three pillars should be the foundation. He explains that the natural aging process involves muscle loss, bone weakening, and reduced mobility, making it essential to counteract these trends through targeted interventions.
Fundamentals of Weight Loss Remain Unchanged
The principles that underpin weight loss, for the most part, hold true across adulthood. Bryant recommends eating a healthy diet that puts you in a slight calorie surplus—not a deficit—and supporting this with regular exercise, especially resistance training, and more everyday activity. These fundamentals shouldn’t change for GLP-1 users, according to the ACE CEO. The goal is to lose excess fat while preserving muscle and function.
Resistance Training and Protein Intake
“Resistance training and adequate protein intake are especially critical here, because the importance of preserving strength and lean mass generally increases with age,” Bryant tells Fit&Well. For adults in their 30s and 40s, the focus is often on building sustainable habits, improving body composition, and establishing a consistent pattern of resistance training and adequate protein intake. By the time people reach their 50s and 60s, these practices become “even more important due to age-related muscle loss and declines in strength.”
Adapting for the 70s and Beyond
For adults in their 70s and beyond, the priority often shifts toward preserving independence, balance, mobility, and day-to-day function. “Resistance training remains important, but programming may need to be more individualized, with greater attention to supervision, recovery and safety,” says Bryant. This personalized approach helps older adults maintain quality of life while minimizing injury risk.
Quality of Weight Loss Matters
The key takeaway, Bryant adds, is that obesity medications can be powerful tools, but the quality of weight loss matters. “We want people to lose excess fat while doing everything possible to preserve strength, function and long-term health,” he says. For older adults, this means integrating resistance training, adequate protein, and a slight calorie surplus into their routine. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or exercise program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What three things should older adults using GLP-1s pay particular attention to?
According to Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, CEO of the American Council on Exercise, older adults using GLP-1s should pay particular attention to preserving strength, physical function, and lean mass.
Why is resistance training especially critical for older adults on GLP-1s?
Resistance training is especially critical because the importance of preserving strength and lean mass increases with age, and it helps offset age-related muscle loss and declines in strength.
How should weight loss plans differ for adults in their 70s and beyond compared to younger adults?
For adults in their 70s and beyond, the priority shifts toward preserving independence, balance, mobility, and day-to-day function, with resistance training remaining important but requiring more individualized programming, supervision, and attention to recovery and safety.
