Cutting Smarter, Not Harder
For many bodybuilders, there’s an art to cutting. Overall, it’s not just about retaining muscle while reducing fat. Now, GLP-1 has made itself a household name for its efficacy in regulating blood sugar levels and curbing appetite. Although their original development was for type 2 diabetes and obesity, these drugs are now gaining popularity in the fitness world.
So, if you’re planning for a big show or going through a cutting phase, then these medications could give you extraordinary results.
What Is GLP-1?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. Specifically, it’s a hormone that your gut releases when you eat.
Its job is to slow digestion, trigger insulin, and signal to your brain that you’re full.
GLP-1 receptor agonists—like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda)—amplify this process.
Overall, these medications help people eat less and feel satisfied longer. That’s a game-changer for anyone in a caloric deficit.
GLP-1 and Fat Loss
GLP-1 drugs can lead to serious fat loss. In fact, one study found that participants lost 14.9% of their body weight using semaglutide over 68 weeks (Wilding et al., 2021).
More than just weight, users also report reduced cravings, better control, and easier adherence to diet plans. That’s crucial during cutting, when hunger is the number one enemy of consistency.
But these drugs don’t burn fat directly. Instead, they change behavior in a way that lets you stick to the plan—and that’s the secret.
GLP-1 During Cutting
A typical cutting phase involves lower calories, high protein, and consistent strength training. But hunger often gets in the way.
In response, GLP-1 helps manage this. By suppressing appetite and reducing reward-driven eating, you can cut without feeling miserable.
Moreover, no more wild cravings or 10 p.m. snack cravings that derail you the whole day.
Here’s how lifters are integrating the drug into their cuts:
- Using low-doses during the final 6–10 weeks of a cut
- Combining it with high-protein meal plans
- Cycling off after competition or target body comp is achieved
Still, medical supervision is critical, as these aren’t supplements but prescription medications with real side effects and risks.
Can GLP-1 Keep Muscle?
Indirectly, yes, it helps you retain muscle. In particular, GLP-1 doesn’t build muscle, but it helps you avoid extreme deficits that usually cost you lean mass.
Notably, a more moderate, consistent deficit means you can maintain strength, recover better, and preserve muscle tissue.
Meanwhile, stable blood sugar and better insulin response also create a more anabolic internal environment even while dieting. By anabolic, we mean a state that promotes metabolic activity.
Plus, fewer binges means less diet rebound. Consequently, that helps you hold onto muscle and avoid crash cycles.
Training and Nutrition Still Matter
To clarify, GLP-1 is a tool, not a shortcut.
Hence, to cut effectively:
- Protein intake should stay above 1g per pound of body weight.
- Resistance training should remain intense and consistent.
- Prioritize hydration and micronutrients since food volume may drop.
Even if you feel less hungry, your muscles still need fuel to recover and grow. So the drug won’t compensate for poor training/planning or a lack of key nutrients.
GLP-1, Fitness, and Wellness
Cutting isn’t just aesthetic. For many, it’s part of a broader wellness journey.
GLP-1 can support this in several ways:
- Improved cardiovascular markers (blood pressure, triglycerides)
- Better blood sugar control
- Reduced systemic inflammation
- Support for mental health, including less anxiety around eating
As Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president and head of Development at Novo Nordisk, puts it:
“Approximately one in three adults with type 2 diabetes also have cardiovascular disease; therefore, it is crucial to have therapies that can address both conditions.”
Risks and Side Effects to Know
Unforunately, GLP-1 medications aren’t for everyone.
Overall, common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Constipation
Meanwhile, serious risks (though rare) include:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder issues
- Thyroid tumors (in animal studies)
However, before starting, you must first consult a doctor. This holds true especially if you have a history of endocrine disorders or gastrointestinal issues.
Note, though, that this isn’t a casual add-on. Rather, it’s a medical intervention.
Smarter with Hormonal Support
To summarize, GLP-1 won’t replace hard work. But it can make cutting more sustainable, less painful, and more effective.
Whether you’re an athlete, competitor, or just want to lose fat and keep muscle, this hormone could play a role.
With medical guidance, smart training, and nutritional discipline, these drugs might be the edge you’ve been looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can GLP-1 help me get shredded faster?
It’s possible. They help you eat less without feeling starving and miserable. While this can speed up fat loss, training and diet should still matter most to maintain muscle.
Will GLP-1 make me lose muscle?
It’s likely. Research shows that 20% to 50% of users’ weight loss can be lean muscle instead of fat.
But bodybuilders can manage this through higher protein intake, training, and drug supplementation. In one study published on Science Direct, bodybuilders offset this side effect by taking anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Is GLP-1 legal in bodybuilding?
Bodybuilders can obtain it through legal prescriptions, since they are not banned substances. Hence, always check with competition guidelines.
How long should I stay on GLP-1 while cutting?
Some users stay on for 6–12 weeks. Still, it’s best to talk to your doctor about what’s safe and sustainable for you.
Can I just take GLP-1 and skip cardio or weightlifting?
No, you cannot. Sure, it helps with appetite. But you still need training to maintain muscle and metabolic health.
Does GLP-1 boost testosterone?
New research by scientists at the St. Louis Univesrity shows that they could increase levels of testosterone in men.
In a study of 110 men with obesity, the proportion of men with testosterone levels in the normal range rose from 53% to 77%. Specifically, this was after 18 months of treatment on Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound.
Will I gain weight after stopping GLP-1?
Yes, it’s highly likely. When you discontinue use, it stops working, just like any other drug. Essentially, the process wherein it regulates blood sugar levels and crubs appetite stops. Patients may also feel their old appetites coming back.
In particular, stopping use may cause elevated blood sugar levels, which could trigger several symptoms. These include blurred vision, fatigue, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. Meanwhile, others may even feel extreme fatigue or become vulnerable to various infections.
Does GLP-1 affect sperm count?
Overall, there is little evidence that it negatively affects sperm count.
Some studies note how it improved sperm count among men who used it post-weight loss for maintenance reasons. In addition to use, they also turned to exercise to keep the pounds off.
Why does GLP-1 make you so tired?
It is not clear why it tends to make people feel tired. But the combination of various gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and bloating may hamper sleep, causing fatigue.
Also possible is when blood sugar levels of users dip and digestion slows, they may feel temporarily tired.
Who should avoid GLP-1 medications?
If any of the following apply, then it may not be safe for you to take these drugs:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- History of pancreatitis
- Severe gastrointestinal disease
- Pregnancy and/or breastfeeding
- Allergies or hypersensitivity reactions
- Type 1 diabetes
Photo by John Fornander on Unsplash
