Questioning the compatibility of body-positivity with using Ozempic, as experienced by one individual for managing pain, rather than weight loss, explained below.
In the world of endurance sports, maintaining optimal nutrition and performance is crucial. One athlete, who is an advocate for size inclusion and a public figure in the cycling community, has turned to GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Ozempic), to manage their weight and relieve chronic pain.
These medications, primarily known for suppressing appetite and slowing gastric emptying, can lead to weight loss. However, a significant portion of that weight loss may come from skeletal muscle, which is critical for metabolism, strength, and endurance capacity. This loss of muscle mass could potentially impact an athlete's performance.
To counteract this, combining GLP-1 receptor agonist use with adequate resistance or endurance exercise is recommended to preserve muscle mass and maintain strength and metabolic health. Additionally, ensuring sufficient protein intake can support muscle maintenance, as the effects of these drugs include changes in hormone and metabolic responses that could influence nutrient utilization.
The athlete, who has completed five Unbound Gravel races at over 250 pounds, noticed changes in their body and riding. Clothes felt looser, they saw their collarbone for the first time, and experienced a reduction in chronic joint pain and inflammation. They also noticed improvements in their cycling performance, such as being able to climb hills that they had previously walked up and consistently hitting PRs on segments.
However, the athlete grappled with the potential impact of taking GLP-1s on their body, identity, and the All Bodies on Bikes community they lead. They experienced side effects such as nausea, constipation, and a significant reduction in appetite, which posed challenges as an endurance athlete.
Semaglutide, the drug used by the athlete, is currently on the WADA Monitoring Program. While it is not currently banned by WADA, the agency is monitoring its use in sports to determine if it should be added to the Prohibited List in the future.
The athlete's story serves as a reminder that health is not one-size-fits-all and that everyone deserves access to tools that help them feel good in their bodies, no matter what they look like. They urge fellow endurance athletes to carefully monitor their nutrition and muscle mass to maintain performance while leveraging the metabolic benefits these drugs may offer.
After being off the medication since May 2025, the athlete's joint pain and inflammation have come back, highlighting the ongoing management required to maintain optimal health and performance. The unapologetically fat endurance rider continues to advocate for plus-size riders and size inclusion, inspiring others to embrace their bodies and pursue their passions in cycling.
- The athlete's utilization of GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide (Ozempic), not only aids in weight management and pain relief but also encourages careful monitoring of nutrition and muscle mass to preserve performance in endurance sports.
- Adequate resistance or endurance exercise, combined with GLP-1 receptor agonist use, is crucial for preserving muscle mass and maintaining strength and metabolic health in athletes.
- Sufficient protein intake is vital for muscle maintenance in athletes who utilize GLP-1 receptor agonists, as the drugs' effects include changes in hormone and metabolic responses that could influence nutrient utilization.
