Lift The Bar

In recent months, weight loss injections and celebrity transformations have dominated the headlines, giving the impression that traditional weight loss methods are obsolete. The media narrative suggests that a simple weekly jab is all that stands between anyone and a dramatic change in size. But as personal trainers know, human health and behaviour are far more nuanced.

The Realities Behind the Headlines

The conversation around weight loss is not as straightforward as the media would have us believe. Factors such as eligibility, affordability, access, allergies, intolerable side effects, and lack of response to medication mean that not everyone wants to, is able to, or should, use these drugs. Additionally, those with disordered eating or psychological challenges related to food face further barriers.  All of this make the journey more complex than the quick fix it is made out to be.

Health Benefits Beyond Weight

For those who do benefit from weight loss medications, the effects can extend beyond just the number on the scale. Clients often report improvements in health conditions such as PCOS, joint pain, and more. It’s important to recognise that these ‘additional’ benefits may motivate individuals to continue with medication for reasons other than weight loss.

The Emotional Impact for Others

Conversely, people who are unable to access or respond positively to medication may experience frustration, disappointment, and even feelings of failure or injustice. Such experiences can discourage them from attempting other approaches and may compound existing emotional struggles related to body image and weight.  

The Role of Personal Trainers

As fitness professionals it’s important to avoid assumptions about weight loss medication.  It’s not purely a choice of whether you support it or not but a case of truly understanding the people you are working with and the impact of the existence of these options on them.

From the point of view of clients and potential clients, whether you are able to access results from weight loss medication or not, seeing or hearing comments that imply a jab is an effortless way of losing weight highlights the lack of understanding of the individuals making the comments.

In addition, most of the comments have an underlying message that perpetuates weight stigma and body image issues.  After all “now weight loss is so easy there’s nothing to get in the way of the desirable state of thinness”.

None of us want to be seen as discriminatory or judgemental so here are some things we can do:

• Review the language you use when discussing weight, nutrition, and fitness. Choose your words carefully and avoid perpetuating myths, stigma, or judgement.   
• Prioritise understanding your clients' and potential clients’ individual circumstances and motivations rather than making assumptions.
• Be curious about the human elements of everything.  Whilst the science is important it is never more important than the impact of anything on the lives of individuals.
• Encourage a holistic view of health that values physical activity for its mental, emotional, and physical benefits. Take the same approach if you provide nutritional support for clients, focus on health relating to nutrients, fibre and hydration rather than calories.
• Treat each person as an individual.  Whilst there may be specific things to be more aware of in different circumstances none of these are exclusive or guaranteed to that situation. In the case of someone using weight loss medication it may mean they are more fatigued, have low energy, are managing side effects like head aches or stomach issues, have emotional and / or mental fatigue, are happy, embarrassed, happy to talk about their experiences, don’t want to talk about any of it, are interested in support around nutrition choices, want to focus on physical activity without any lifestyle or nutrition support or just about any other combination of factors that anyone can be dealing with whether or not they are taking medication.
• Alongside this remember that physical activity has many health benefits that have nothing to do with body shape or size and that by focusing on PT for weight loss we do both ourselves and our clients a disservice.

Final Thoughts

In the evolving landscape of weight management, personal trainers play a crucial role in supporting clients with empathy and evidence-based guidance. By fostering a positive environment and focusing on the many benefits of movement, trainers can help clients navigate the complexities of health and wellbeing, regardless of body weight, shape or size.

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