By Robyn Mentgen Aites, Co-owner, Trifecta
One of the most controversial healthcare topics right now is GLP-1 medications and weight loss. Everyone seems to have an opinion. But, the most serious concerns are coming from within the healthcare and fitness communities. As a healthcare professional, personal trainer, and nutrition coach with more than 20 years of experience, I, along with many of my colleagues, struggle with the growing reliance on a “quick fix” injection to solve a long-term health problem.
I hear it often: “I just can’t afford personal training or nutrition coaching.” But what many people don’t realize is that this isn’t an expense—it’s an investment. An investment in mobility, independence, confidence, and quality of life as we age. Ironically, many of the same individuals who say they can’t afford guidance and education somehow find room in their budget for weekly injections that promise weight loss without meaningful lifestyle change.
GLP-1 medications absolutely have a place in healthcare. They were developed primarily for individuals with Type 2 diabetes and for those with clinical obesity under medical supervision. However, their use among otherwise healthy adults looking to lose 15 or 20 pounds raises valid concerns. These medications do not teach nutrition, do not build muscle, and do not improve movement patterns. More concerning, they come with potential side effects such as nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal distress, muscle loss, fatigue, and nutritional deficiencies—issues that can become increasingly problematic as we age.
Strength training and proper nutrition, on the other hand, do far more than change the number on a scale. They preserve lean muscle mass, protect bone density, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce joint pain, and support long-term metabolic health. Muscle is not just about aesthetics—it is a key predictor of longevity and independence later in life.
Weight loss without strength is not health. And relying on medication without addressing habits often leads to regain once the shot stops.
At Trifecta Training, Ken and I work with adults who are ready to move beyond quick fixes and focus on sustainable results—building strength, fueling their bodies properly, and creating habits that support health for decades, not just months. If this topic resonates with you, we invite you to start a conversation. Ask questions. Get informed. Your future self will thank you.
