Ep 225: GLP-1s and Your Golf Game: What the Prescription Doesn't Tell You

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, while effective for weight loss, pose a significant risk to golf performance by causing substantial lean muscle mass loss. Because these drugs slow gastric emptying, they make it difficult to consume enough protein to maintain muscle, potentially leading to a "skinny fat" state where body fat percentage rises despite a lower scale weight. This reduction in muscle mass directly diminishes club head speed, rotational power, and overall injury resilience. To counteract these effects, golfers must prioritize high-protein intake and implement a targeted strength training program focusing on compound movements like squats, hinges, and pushes. Regular physical assessments and DEXA scans are essential to monitor body composition and ensure that weight loss does not come at the expense of the strength required for a powerful, injury-free golf swing.