GLP-1s May Protect Your Brain. Here’s How to Multiply the Benefits.

Most people usually associate “GLP-1 meds” with weight loss. But these meds aren’t just helping people lose weight; they may actually be helping people live longer and stay sharper, too.

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A new study, published in JAMA Network Open¹, followed more than 60,000 people and completely shifted the conversation about what weight loss medications like GLP-1s (semaglutide) and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists (tirzepatide) can do.

To keep things accurate, researchers did a one-to-one match of 30,430 patients on GLP-1s with 30,430 on other diabetes meds, balancing age, weight, and health status.

It turns out, GLP-1s might also lower the risk of:

• Dementia by 37%
• Stroke by 19%
• Death from any cause by 30%

This wasn’t just a short-term snapshot. These findings are based on real medical records across seven years, from December 1, 2017, to June 30, 2024, so we’re looking at possible long-term protection.

The Strongest Results Were in Women Over 60

Researchers found that women over 60 with a BMI between 30 and 40 saw the biggest brain and heart benefits.

That’s huge, because women in this group are often told, or start to believe, they’re too old, too heavy, too far gone, or too late to change. But that’s just noise. The science says otherwise.

Your body is still responding, and that means you’ve got more power than you’ve been led to believe.

What GLP-1 Medications Can’t Do

GLP-1s do lots of things, like help regulate blood sugar, curb hunger, and reduce inflammation, to name a few.

But they can’t:

• Teach your brain how to balance
• Help you get off the floor
• Prevent a fall
• Improve your coordination
• Keep your muscles strong
• Boost your flexibility

That’s where movement comes in, and it’s not optional. It’s essential.

This is called stacking your wins, when medication does one part of the work, and training does the rest.

Moves That Support Your Brain (and Body)

You don’t need fancy equipment or a full workout to get started.
These low-impact, brain-friendly exercises help reconnect your body and mind while gently building balance, control, and coordination.

Cross-Body Marches:

Trains coordination and rhythm between the brain and the body.

• Lift your right knee and tap it with your left hand
• Switch sides and repeat

Standing Balance Hold and Head Turns:

Trains your balance system, especially your inner ear, core, and body-brain connection.

• Stand near a wall for support
• Lift one foot an inch off the floor
• Slowly turn your head side to side
• Repeat on the other side

Slow Reaches with Toe Tap Back:

Great for posture, timing, and lower-body control.

• Stand tall
• Step one foot back and tap the floor gently
• Reach both arms forward as you tap
• Return to center and repeat

Start with five reps of each. Try them for a week and see how you feel. Move slowly. Let your brain catch up to your body.

If you’re brand new to exercise, or your balance feels off, this is the kind of work that really matters.

And in the beginning, having someone guide you through proper form can make a big difference, not just for safety, but for confidence, too.

You’re Not Just Losing Weight; You’re Gaining Protection

GLP-1s offer protection against stroke, dementia, and the risks that grow with age and weight.

But medication alone can’t build strength. It can’t restore balance or coordination. It can’t help you move better, faster, or more confidently.

That’s what training does, and that’s how you multiply the benefit. Real change happens when both tools work together.

You are not too old, too late, or too far gone. And you are definitely not doing this alone.

If you’re on a GLP-1, considering it, or transitioning off, my programs are designed for you. 

Real-life strength for women whose bodies are changing fast.

You don’t even have to leave your home.

I offer live virtual training via Zoom, and it feels like I’m right there with you, in the safety and comfort of your own space.

I’d love to help you build self-trust and confidence in your body again by showing you how capable you are.

Let’s stack the wins together.

Feel free to drop me a message!

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Resource

1. Lin H, Tsai Y, Liao P, Wei JC. Neurodegeneration and Stroke After Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in Patients With Diabetes and Obesity. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(7):e2521016. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.21016 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2836412 ↩︎

Photo Credits

The human brain doing exercises to strengthen the mind by Ekaterina Chizhevskaya from Getty Images

Woman Doing Exercise with Her Personal Trainer by Jacob Lund