Resistance training basics while on GLP-1 treatment
A safe starting programme to protect muscle during weight loss, adapted for CKD, dialysis and transplant patients.
Written by Professor Mohammed Mahdi Althaf
Medically reviewed by Professor Mohammed Mahdi Althaf, Consultant Nephrologist · 3 August 2026
Overview
Resistance training is the single most effective way to keep muscle while losing weight. Two or three short sessions a week is enough to make a measurable difference to strength and function.
Why it's done and who it helps
- Preserves lean mass and grip strength during rapid weight loss.
- Improves insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and balance.
- Improves physical readiness for transplant surgery.
A starting programme
- Twice a week, 20-30 minutes, non-consecutive days.
- Six movements: sit-to-stand, wall or incline press-up, band row, hip bridge, calf raise, and a supported step-up.
- Two sets of 8-12 repetitions, stopping two or three repetitions before failure.
- Progress by adding repetitions first, then resistance.
Adaptations
Avoid heavy loading of a fistula arm and never use it for blood-pressure-style compression during exercise. After transplant, avoid heavy abdominal loading until your surgical team clears you. On peritoneal dialysis, avoid high intra-abdominal pressure exercises with fluid in.
Preparing for your appointment
Do I need a gym?
No. Bands and body weight are sufficient to start.
What if I feel very tired?
Reduce volume rather than skipping sessions entirely, and report persistent fatigue.
When to contact your care team
Contact the clinic promptly if you have any of the following:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours, or you cannot keep fluids down
- Passing much less urine than usual, or new swelling of the legs or face
- Severe pain in the upper abdomen that spreads through to your back
- A weight change of more than 2 kg in a week that is not explained by fluid
- A missed weekly weight, a missed dose, or any hospital admission
If you are seriously unwell, contact NHS 111 or your renal unit directly rather than waiting for your next review.
Your care at KidneyWeight Clinic
Every dose change, weekly weight and kidney blood test is recorded in your clinical monitoring record, reviewed by Professor Mohammed Mahdi Althaf at six-weekly intervals and formally reassessed at 26 weeks. Booking and your initial payment are handled by professoralthaf.co.uk, medication supply by Healist Pharmacy, and follow-up appointment payments by Carebit.