Why Is Everyone Talking About GLP-1? Myths and Facts About GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 receptor agonists (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) are a class of medications originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. However, they have also proven to be highly effective for weight loss.

They work by:

• Slowing gastric emptying

• Reducing appetite

• Helping regulate blood glucose levels

  
  

Common GLP-1 Medications:

• Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®)

• Liraglutide (Saxenda®, Victoza®)

• Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)

• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)* → also acts on GIP receptors and GLP-1.

  
  

  

  
  

Who Are They For?

GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved for individuals with a BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with obesity-related conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or prediabetes, and patients with type 2 diabetes (depending on the formulation). They are not intended as cosmetic quick-fix solutions without proper medical evaluation.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth 1: “It’s a magic pill.” Fact: These are not pills (most are injectable), and they are not magical. They are weekly injections that require medical and nutritional supervision. Oral forms exist, but due to the nature of the hormone, it’s vulnerable to breakdown by digestive enzymes, making it less effective or harder to absorb.

Myth 2: “You don’t need to change your lifestyle.” Fact: Studies show that much of the lost weight can return without lifestyle changes. For example, semaglutide has been shown to produce up to 15% total body weight loss over 68 weeks (STEP trials). But if the medication is stopped and no habits are modified, up to 65% of the lost weight may be regained within a year【PubMed PMID: 35933486】.

Myth 3: “There are no side effects.” Fact: Common side effects may include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain. In rare cases, pancreatitis or gallstones

That’s why medical screening and ongoing monitoring are essential.

⚠️ When Should GLP-1s Be Avoided?

Absolute contraindications:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)

• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)

• Active pancreatitis or a frequent history of it

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis, angioedema) to GLP-1 drugs

Use with caution in:

• Advanced kidney disease (eGFR <30)

• Severe GI conditions like gastroparesis, IBD, or severe IBS

• Uncontrolled psychiatric illness or eating disorders

Why You Still Need a Nutritionist When Using GLP-1

Medication alone doesn’t teach you how to eat, nourish your body, or maintain your results.

• Working with a registered nutritionist can help you:

• Avoid nutritional deficiencies

• Build sustainable habits

• Prevent rebound weight gain

• Improve your emotional relationship with food

• Focus on long-term wellness, not just numbers on a scale

“Medication may help you start, but it’s habits that sustain change.”

References:

• Wilding JPH, et al. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989 1002. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

• Rosenstock J, et al. Lancet. 2021;398(10295):1432-1445

• UpToDate: “Pharmacologic therapy for obesity in adults”

• PubMed PMID: 35933486

• FDA Prescribing Information: Wegovy®, Saxenda®, Mounjaro®