GLP-1s: Are they right for you?

This new generation of weight-loss medications is changing the conversation around obesity and the conditions linked to it—such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. So, are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) an option for you?

If you are diagnosed with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes or hypertension, one of the first things a doctor recommends is weight loss. The science behind weight loss seems straightforward: eat less, move more, lose weight. Yet for millions of people, the reality has been anything but simple.

If lasting weight loss was just a matter of willpower, the diet industry wouldn’t be worth billions of dollars. People wouldn’t cycle through countless meal plans, fitness challenges and “life-changing” programs only to find themselves back where they started.

Over the past few years, medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound have exploded into public awareness. They’ve sparked headlines, social media debates, celebrity endorsements and no shortage of questions.

The truth is that body weight is influenced by far more than calories consumed and calories burned. Genetics, hormones, metabolism, stress, sleep, chronic health conditions and even certain medications can all affect the weight-loss journey.

GLP-1s have actually been on the market since 2005 as a treatment for people with type 2 diabetes. Medications like exenatide and liraglutide targeted a single hormone receptor called GLP-1, helping the body increase insulin secretion and making people feel fuller sooner.

These early formulations evolved into newer medications like semaglutide, which is a single agonist, and tirzepatide, which is a dual agonist that targets GLP-1 and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. This dual process works on multiple fronts to regulate appetite and blood sugar.

The popularity of these new GLP-1s stems from the fact that they don’t rely solely on the self-discipline required for a regular diet. Instead, they help people feel full sooner, reduce cravings, slow digestion and make smaller portions feel more satisfying. In other words, they help align biology with behavior.

For many people who have spent years battling constant hunger, this shift can be life-changing. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll, approximately one in eight U.S. adults are currently taking a GLP-1 medication.

The conversation around GLP-1s often focuses on the number on the scale. But perhaps the more important question is What’s possible when you achieve a healthier weight?

Excess weight is linked to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea and elevated cholesterol. Reducing weight can lead to real results that may improve your overall health and quality of life.

That’s why many healthcare providers view GLP-1s as medical tools. And like any tool, their effectiveness depends on how they’re used.

Studies have shown that when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, GLP-1 medications can help people lose an average of 15 to 25 percent of their body weight over about a year. Those results are significant and have given new hope to many people.

But there’s another side to the story. GLP-1s aren’t magic. They still require commitment. Healthy eating habits matter. Physical activity matters. Sleep matters. Managing stress matters.

And like most medications, they can come with side effects, including nausea, bloating, fatigue, heartburn and digestive discomfort as the body adjusts. Providers typically start patients on lower doses and gradually increase them over time to help reduce these effects.

These medications may change how your body responds to food. They don’t change your lifestyle. That’s where the real work—and the opportunity—begins.

There’s one question that inevitably comes up in almost every discussion about GLP-1 medications: Will I have to take them forever?

The answer is nuanced. Regaining weight can occur after stopping a GLP-1 medication. However, the goal isn’t simply to stop the medication—it’s to create a thoughtful transition plan with your doctor. Many providers recommend tapering doses while maintaining habits that support long-term health, including regular exercise, nutritious meals, stress management and healthy sleep routines.

In other words, the medication may help open the door, but sustainable habits help keep it open.

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The standards for prescribing GLP-1 medications are based on age, body mass index (BMI) or the diagnosis of certain weight-related medical conditions. These include diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. GLP-1s are not recommended if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, have had pancreatitis or have certain types of cancer.

That’s why a conversation with your doctor is necessary to determine eligibility and appropriatenesss before making the decision to try a GLP-1.

Our recent Health Is the Key podcast episode, “Beyond the GLP-1 Buzz, with Dr. Holly Lofton,” delved into how GLP-1s affect the brain and why partnering with your primary care physician is so important.

Dr. Lofton is the Director of the Medical Weight Management Program at NYU Langone. She joined our host, Elizabeth Moore, to talk about the science behind GLP-1s and why adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial to achieving long-term success.

To listen to this episode or any of our previous ones, visit Health Is the Key.

Perhaps the most important lesson emerging from the GLP-1 revolution is that successful weight management is rarely about one thing. It’s not just about a medication. It’s not just about diet. It’s not just about exercise. It’s about creating a sustainable approach to health that works in real life.

The most successful journeys often combine medical support, healthy habits, community and realistic goals. Instead of trying to transform your life overnight, consider making small changes that can become permanent. Cooking at home more often. Taking a daily walk. Managing stress. Getting enough sleep.

Those habits may not make headlines—but they may make the biggest difference.

GLP-1 medications are powerful tools. The real question is not whether they can help you lose weight. The question is How will you build a healthier life that lasts?

Are you currently taking a GLP-1 and looking for a program to work with you on lifestyle changes as you lose weight?
Visit the Choice is Yours page to learn more about the menu of options available to you.

This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.