GLP-1 Drugs: Are They a Secret Bullet for Weight Loss?
- by Christiane Matey
- Blog, Weight Management
Semaglutides like Ozempic® and Wegovy® have taken the health world by storm, becoming the go-to for managing type 2 diabetes and helping people shed extra pounds. These GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists have been dubbed the “Hollywood Weight Loss Drugs,” with celebrity chatter and tabloid speculations. Other popular GLP-1 drugs include Trulicity® (Dulaglutide) and Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide). But, like anything in life, they have pros and cons. Let’s dive into the good, the bad, and my thoughts on the so-called “secret bullet” for weight loss.
The Good Stuff
1. Blood Sugar Superheroes
GLP-1 drugs are like the Batman of blood sugar control. They swoop in and help your body use insulin better, keep your liver from releasing too much sugar, and slow down your digestion just enough to keep blood sugar levels steady. It’s like having a superpower against diabetes!
2. Weight Loss Booster
GLP-1 drugs make you feel full by delaying stomach emptying, so you’re less likely to raid the fridge. For those dealing with type 2 diabetes and extra weight, this is like hitting two birds with one stone.
3. Less Food Noise
By ‘food noise,’ I mean the constant mental chatter about food, such as thinking about your next meal or snack. GLP-1 drugs can help reduce this mental preoccupation with food, making it easier to stick to healthier eating habits.
4. Heart Health Helpers
Not only do these drugs manage diabetes and help with weight loss, but they also look after your heart. Studies suggest they reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It’s like having a personal trainer and a heart specialist in one little injection.
5. Flexible Dosing Options
Hate daily medication? No problem! Most GLP-1 drugs only need to be taken once a week. That means less hassle and more freedom to live your life without constantly worrying about your meds.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
1. Digestive Side Effects
The biggest downside? Your stomach might protest. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common, especially when you start. It’s like your belly is throwing a temper tantrum, but it usually calms down after a while.
2. Facial Changes
You may have heard the ‘Ozempic face’ buzz or seen before and after pictures online. Rapidly losing facial fat can cause looser skin and hollowed cheeks, making wrinkles more obvious and adding years to your face.
3. Needle Nuisance
Most GLP-1 drugs need to be injected. If you’re needle-phobic, this can be a deal-breaker. Even if you’re not, it’s still not the most fun part of your day. You have to be especially careful to sanitize everything so you don’t end up with an injection-site infection, too.
4. Muscle Loss and Nutritional Deficiencies
Some people get full after just a few bites, so they struggle to eat enough protein and nutrient-dense foods. You can lose muscle mass if you aren’t fueling your body properly. Ultimately, this slows down your metabolism, making it harder to maintain your weight later. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause other problems, like fatigue, brittle nails, and hair loss, to name a few.
5. Long-Term Safety Questions
Even though these drugs work well now, there are some question marks about their long-term effects. It’s like trying out the newest gadget without knowing all its quirks.
My Professional Opinion
I’ll admit I was a skeptic at first. However, after receiving additional training and seeing the positive results first-hand for some of my clients, I think the pros of short-term use outweigh the cons. Talk with your doctor, as everyone (and every body) is unique. If they think it’s a good fit, ask them to start you on a low dose and then increase slowly over time to decrease digestive side effects.
Of course, there is no magic bullet for weight loss. GLP-1 drugs can help, but you still have to do the work. Partnering with a registered dietitian can help you change old patterns and make the best food choices. And if you’d like to learn more, listen to my podcast interview on Nutrition Rewired, where I dive even deeper into the topic.
