GLP-1 Medications: The Role They Play in Sustainable Weight Loss
GLP-1 Medications: My Take on Their Role in Weight Loss and Long-Term Health
If you're like me, you’ve probably heard a lot about GLP-1 medications recently. Drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic are getting a lot of attention for their ability to help with weight loss, but there's also a lot of confusion surrounding them. I get asked often about my thoughts on using these medications for weight loss, so I wanted to take a moment to share my opinion and explain why I think they can be a helpful tool, but not a magic bullet.
GLP-1 Medications: A Tool, Not a Shortcut
Let’s start with what GLP-1s can do. These medications help people lose weight by acting on appetite-regulating hormones, making it easier to eat less without feeling as hungry. They’re incredibly effective, but there’s a catch. As with any tool, they work best when used properly.
A recent study showed that only about 24% of people using Wegovy stayed on the medication for 2 years, and the number is even lower for Ozempic at 22%. While the initial weight loss can be significant, the issue is that, without changes to diet and lifestyle, weight is likely to be regained once the medication is stopped. That’s why I believe these medications, while effective, should always be paired with proper nutritional counseling and lifestyle changes.
My Personal Experience and What I’ve Learned
Now, I want to be clear—these medications weren’t available to me when I was on my own weight loss journey. However, I was put on Phentermine (an appetite suppressant) by my doctor multiple times, and while I had great success initially, I regained all the weight (and then some) because I didn’t make any lasting changes to my eating habits or lifestyle. I relied on the medication alone, and without proper habits in place, the weight came back.
It’s a hard lesson to learn, but I’m glad I experienced it because it informs how I guide my clients today. Weight loss is about more than just calories in and calories out. It’s about sustaining the loss and improving your overall health, which is why I always recommend pairing GLP-1s with nutritional counseling and coaching. You can lose weight by eating less of the same foods you’ve been eating, but if your end goal is to improve your health and possibly come off the medication, you need to learn how to fuel your body properly, manage hunger cues, and develop habits that stick long-term.
The Importance of Lifestyle Changes
Studies have consistently shown that to get the maximum benefit from GLP-1 medications, lifestyle modifications are necessary. These medications aren’t a one-stop solution. You need to make changes to your nutrition and exercise routine to maintain your results once the medication is stopped.
A proper nutrition plan can help preserve muscle mass, reduce side effects, and teach you how to eat in a way that supports your long-term health, not just a temporary weight loss goal. This is where I come in—coaching, support, and education around sustainable habits. It’s crucial for weight loss success that we address more than just calorie intake; we need to consider nutrient density, eating patterns, and mindset.
In fact, about 50% of my clients over the past year have been on a GLP-1 medication, with the majority of them aiming to eventually come off it. I see firsthand how these medications can help, but also how essential it is to make long-term changes for lasting results.
What I Recommend
If you’re considering a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, my advice is simple: Use it as a tool, not a crutch. It can absolutely help you lose weight and get closer to your goals, but it will only take you so far. Without making changes to your diet and lifestyle, you are likely to regain the weight once you stop the medication.
The best approach is to combine GLP-1 medications with nutritional counseling, habit-building, and lifestyle changes. That way, you’re not just losing weight—you’re setting yourself up for long-term success, no matter what the future holds with your medication.
Final Thoughts
For many, the end goal with GLP-1s is to eventually come off the medication, just like how someone with high blood pressure might no longer need medication after improving their health. But just as some people may need to stay on medication long-term for certain health conditions, some may benefit from continued use of GLP-1s. The key is to have a plan that goes beyond the medication—a plan that includes healthy habits and sustainable changes that can carry you through when the medication is no longer part of the picture.
If you’re currently on a GLP-1 medication or considering it, remember that it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Nutrition coaching and 1:1 support can help you make those lasting changes, ensuring that you not only lose weight but also keep it off long term.
-Christine
