GLP-1 Medications: The Role They Play in Sustainable Weight Loss
GLP-1 Medications: A Balanced Perspective on Their Role in Weight Loss and Long-Term Health
You’ve probably heard about GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, as they’ve been making waves for their potential to aid weight loss. While these medications are effective, there’s also a lot of confusion surrounding their role in sustainable weight management. As a nutritionist and RN, I often get asked about my take on GLP-1s, and I want to share my thoughts on why they can be a helpful tool—but not a magic solution.
What Do GLP-1 Medications Do?
GLP-1 medications work by impacting appetite-regulating hormones, helping you feel less hungry and eat smaller portions, which can contribute to weight loss. This can be a huge benefit for people who are struggling to control their appetite. While these medications are effective, they work best when used in conjunction with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle changes.
A recent study revealed that only about 24% of people who used Wegovy stayed on the medication for two years, and the number is even lower for Ozempic at 22%. The initial weight loss can be impressive, but without adjustments to diet and lifestyle, the weight is likely to return once the medication is stopped. This is why I believe GLP-1 medications should be paired with proper nutritional counseling and sustainable lifestyle changes.
The Role of Lifestyle Changes
The key to getting the most out of GLP-1 medications is combining them with lifestyle changes. Studies consistently show that weight loss doesn’t last without changes to your nutrition and exercise habits. These medications are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and you must make changes to support long-term health after you stop using them.
A solid nutrition plan can help preserve muscle mass, reduce medication side effects, and teach you how to nourish your body in a way that supports lasting health. This is where coaching and education become essential. Sustainable weight loss involves more than just reducing calories—it’s about considering nutrient density, meal timing, and the role of mindset in your journey.
Over the past year, about 50% of my clients have been on GLP-1 medications, with many aiming to eventually stop using them. I’ve seen firsthand how effective they can be, but I’ve also observed how important it is to develop lasting, healthy habits for sustained results.
My Recommendations for GLP-1 Medication Use
If you're considering a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, I recommend treating it as a helpful tool—rather than a permanent solution. It can help you make progress toward your goals, but it won’t take you the whole way without making changes to your diet and lifestyle. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any medication.
The best approach is to combine GLP-1 medications with nutritional counseling, habit-building, and lifestyle changes. This way, you’re not just losing weight temporarily—you’re setting yourself up for long-term success, whether or not you continue using the medication.
My Personal Experience with Weight Loss Medications
When I was on my own weight loss journey, medications like GLP-1s weren’t available to me. However, I was prescribed Phentermine (an appetite suppressant) multiple times. While I saw initial success, I eventually regained the weight because I didn’t focus on making lasting changes to my eating habits or lifestyle. I relied too heavily on the medication alone.
This experience taught me an important lesson: weight loss isn’t just about calories in and calories out. It’s about sustainable habits that support your health, and I now guide my clients with that knowledge. If your goal is long-term weight management, you need to focus on fueling your body properly, managing hunger, and developing habits that you can stick with.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Medication
For many, the end goal with GLP-1s is to eventually come off the medication, much like someone with high blood pressure may no longer need medication after making significant health improvements. But just as some people may need medication for certain health conditions life-long, others may find that continued use of GLP-1s is beneficial.
The key is having a plan that extends beyond the medication. Incorporating healthy habits and sustainable changes can carry you through once the medication is no longer part of the picture.
If you're currently using or considering a GLP-1 medication, remember that it's just one piece of the puzzle. Pairing it with personalized nutrition coaching and 1:1 support will help you make lasting changes, ensuring that you not only lose weight but also maintain those results long-term.
-Christine
