GLP-1 Medications: What They Are, How They Work, and What to Consider

Usually I talk about how nutrition affects mental health in perimenopausal women.

A lot of WHY nutrition is so important for mental health is because of the calming and stabilizing effects REAL FOOD has on your hormones.

And with GLP-1s being such a craze right now, it's important that we cover this important topic.

In this week's blog, you'll get a snapshot of GLP-1s so that you can be better equipped to understand what they are, their usage, and what to expect, including the all-important side effects and risks that your doctor won't go over with you but you MUST know!

LET'S GO!

GLP-1 agonists have surged into the public eye as a tool for type 2 diabetes management and weight loss. They mimic a natural gut hormone (GLP-1) to help regulate blood sugar, curb appetite, and potentially support heart health. But like any medication, they come with benefits, risks, and real-world considerations. Below is an evidence-grounded overview to help you understand what GLP-1 meds do, who they’re for, and what to think about before starting or continuing them.


What are GLP-1 agonists?

GLP-1 agonists are a class of drugs that imitate the action of the natural hormone GLP-1. The GLP-1 hormone helps lower blood sugar, but the meds are formulated to last longer in the bloodstream (days to weeks) than the body's own GLP-1. They were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes and have more recently become options for obesity and weight management.


How GLP-1 meds work (the basics):

Boosts insulin: They stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, helping move glucose from the blood into cells.

Blocks glucagon: They suppress glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, helping prevent additional glucose from entering the bloodstream.

Slows digestion: By slowing how quickly the stomach empties, they slow glucose absorption and blunt blood sugar spikes after meals.

Increases satiety: They act on brain pathways that regulate fullness, which can reduce appetite.


What they’re approved for:

Type 2 diabetes: Several GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved to improve glycemic control.

Weight management/obesity: Some GLP-1 meds are approved specifically for weight management (these are often labeled for obesity or weight loss in adults and sometimes adolescents).

Common formats: Most GLP-1 medications are injections. Some are taken daily; others weekly. There are multiple drugs in this class, each with its own approved indications, dosing schedule, and age guidelines.


Potential benefits:

Lower blood sugar: By enhancing insulin release and suppressing glucagon, these meds help improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Weight management: Several GLP-1 meds are approved for obesity; research suggests meaningful weight loss (some studies report up to about 15% of body weight over roughly 68 weeks), though results vary by drug and dosage.

Cardiovascular potential: Some evidence indicates reduced risk of heart attack and stroke in people with heart disease or obesity, though more research is needed to confirm broad cardiovascular benefits.


Potential risks and side effects:

Common side effects include nausea (the most common, affecting roughly half of users), along with diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and injection-site reactions. Headaches and minor infections (e.g., upper respiratory or urinary tract infections) can occur.

Serious risks (relative to individual factors and the specific drug) include pancreatitis, thyroid cancer risk, gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), hypoglycemia in certain contexts, gallbladder disease, and kidney issues. The risk profile varies by drug and dose.

Side effects often lessen as the body adjusts, but some people may experience persistent issues or intolerances that affect quality of life.


Cons and practical considerations:

Weight regain after stopping: Some studies suggest that weight loss may reverse after stopping GLP-1 therapy; weight can rebound if the drug is discontinued.

Long-term commitment and cost: Many patients need ongoing treatment to maintain benefits. Long-term use can be costly, with monthly costs potentially around $1,000 or more without insurance. Insurance coverage for weight loss use varies and can be a barrier.

Adherence and access: A minority of patients continue GLP-1 medications for more than a year in real-world settings, often due to cost, access, or tolerability.

Relationship with food: Because GLP-1 meds suppress appetite, there’s concern among some experts about potential effects on eating behavior or a risk of disordered eating patterns in susceptible individuals. Working with nutrition professionals can help navigate healthy eating adjustments alongside medication.

Not a magic bullet: While they support weight loss and glycemic control, these meds are part of a broader approach that includes diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and behavior change. No single medication is a cure-all for obesity.

Nutrient deficiencies: The whole point of GLP-1s is to suppress your appetite. YOU WILL NEED TO SUPPLEMENT FOR DEFICIENCIES IN YOUR DIET DUE TO NOT EATING. Sure, you'll be losing weight, but your body will be starving for the micronutrients it needs in order to function optimally at the metabolic level (which is what we're all about here at Keep It Simple Wellness!) Be sure to talk to your doctor (or me!) if you're taking GLP-1s and are looking to figure out what to supplement. 


Who might consider GLP-1 meds?

People with type 2 diabetes seeking better glycemic control.

Individuals with obesity or those who have not achieved meaningful weight loss through lifestyle changes alone.

People for whom lifestyle changes and other treatments have not yielded sufficient results, and who have discussed options with their healthcare provider.


Things to discuss with a healthcare professional:

Your goals: Are you aiming to improve blood sugar control, lose weight, or both?

Medical history and risks: Pancreatic disease, thyroid issues, gallbladder disease, kidney function, history of eating disorders, or other relevant conditions.

Drug interactions: How GLP-1 meds might interact with current medications.

Cost and coverage: Insurance benefits, patient savings programs, and generic alternatives (where available).

Monitoring plan: How your blood sugar, weight, and potential side effects will be tracked over time.


Bottom line:

GLP-1 medications offer meaningful benefits for blood sugar management and weight loss, and they may confer cardiovascular advantages for some patients. However, they come with a nontrivial side effect profile, potential long-term costs, and real-world challenges around adherence and access. They are not a universal fix for obesity, and lasting results typically depend on holistic lifestyle changes, ongoing medical guidance, and personalized care.

If you’re curious about GLP-1 meds, start with a candid conversation with your clinician about your goals, medical history, and insurance coverage.

Expect GI side effects initially, and discuss strategies to manage them if they occur.

Consider the broader weight-management plan: nutritious eating, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and behavioral support.

Be wary of hype and sensational claims online. Look for guidance from reputable medical sources and talk through evidence with your healthcare provider.

If you start a GLP-1 medication and experience significant side effects, or if cost becomes a barrier, discuss alternatives or adjustment plans with your clinician.