We’ve been watching GLP-1 and semaglutide weight loss drugs for quite some time now, and we’re finally ready to discuss. As a nutritionist and from a big picture perspective, it seems like these drugs would be helpful. But they come at a cost — financial and physical. Understanding the pros/cons of taking these drugs will hopefully help you make educated decisions, whether you’re just curious about them or ready to try them.
Explanation of GLP-1 drugs
GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1 with the active ingredient semaglutide) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). The GLP-1 hormone helps with appetite and satiety, insulin sensitivity, stomach emptying, blood sugar level hormones, and more. The GIP hormone helps with appetite, insulin sensitivity, fat metabolism and storage, blood sugar levels, and stomach acid.
GLP-1 drugs work by binding to GLP-1 receptors resulting in the same effects as the GLP-1 and GIP hormones. This class of drugs is called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists (but some of the drugs work on one hormone and some on both). Originally used to treat type 2 diabetes and more recently approved for weight management, drugs in this class include liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), and dulaglutide (Trulicity).
Weight loss effectiveness
This class of drugs has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight. Most people report reduced appetite and fullness for a longer period of time, slowing gastric emptying. They are generally considered safe when used as prescribed and under medical supervision.
Common Side Effects
As with most medications, there are side effects to taking these medications.
Common side effects reported – Wegovy
- motion sickness
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- constipation
- stomach (abdominal) pain.
- headache
- fatigue (fatigue)
- stomach disorders
Common side effects reported – Ozempic
- motion sickness
- diarrhea
- stomach (abdominal) pain.
- vomiting
- constipation
The positives about the weight loss drug GLP-1
- Effectiveness: Semaglutide drugs have shown significant effectiveness in promoting weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that people using semaglutide weight management drugs can achieve significant weight loss compared to those taking a placebo. It works and works faster than diet changes alone.
- Food control + chatter: GLP-1 drugs mimic the appetite-regulating hormone, so they reduce hunger, the brain’s food chatter, and cravings, making it easier for people to stick to a weight-loss diet. People think less about food while taking GLP-1 drugs.
- Metabolic Benefits: In addition to weight loss, GLP-1 drugs sometimes improve blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles. These benefits contribute to better overall health. YES to that.
- Cardiovascular Benefits: There is relatively new evidence to suggest that these drugs may have cardiovascular benefits, including reducing cardiovascular events such as heart disease and stroke.
- Ease: Semaglutide is taken once a week, per dose, which is convenient for people who prefer this method of administration over daily oral medications.
- Security Profile: Semaglutide was generally well tolerated in clinical trials. Common side effects are annoying but not horrible for most people and tend to lessen over time.
- Motivation and Compliance: The weight seems to come off quickly, which is an incentive for people to keep taking it in regular increments.
- Medical Supervision + Guidance: Treatment for weight loss usually involves supervision by doctors who can monitor progress, adjust doses as needed, and provide support.
The NEGATIVES about the weight loss drug GLP-1
- Disadvantages of interruption: If you stop taking it, it stops working – meaning you gain your weight back plus some.
- Unknown Long Term Effects: We just don’t know much about the long-term impact on the body of this class of drugs. Newer drugs mean there is no long-term data on side effects.
- Gastrointestinal Side Effects: One of the most common side effects of semaglutide is gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea + constipation, especially initially or at higher doses.
- Injection site reactions: Semaglutide is given by subcutaneous injection once a week. Some people may experience injection site reactions such as pain, redness or itching.
- High cost: GLP-1 drugs are expensive, especially if not covered by insurance.
- Limited availability: The availability of semaglutide for weight loss may vary by region or country, and access to qualified healthcare providers who can prescribe and monitor its use may be limited.
- Body/organ hazards:
- Kidney function: Semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists may require monitoring of renal function, especially in individuals with pre-existing renal disease or risk factors.
- Pancreatitis and gallbladder problems: There have been concerns about pancreatitis and gallbladder related issues.
- But Possible issues: There may be certain medical conditions or histories, such as a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) syndrome, where this type of medication is not recommended.
MOST IMPORTANT: These medications are NOT a substitute for long-term diet + lifestyle changes. While these medications can help with weight loss, they are most effective when used in conjunction with healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. Relying solely on medication without considering lifestyle factors is NOT recommended for long-term success.
Dietary changes are critical to successful long-term weight loss + management. Individualized ongoing changes in total caloric intake, macronutrient balance, and food variety and seasonality contribute to long-term weight loss success. Simply taking GLP-1 drugs will NOT address this very important part of a healthy lifestyle.
Weight loss plateaus
We see many levels of weight loss from people taking GLP-1 drugs. Under medical supervision, they still experience metabolic adjustment problems or weight loss plateaus. As you lose weight, your body’s metabolism slows down, making it harder to keep up regular weight loss. Keeping an eye on your calorie and macro breakdowns, as well as your whole food choices will help prevent weight loss.
Muscle Loss
One of the most common issues that has been identified with these drugs is the composition of the pounds lost. Instead of losing fat, people lose a combination of fat and muscle, and usually more muscle than fat. To ensure that you do NOT lose muscle, you must EAT to maintain your muscle.
The answer: Long-term weight loss requires good nutrition + lifestyle habits
If you don’t have good eating habits to maintain the weight loss, you will return to your old weight. It is so simple. These habits are learned over time and integrated into your lifestyle. At Healthy Nest Nutrition, we teach you how to eat for your goals so you can maintain your loss and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Food behavior changes are an individualized skill that must be tested, practiced and refined into a confident lifestyle over time. Owner and holistic nutritionist Robin Hutchinson is here to help you succeed — with or without these new weight loss drugs. Contact us today for a free phone consultation to see if Healthy Nest is right for you.
