GLP-1 medications are highly effective at suppressing appetite, shutting down persistent thoughts of food, and making us feel full. They can be a game changer in the battle against obesity and all the negative effects it brings. But rather than being the only way, they should be seen as a catalyst within a broader transformation.
As with many medications, GLP-1s come with side effects (some of them serious), but the benefits are also profound. The continual challenge is that ultra-processed food is readily available, cheap, and addictive, and to find a path to better health and well-being, we must remove this from our diet.
Balancing risk and reward.
We know that the Standard American Diet (SAD) isn’t very good for us. GLP-1s can combat its addictive effect, but even though our ancient brains respond very well to these medications, we need to be cautious about using them as a long-term solution. Several factors must be taken into account, including the costs, risks and benefits, and available alternatives.
So the question remains, should you use these medications? This is an important question, and the decision isn’t always a simple one. It has to take into account the many factors – biological, genetic, behavioral, psychological, social, and environmental – that contribute to weight gain and obesity in the first place. Humans are complex, and each one of us is a little different.
What is best for you?
Many people reading this will have struggled with their weight for a long time. They’ll be wondering if GLP-1s are worth trying or, if they’re already on them, worrying about whether the drugs will continue to work or if they’ll need to take them for the rest of their lives.
This might be the situation you find yourself in. If so, you are not alone. A lot of my work over the last 23 years has been in the study of good and bad habits, and how they can serve us well or be to our detriment. As humans, we know intrinsically what will make us healthy and what can erode our health, too.
Find balance.
To make the best choice, we need to focus on what truly supports your health, well-being, and long-term goals. For an in-depth look and to understand if GLP-1s are right for you, head over to page 60 of My Prescription for Life and then take Dr. A’s Food Addiction Quiz found on page 63. You can get your copy of My Prescription for Life here.
Be sure to connect with your healthcare professional to get a baseline assessment of your current health. The choice of approved weight loss medication can then be made more effectively and will be based on your goals, health needs, and how your body might respond.
