For decades, a variety of weight loss medications offering varying results have come and gone. GLP-1, medications are different. These ground-breaking drugs target the root causes of obesity in a whole new way. But, while these medications can offer hope for many people struggling with obesity, they may not be an appropriate fit for everyone.
Let’s take a closer look: GLP-1 stands for “glucagon-like peptide-1,” a hormone naturally produced in your body. Originally developed to manage high blood sugar in people with diabetes, these medications have proven to be game-changers for weight loss. How do these medications work? In simple terms, they help regulate the hormones that influence hunger and cravings.
A powerful tool for managing weight.
Because these medications are given in high doses, either as a pill or an injection, they send strong signals to your brain’s hunger center. This creates a lasting feeling of fullness, known as satiety, making it much easier to say no to temptations. But it doesn’t stop there. GLP-1s also block cravings, which are controlled by a different part of the brain. This dual effect gives you the power to resist the addictive pull of unhealthy foods.
Imagine this: after a meal, instead of feeling hungry just a few hours later, your stomach stays content for longer because the medication slows down digestion. At the same time, your body is working smarter. These medications boost the release of insulin, which helps shuttle sugar from your blood into your muscles for energy. It’s like giving your body the tools it needs to function smoothly and efficiently.
A beginning for lasting change.
GLP-1s don’t just help you eat less, they change how your body and mind respond to food. With this support, you can regain control and make lasting changes to your health. We know that for people with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, semaglutide can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and death by as much as 26%! So, for individuals who have significant metabolic health issues, these new medications can finally offer a breakthrough.
But what do they mean for the rest of us who are simply thinking of trying them for weight loss, or already using them? My view is that they can be a useful tool to help launch a healthier lifestyle. It’s pretty toxic out there, and there are many biological, psychological, environmental, and logistical barriers to overcome – not to mention Ruffles potato chips and Häagen-Dazs ice cream.
These drugs are effective but complex.
If you’ve been in purgatory with alternating diets, cleanses, rigorous boot camps, and yo-yo weight patterns, this new revolution may be just what the doctor ordered. However, it’s important to realize that GLP-1s are not cures, but catalysts. They were never intended to be a permanent solution. What they offer is a kind of training wheel. Taking super large doses of these medications is not a one-and-done but the start of a story that should have its own beginning, middle, and end.
While GLP-1s can offer us a fighting chance to take control of our health and our lives, they also come with risks and side effects. Before deciding to use GLP-1s—or any medication—you should carefully consider your personal health conditions and history. Consult with your healthcare professional and weigh the pros and cons carefully.
My new book My Prescription for Life is a roadmap to understanding the full potential of these medications and how to use them as a stepping stone toward lasting health and well-being. Watch for it on Amazon/Kindle?
