When you need to lose weight and feel like nothing’s working, it’s easy to become despondent, but you’re far from alone. Many people struggle with weight loss, even when they eat healthily and stay active. That’s where GLP-1 medications can help.
These newer treatments have been making headlines, and for good reason — multiple studies demonstrate weight loss of between 15% and 25% after a year. But who are they really for? Your primary care team at Hopkins MD is here to break it down for you.
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It’s a hormone your body naturally makes to help control blood sugar, insulin, and digestion. GLP-1 medications mimic this hormone. They slow down the speed at which your stomach empties, help you feel full longer, and reduce hunger.
Well-known GLP-1 medications include semaglutide (Wegovy® and Ozempic®) and tirzepatide (Zepbound® and Mounjaro®). Scientists originally created these medications for patients with type 2 diabetes, but the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved them for weight loss in certain people.
GLP-1 medications aren’t for everyone. To qualify, you typically need to meet one of two criteria. Either you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or over or have a BMI measuring 27 or above with a weight-related health condition, such as:
We calculate your BMI based on your height and weight. While it’s not a perfect measure, it gives us a general idea of your health risk. However, BMI isn’t the only thing we consider. As your primary care provider, we also look at:
For example, we note if you have other medical conditions that could affect your ability to lose weight, such as hypothyroidism.
Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, particularly as part of a medical weight loss program, are typically the first and best way to lose weight.
Certain drugs may not mix well with GLP-1s. For example, combining insulin or other medicines for diabetes with GLP-1s could cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
You need to be ready to commit to long-term changes. While GLP-1 medicines are effective, they aren’t a miracle cure. You must still adopt a healthier lifestyle for long-term weight management success, like eating balanced meals, staying active, and managing stress.
We also check for any health issues that might make GLP-1 meds unsafe for you, such as a history of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, or some digestive problems.
Many people on GLP-1 drugs lose a significant amount of weight. For example, someone weighing 200 pounds could lose 20 to 30 pounds and maybe more. But the benefits go beyond the number on the scale. These medications can also help:
However, like all medications, GLP-1s can cause side effects. The most common ones include:
Most side effects are mild and improve over time. We usually start with a low dose and slowly increase it to help your body adjust.
Serious side effects could occur in rare cases, including pancreatitis or gallbladder problems. That’s why working closely with us and reporting any unusual symptoms is so important.
If you’re interested in GLP-1 medication, the first step is a conversation. We look at your medical history, talk about your goals, and decide together if it’s a good fit. If it’s not the right time or option, don’t worry; we have other tools to help you succeed with weight loss, including behavioral health and wellness, meal replacement shakes, and nutritional supplements.
What works for one person might not work for another, so at Hopkins MD, we take the time to get to know you, your body, and your health needs. Call the office in Roseville or Lincoln, California, at 916-253-9996 to discuss GLP-1 medications, or complete the online inquiry form. Together, we’ll create a weight loss plan that supports your long-term health.
