Losing weight can be hard when diet and exercise don’t seem to work. Many people are now talking about GLP-1 medications that help with weight loss. These medicines can help you feel less hungry and lose more weight than with just diet and exercise alone. In this guide, we’ll explain what GLP-1 is, how it works, who can use it, and what to expect.

What Is GLP-1?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It’s a hormone your body makes in your gut. When you eat food, your body releases this hormone. GLP-1 helps in these ways:

• It tells your brain you’re full
• It slows down how fast food moves through your stomach
• It helps control your blood sugar

GLP-1 medications work like the natural hormone in your body. They help you eat less and feel full longer.

Types Of GLP-1 Medications

There are several GLP-1 medications that doctors can prescribe. Here are the main ones:

For Weight Loss:

• Wegovy (semaglutide)
• Zepbound (tirzepatide)
• Saxenda (liraglutide)

For Diabetes (sometimes used for weight loss):

• Ozempic (semaglutide)
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
• Trulicity (dulaglutide)
• Victoza (liraglutide)
• Rybelsus (oral semaglutide)

Most GLP-1 medications come as shots you give yourself once a week. Some, like Rybelsus, come as pills you take by mouth.

How Do GLP-1 Medications Help With Weight Loss?

GLP-1 medications help you lose weight in several important ways:

They Make You Less Hungry

When you take GLP-1 medications, you don’t feel as hungry between meals. Some people even forget to eat! This helps you eat less food without feeling hungry all the time.

They Make You Feel Full Faster

These medications make you feel full after eating less food. This means you might eat smaller meals and still feel satisfied.

They Slow Down Digestion

GLP-1 medications slow down how fast food moves through your stomach. This keeps you feeling full longer after meals.

They Help Control Blood Sugar

They help your body manage blood sugar better. When your blood sugar is stable, your body stores less fat and you have fewer cravings.

How Much Weight Can You Lose With GLP-1?

Most people lose about 10-15% of their starting weight within a year of taking GLP-1 medications. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, you might lose 20-30 pounds.

Some people lose even more weight – up to 20% of their starting weight with medications like tirzepatide (Zepbound).

Remember that results vary from person to person. Some people lose less weight, while others lose more.

Who Can Take GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 medications aren’t for everyone. Here’s who might be able to use them:

Adults With Higher BMI

You might qualify for GLP-1 weight loss medication if:

• Your BMI is 30 or higher, or
• Your BMI is 27 or higher and you have weight-related health problems

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a way to measure if your weight might affect your health.

People With Weight-Related Health Issues

If you have health problems related to weight, you might benefit from GLP-1 medications:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea
• Heart disease
• Fatty liver disease

People Who Have Tried Other Methods

GLP-1 medications are often prescribed for people who haven’t been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone.

Who Should Not Take GLP-1 Medications?

These medications aren’t safe for everyone. You should not take GLP-1 medications if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers
• Have had pancreatitis
• Have severe kidney or liver problems
• Have a history of eating disorders

Always talk to your doctor about your health history before starting any new medication.

Side Effects Of GLP-1 Medications

Like all medications, GLP-1s can cause side effects. Most are mild and get better over time.

Common Side Effects

Many people have these side effects when they first start taking GLP-1 medications:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach pain
• Feeling tired

These side effects usually go away after a few weeks as your body gets used to the medication.

Less Common But Serious Side Effects

Some rare but serious side effects need medical attention right away:

• Severe stomach pain that doesn’t go away (could be pancreatitis)
• Allergic reactions
• Gallbladder problems
• Kidney issues
• Low blood sugar (if you also take diabetes medications)

If you have any severe side effects, call your doctor right away.

How To Get The Best Results With GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications work best when combined with healthy habits. Here’s how to get the most benefit:

Eat Healthy Foods

Even though you’ll feel less hungry, the types of food you eat still matter:

• Eat plenty of protein (like chicken, fish, eggs, beans)
• Include vegetables and fruits
• Choose whole grains over processed foods
• Drink plenty of water

Stay Active

Regular exercise helps you lose more weight and keep it off:

• Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days
• Include both cardio (like walking) and strength training
• Start slowly if you’re new to exercise

Work With Healthcare Providers

For the best results:

• Keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor
• Consider working with a dietitian for meal planning
• Track your progress and any side effects

How To Get GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Here’s how to get started:

Talk To Your Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss if GLP-1 medications are right for you. They will:

• Check your BMI
• Review your health history
• Discuss the benefits and risks
• Order any needed tests

Check Insurance Coverage

Not all insurance plans cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss:

• Call your insurance company to check coverage
• Ask about prior authorization requirements
• Look into savings programs from drug manufacturers

Consider Telehealth Options

If in-person appointments are hard to schedule, some healthcare providers offer virtual visits for GLP-1 prescriptions.

Cost Of GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications can be expensive. Here’s what to know about costs:

Without Insurance

Without insurance, GLP-1 medications can cost between $900-$1,350 per month.

With Insurance

With insurance coverage, your costs might be much lower, but it depends on your plan:

• Some plans cover with a copay of $25-$100 per month
• Many plans don’t cover these medications for weight loss
• Medicare does not cover GLP-1s for weight loss (only for diabetes)

Savings Programs

Most manufacturers offer savings cards or patient assistance programs that can help lower costs.

What Happens When You Stop Taking GLP-1?

It’s important to know what happens if you stop taking GLP-1 medications:

Weight Regain Is Common

Most people gain back some or all of their weight if they stop taking the medication.

Why? Your Hunger Returns

When you stop the medication, your appetite returns to its previous level, making it harder to eat less.

Long-Term Use May Be Needed

For many people, GLP-1 medications are not a short-term fix but a tool for long-term weight management.

Transition Strategies

If you need to stop the medication, work with your doctor on a plan to:

• Taper off slowly if possible
• Focus even more on healthy eating habits
• Increase physical activity
• Monitor your weight closely

Beyond Weight Loss: Other Benefits Of GLP-1

GLP-1 medications do more than just help with weight loss:

Heart Health Benefits

Recent studies show some GLP-1 medications can:

• Lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Improve blood pressure
• Help with cholesterol levels

Blood Sugar Control

These medications help manage blood sugar, which is especially helpful for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Quality Of Life Improvements

Many people report:

• More energy
• Less joint pain
• Better sleep
• Improved mood
• More confidence

Myths And Facts About GLP-1 Medications

Let’s clear up some common misunderstandings:

Myth: “GLP-1s Are Just Diet Pills”

Fact: GLP-1 medications work with your body’s own hormones and affect multiple systems, not just appetite.

Myth: “You Can Take GLP-1s For A Few Months And Be Done”

Fact: For most people, GLP-1s are tools for long-term weight management, not quick fixes.

Myth: “You Don’t Need To Diet Or Exercise While Taking GLP-1s”

Fact: Healthy eating and activity are still important for the best results.

Myth: “GLP-1s Work The Same For Everyone”

Fact: Results vary widely from person to person based on many factors.

The Future Of GLP-1 Medications

The field of GLP-1 medications is growing quickly:

New Medications In Development

Scientists are working on:

• New types of GLP-1 medications
• Pill forms that are easier to take
• Combinations with other hormones for better results

Wider Uses Being Studied

Researchers are looking at whether GLP-1s might help with:

• Addiction and cravings
• Fatty liver disease
• Heart failure
• Kidney protection

More Access In The Future

As more research shows the health benefits of these medications, they may become:

• More affordable
• Covered by more insurance plans
• Available to more people who need them

Final Thoughts

GLP-1 medications have changed how we treat weight problems. They work with your body’s own systems to help you eat less and lose weight. For many people who struggle with weight loss, these medications can be life-changing.

Remember that GLP-1s work best as part of a complete plan that includes healthy eating and regular activity. They’re not magic pills, but tools that can help you reach your health goals.

If you think GLP-1 medications might be right for you, talk to your doctor at Yorktown Health Vernon Hills. Our healthcare team can help you decide if these medications fit your needs and health history.

Weight loss is a journey, and having the right tools can make all the difference. With proper medical support and healthy habits, GLP-1 medications can help you achieve lasting results for better health.