GLP-1 drugs are being hailed as the new weight loss miracle. Social media is plastered with influencers chronicling their weight loss success with these drugs, and high-profile celebrities like Oprah and Elon Musk have given them their stamp of approval.
But what are these drugs exactly – and do they live up to all the hype? Let’s dive into the details of GLP-1 medications, how they work, and what you should know if you’re considering them. We’ll also explore the driving forces behind the obesity epidemic and how we arrived at this point.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 agonists are a class of drugs that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally produced in your small intestine that helps regulate blood sugar. These drugs were initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes. However, people taking them soon noticed an unexpected side effect: weight loss. This discovery led to a surge in demand for GLP-1 medications, with many touting them as a weight loss silver bullet.
How Do GLP-1 Medications Work?
GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the effects of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. Here’s a quick breakdown of what GLP-1 does in the body:
Increases Insulin: GLP-1 triggers the release of insulin from your pancreas, helping to lower blood sugar by converting glucose into energy.
Blocks Glucagon: Glucagon is a hormone that increases blood sugar levels. GLP-1 prevents excessive glucagon from entering the bloodstream.
Slows Down Digestion: By delaying gastric emptying, GLP-1 slows digestion and glucose absorption, helping to prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Lowers Appetite: GLP-1 acts on the hunger and satiety centers in the brain, promoting a feeling of fullness that can reduce food intake.
While natural GLP-1 breaks down rapidly, GLP-1 medications are formulated to last longer in the body, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness and, ultimately, weight loss.
List of GLP-1 Drugs
Here’s a look at some GLP-1 medications on the market:
Medication | FDA Approval Status | Patients |
Ozempic® (semaglutide injection) | Type 2 diabetes | Adults |
Rybelsus® (semaglutide tablets) | Type 2 diabetes | Adults |
Mounjara® (terzepatide) | Type 2 diabetes | Adults |
Byetta® (exenatide) | Type 2 diabetes | Adults |
Trulicity® (dulaglutide) | Type 2 diabetes | Children (ages 12+) |
Victoza® (liraglutide) | Type 2 diabetes | Children (ages 12+) |
Saxenda® (liraglutide) | Weight management | Adults and children (ages 12+) |
Wegovy® (semaglutide injection) | Weight management | Adults and children (ages 12+) |
Zepbound® (tirzepatide) | Weight management | Adults |
Most of these drugs come as injections, which you must administer to yourself daily or weekly. While primarily approved for diabetes, healthcare providers often prescribe these drugs “off-label” for weight loss.
Downsides of GLP-1 Drugs
While GLP-1 medications can lead to significant weight loss, they are not without their drawbacks:
Long-Term Use: To maintain weight loss, these drugs must be taken indefinitely. Research shows that a year after stopping semaglutide injections, people regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost.
Cost: GLP-1 drugs are expensive, costing around $1,000 per month without insurance, making them unaffordable for many.
Side Effects: Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and constipation. There is also an increased risk of pancreatitis, gall bladder disease, gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), thyroid cancer, and kidney problems.
Health experts are also concerned that GLP-1 drugs may contribute to disordered eating, as their appetite-suppressing effects could lead to restrictive eating patterns.
The Obesity Epidemic
Overweight and obesity rates have been steadily rising for decades. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 people globally live with obesity. In the United States, 42.4% of adults were obese in 2018, a significant increase from 30.4% in 1999. Nearly 3 out of 4 American adults are now overweight or obese, with children and teens also increasingly
affected.
The Root of the Obesity Crisis
The obesity crisis didn’t happen overnight. It’s deeply rooted in the transformation of the American food system. Over the years, wholesome, home-cooked meals have been replaced by packaged convenience foods and fast food, loaded with sugar, fat, and artificial additives designed to be addictive. This modern diet has contributed significantly to the rise in obesity rates. The Dangerous Reality of the Sad American Diet
A Holistic Approach to Weight Loss
While GLP-1 medications may be a powerful tool for weight loss, they aren’t the ultimate solution to the obesity crisis. Real change starts with addressing our relationship with food and making healthier choices. At Krehbiel Natural Health, we believe in a holistic approach to weight loss, one that focuses on nourishing the body, developing healthy habits, and making lifestyle changes that last. The Top 10 Benefits of the SHAPE Program
Lose Weight in a Healthy, Sustainable Way With Shape ReClaimed in Hastings, MN
Ready to lose weight and kickstart a healthy, new lifestyle? At Krehbiel Natural Health, we help our patients lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way with Shape ReClaimed.
Shape ReClaimed isn’t just a weight loss program—it’s a healthy lifestyle restoration plan that:
Cleanses your body of toxins
Balances your hormones
Resets your metabolism
Helps you develop a new, healthy relationship with food
Reduces inflammation. What is inflammation?
It’s helped thousands of people restore their health and release toxic weight for over 15 years. And it’s safe to use with or without GLP-1 meds.
Wondering if Shape ReClaimed might be right for you?
Follow these steps:
Contact us with any questions.
Book your first Shape ReClaimed visit with our holistic natural health professional. Packages available.
Feel great and restore your health with this healthy lifestyle transformation program!
Hope to connect with you soon! ❤️
To your thriving health,
Gwen Krehbiel
Certified Natural Health Professional
Certified SHAPE ReClaimed Practitioner
Certified Facial Analysis Practitioner
Certified ZYTO Practitioner
Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment. Medical conditions require medical care.
SHAPE ReClaimed has been a game changer for me. The fact that most regain weight after they stop taking GLP-1 medications and the fact that the GLP-1 drugs change a person's biochemistry are non-starters in my book. SHAPE all the way!