Common GLP-1 Questions, Answered by Weight Loss Experts at U of U Health
Common GLP-1 Questions, Answered by Weight Loss Experts at U of U Health
There is no shortage of headlines about GLP-1 medications. Originally developed to manage blood sugar levels, these medications are now widely known for promoting weight loss. Alongside their rapid rise in popularity, misinformation has also increased. Weight loss specialists at University of Utah Health answer common questions from patients who are considering GLP-1 medications.
What Are GLP-1s?
GLP-1—short for glucagon-like peptide-1—is a naturally occurring hormone that the body produces when we eat food. It triggers the release of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar and increases the sensation of fullness.
“GLP-1 agonists are medications originally developed for the treatment of diabetes that mimic our own GLP-1 hormone,” says Juliana S. Simonetti, MD, a medical weight loss specialist at University of Utah Health.
GLP-1s are prescribed to adults with a BMI over 30, or adults with a BMI over 27 who also have obesity-related conditions, such as prediabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease.
GLP-1 medications currently available on the market for weight loss include:
- Weekly semaglutide injections (Wegovy)
- Daily semaglutide tablets (Wegovy)
- Weekly tirzepatide injections (Zepbound)
- Daily liraglutide injections (Saxenda)
How Do GLP-1s Work?
People who take GLP-1 medications may experience:
- Reduced appetite: They act on the brain’s appetite centers and help you feel full.
- Slower digestion: Food stays in the stomach longer, helping with fullness and steady blood sugar.
- Improved insulin function: Enhances insulin function by stimulating its release from pancreatic cells.
- Less “food noise”: Reduce thoughts about food and cravings by targeting the brain’s reward system.
Can I Take GLP-1s Just to Lose Weight?
GLP-1s are not meant for a short-term or cosmetic weight loss. These medications are FDA-approved for the treatment of obesity, a chronic disease usually characterized by a BMI of 30 or higher. They are designed to treat a metabolic condition that increases the risk of heart and liver disease, diabetes, and joint disease.
“If you just wanted to lose five or ten pounds, this is not the medication for you,” Simonetti advises.
Are GLP-1 Medications Safe?
For most people, GLP-1s are safe, but it’s essential to take them under medical supervision.
“We have more tools in our toolbox now, but it still needs to be done with medical guidance,” Simonetti says.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Reflux
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Nausea and constipation tend to improve as patients get used to taking the medication. In rare cases, patients may experience pancreatitis. If you experience any unusual pain or tenderness in your belly while on GLP-1s, contact your provider.
Who Should Not Take GLP-1s?
GLP-1s are usually not recommended for people who:
- Have severe gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroparesis
- Have an intolerance or allergy to GLP-1s
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a personal or family history of rare forms of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2
Behavioral health is an important consideration before starting GLP-1 medications. Simonetti notes that a history of trauma, eating disorders, or other mental health concerns should be carefully evaluated before and during treatment.
“Reasons for weight gain are very complex, and we need to make sure we’re addressing those pieces as well,” she adds. Your medical provider should conduct a comprehensive screening to ensure GLP-1s are right for you.
How Long Do I Stay on a GLP-1 Medication?
GLP-1 medications are considered long-term treatments. Studies show that most people regain weight after stopping these medications, as their appetite returns.
“GLP-1s are like stepping on the brakes, inducing satiety and making you feel fuller,” Simonetti says. “If you take your foot off the brake, those other mechanisms come back up.”
This is similar to those who take medication for high blood pressure or for diabetes.
“If their blood pressure improves, or the diabetes improves, it doesn't mean that that condition goes away,” Simonetti says. ”It just means that it’s currently being treated with the medication.”
After reaching your goal weight, your provider may reduce your dose but leave you on a maintenance dose.
Why Medical Supervision Matters
GLP-1 medications work best when combined with lifestyle interventions such as exercise and a healthy diet. At University of Utah Health, the Weight Management Program offers long-term care planning through a comprehensive team, including:
- Bariatric surgeons
- Obesity medicine specialists
- Sleep specialists
- Dietitians
- Psychologists
This team takes a thorough assessment of each patient’s metabolic health and provides them with a specialized plan that can include medication or surgery.
“Each individual is unique in what they need, how we should be treating them, and how we should be approaching them,” Simonetti adds.
Sustainable results depend more on a comprehensive, individualized care plan—not medication alone.
