GLP-1 Agonist: Friend or Foe?
And the answer to that question is… you guessed it, it depends.
Now, we're sure you’re tired of hearing that response when it comes to questions about your health, but it’s the truth. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to wellness. And GLP-1 agonists are no different.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), were originally developed for people with Type 2 diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels. Recently, you’ve likely seen them all over the media as they become more widely used for individuals living with obesity and metabolic health challenges.
Here’s What Most People Don’t Know
GLP-1 is not foreign to your body. It’s a hormone your body naturally produces in the intestines after you eat. It helps regulate:
Blood sugar levels
Appetite and hunger signals
Digestion and how quickly food leaves your stomach
So these medications aren’t introducing something foreign into your system; they’re mimicking and amplifying a hormone your body already knows how to use. That’s why people often experience noticeable dramatic shifts in hunger, satiety, and eating patterns.
What GLP-1 Medications Can Do
Reduce appetite and cravings
They act on hunger centers in the brain, increasing feelings of fullness and quieting what many now call “food noise.”
Slow digestion
Food leaves the stomach more slowly, so you feel full longer, naturally reducing portion sizes.Improve blood sugar control
They increase insulin release when blood sugar rises and decrease glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), helping maintain more stable levels throughout the day.Support weight loss
Weight changes often happen because people eat less and experience fewer cravings — not because they suddenly have more willpower.Improve metabolic health
Many individuals notice reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol, systemic inflammation, and other indicators tied to long-term health.
Now, at this point, you might be thinking:
“This sounds incredible — where do I sign up?”
And yes, on paper, it can sound like the answer many have been waiting for. But like any medication, GLP-1 agonists come with potential side effects and real considerations, including:
Loss of appetite (sometimes to the point of under-nourishing the body)
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Fatigue or difficulty tolerating certain foods
These may seem like small trade-offs, especially if you’ve battled weight or cravings for years, but here’s where it gets more complicated:
The number on the scale does not tell the whole story. And weight loss does not automatically equal health.
The Hidden Consequence Not Many Are Talking About
Not eating as much might sound like a perk at first, especially if constant hunger has felt like your lifelong battle, but loss of appetite doesn’t just mean eating less food. It means your body may be receiving less fuel than it needs to function well. Over time, this can lead to:
Dehydration
Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies
Excessive fatigue and low energy
Gallbladder issues (rapid weight loss is a known trigger)
Loss of muscle mass, which has long-term consequences
When weight drops quickly, the loss isn't just fat — it's a mix of fat, water, and muscle.
Why Muscle Matters More Than Ever
As we age, muscle isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Muscle:
Supports your metabolism (meaning you burn more calories at rest)
Helps regulate blood sugar and insulin
Balances hormones
Protects your joints and spine
Improves posture and reduces pain
Maintains strength, mobility, and independence as you age
Simply put: more muscle means more energy, more resilience, and more longevity. Losing it - especially unknowingly - is not something you want to ignore, especially if medications blunt hunger cues and make it easy to under-eat without realizing it. And if protein intake and strength training aren’t intentionally prioritized, muscle loss is almost guaranteed.
Protecting muscle is not optional. It’s the difference between looking smaller and being healthier.
The Myth We Have to Retire
If you take only one thing from this article, let it be this:
GLP-1 medications are not magic.
They do not guarantee health, healing, confidence, or a peaceful relationship with food.
No medication, device, shake, or hack can replace habits.
Long-term, sustainable results, the kind that last after the prescription ends, will always require behavior and lifestyle change.
GLP-1’s Can Be Part of a Successful Plan - But Only If:
You’re monitored by a qualified medical provider
You’re not losing weight too quickly
You’re eating adequately and intentionally
You’re consuming enough protein to protect muscle
You’re engaging in resistance training and movement
You’re addressing emotional and stress-based eating patterns
You’re building habits you can continue without the medication
This is where a team approach becomes invaluable.
A physician ensures safety, dosing, and medical oversight.
A coach helps you nourish your body, protect your muscles, rebuild routines, and navigate the mental and emotional side of change, so this isn’t just another short-term fix.
Together, they help you:
Maintain muscle
Increase movement when your energy returns
Rebuild trust with your body
Create habits that support long-term success, not just a moment on the scale
Medication may change your hunger, but habits change your life.
