Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, often called GLP-1, promote weight loss by helping you feel full sooner and longer. They were first used to treat type 2 diabetes, and their prescriptions increased by more than 700% between 2019 and 2023.
Today, GLP-1s are available for weight loss, but many misconceptions exist about how best to use these medications.
1. Myth: GLP-1s are an “easy fix” for weight loss
It may seem nice to think about taking GLP-1 and watch the numbers on your scale go down without making any other changes. But these medications work best when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
“The scale is important, but what constitutes that number is much more important,” says Matthew Fourman, MD, a bariatric surgeon in private practice in Columbus, Ohio. “These medications are not a substitute for good diet and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. »
When you take GLP-1, a healthy diet, physical activity, quality sleep, and stress management work together to help you achieve lasting results, says Bronwyn Holmes, MD, a women’s health physician in private practice in Silicon Valley, California. Dr. Holmes advises medical providers on treatments such as GLP-1. “Weight loss becomes temporary when patients stop taking their medications because they lack essential elements for weight management,” she says.
2. Myth: Most people have side effects
“One of the biggest myths people hear about GLP-1 is that most people have side effects,” says Holly Lofton, MD, an obesity medicine specialist at NYU Langone Health in New York. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common side effects of GLP-1, but these symptoms are not inevitable.
A study review looked at the side effects of GLP-1 and found that only about 12% of people taking these medications experienced them. But side effects depend on which GLP-1 you take, and their severity can vary.
For example, two studies found that semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea more often than other types, but liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) causes more problems with the gallbladder and pancreas.
These side effects are more common when you start taking a GLP-1 or when your dose increases, but they often improve as you take them regularly, says Dr. Lofton.
3. Myth: You can eat whatever you want while taking GLP-1
Sometimes people believe that their GLP-1 treatment makes all food choices acceptable, says Holmes. “But GLP-1 drugs produce their best results when patients consume nutrient-dense, protein-based meals while maintaining regular hydration,” she says.
Due to GLP-1-related decreased appetite, some people may not eat enough protein, leading to muscle loss. “Adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining favorable body composition,” says Holmes. Even in the best case scenario, where enough protein is consumed, some weight loss still comes from lean mass (muscle and bone).
Your exact protein recommendations while taking GLP-1 will depend on your gender, weight, and daily calorie goal. But experts suggest aiming for 80 to 120 grams (g) of protein per day (16 to 24 percent of your calories).
4. Myth: Doctors don’t know if GLP-1 is safe
If you think GLP-1s are too good to be true, you’re not alone. And some people worry about the safety of these drugs. But Lofton says she doesn’t hesitate to prescribe them. “These drugs were tested in clinical trials for safety and effectiveness for many years before being released to the market,” she says.
Not only have large-scale studies shown that GLP-1 is safe, but it also improves overall longevity by tackling other health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Some weight-loss drugs have been made unavailable due to side effects, Lofton explains: “[but] GLP-1s remain on the market and are considered safe and effective.
However, some compounding companies and pharmacies have created their own GLP-1 blend. These are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and therefore may not be as safe as options prescribed by your doctor.Additionally, experts do not recommend GLP-1 during pregnancy.
5. Myth: You can always take higher doses if weight remains stable
Healthcare providers usually start taking GLP-1 at a low dose and increase it every four weeks until you reach your target dose. But the dose cannot be increased indefinitely, explains Dr. Fourman. Some clinicians increase the dose more slowly than every four weeks, aiming to limit side effects and contribute to lasting lifestyle changes.
“There has to be some nuance and intelligence when it comes to managing each patient,” Fourman says. “Plateaus do occur, but continuing to increase the dose consistently may result in an increased frequency of complications.”
Most people also don’t take GLP-1 long-term, and studies have only observed people taking it for up to three to four years. Some people stop taking GLP-1 medications because of side effects. Others stop taking them due to high out-of-pocket costs, lack of insurance coverage, or changes in insurance coverage.
Takeaways
GLP-1s have helped thousands of people lose weight by suppressing appetite, but myths still exist around these popular medications.
Since GLP-1 can cause rapid weight loss, some people think they can eat whatever they want, skip exercise, and increase their dose as many times as needed.
When taking GLP-1, you need more protein in your diet, regular exercise, excellent sleep, and stress management to achieve the best, longest-lasting results.
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