GLP-1 Thoughts From a Risk-Averse Nutrition Coach
Why I’m Sharing a Risk-Averse Perspective on GLP-1 Medications
As a nutrition coach who works with a lot of clients with significant weight loss goals, I get asked a lot about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Whether the question comes from a loved one, a client, or an acquaintance, I always start the conversation with one big disclaimer: I consider myself a risk averse person, and my risk aversion will always inform my viewpoint.
Part of the reason we wanted to have this more risk-averse viewpoint in this article is that it can feel like a lot of the conversation surrounding GLP-1 medications can lack nuance. Either it’s a miracle drug that will help you lose weight and cure your inflammatory diseases, or it will make you miserable and is somehow single-handedly responsible for the return of beauty standards defined by unhealthy and unnatural thinness.
With all the chatter surrounding GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, it’s important to ask the following:
How can you approach making a decision based on fact instead of hyperbole?
And how can you assess what level of risk you are comfortable with?
What GLP-1 Medications Can Do (and What They Can’t)
Kate has a great overview of the possible benefits and risks associated with GLP-1 medications, for those who aren’t already familiar. A quick overview is that possible benefits include improved blood sugar control, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, increased satiety. Meanwhile, common side effects include gastrointestinal distress (including gastroparesis or delayed stomach emptying), appetite so reduced that it becomes hard to keep your body properly fueled, potential muscle loss, and increased risk of osteoporosis.
When you’re making health-related decisions, I don’t believe that there is a right or wrong answer, just risks, side effects, and outcomes you can live with and ones you find unacceptable.
With GLP-1 medications, there’s additional complexity because of the nature of weight loss and how it impacts and is impacted by our relationship with food and our body. A risk-averse approach means weighing not just weight loss, but mental health, relationship with food, and long-term sustainability.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a GLP-1 Medication
Here are some self-assessment questions to ask yourself if you’re considering a GLP-1 medication that can help you determine both if it’s a good option and if you’re in a mental space where you’re capable of making as objective a decision as possible:
What are my hopes/expectations for taking this medication?
Am I hoping this medication will change how I feel about my body?
Would I still take this medication if I knew my weight wouldn’t change?
Do I fear that I will feel (or continue to feel) out of control without this medication?
Have I assessed and acknowledged the possible mental health side effects of this medication?
Am I comfortable with the idea of taking this medication for the rest of my life?
Are there side effects that would cause me to discontinue the medication, even if I was losing weight?
When GLP-1s Can Complicate an Already Tough Relationship With Food
Additionally, here are some common behaviors of concern that could either be masked or aggravated by taking a GLP-1 medication:
You feel panicky about your weight
You view it as a way to “fix” your eating habits (primarily by eating less, rather than eating more mindfully or intentionally)
You have a poor relationship with food or your body that you haven’t begun working on
You are in patterns of skipping meals, restricting foods, or restriction/overeating cycles
Your mental health is not in a strong spot
How to Support Your Health Long-Term
If you do decide to take a GLP-1 medication, having these items in mind can help you assess whether your ongoing health outcomes are aligned with any potential risks. And it can also help you identify and acknowledge any of those potential side effects if they do materialize, which could be incredibly impactful in the case of any mental health side effects. And if you’re on a GLP-1 receptor agonist, here’s a look into habits that will support your health alongside GLP-1 medications.
A Final Thought on Risk, Consent, and Self-Trust
Whatever you decide, assessing the risks and benefits and deciding what is and isn’t acceptable to you is a great place to start. I also recommend you write down what that “unacceptable” list includes in case you get there but are happy enough with your weight loss progress that you’re tempted to ignore it and push on.
There’s no right or wrong decision with GLP-1 medications — only risks, side effects, and outcomes you personally can or can’t live with.
The version of you doing the risk analysis now is often more reliable than the version chasing results later.
If you’re on a GLP-1 (or considering it), having the right support can make all the difference. Apply to work with a KLN coach—we’ll help you build habits, protect your health, and make sure your results are sustainable long term.
Whitney Landon-Berg
Strength enthusiast and behavior change nerd who helps clients navigate significant weight loss goals with compassion and a no-shame, real-life approach to nutrition.
You might also like
Sign Up for the newsletterFollow KLN on social media