The Complicated Truth About GLP-1 Medications: Benefits, Risks, and Everything In Between
The evolving conversation around GLP-1 medications
In full transparency, my opinions around GLP-1 medications - Semaglutides like Ozempic and Wegovy, or Tirzepatide medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound - change almost every single day.
I see the incredible research coming out about the benefits of GLP-1 agonists and know there is so much good coming from these medications that goes far beyond weight loss. I’ve worked with several clients whose lives have been markedly improved: blood panels, energy levels, health markers, eating habits, and even self-confidence have all shifted in meaningful ways.
And at the same time, I know we’re also seeing these medications (unsurprisingly) misused and abused, playing a big role in fatphobia and the resurgence of dangerous thin ideals. I’ve known individuals who weren’t necessarily indicated for these prescriptions experience significant and debilitating side effects. I’ve also seen how the absence of “food noise” can turn into a new type of noise where weight loss and constant body composition changes become the next obsession.
Here’s the great thing: as an evidence-led nutrition coach, my opinion doesn’t matter nearly as much as experience and ever-evolving, evidence-based recommendations. The pros and cons can exist at the same time.
And that’s actually a good thing.
Because if we can step back from all-or-nothing thinking, we can hold space for nuance, acknowledging the life-changing potential of GLP-1s while also being honest about their risks, limitations, and cultural impact. This isn’t about picking a side. It’s about asking better questions, staying curious, and making sure the conversation goes deeper than “this is a miracle drug” or “these are a huge mistake” while also working to eliminate the stigma around these medications.
The “miracle” side: What are the benefits of GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications have been game-changing for many users, especially as their impact is becoming clear beyond just weight loss or weight-related concerns. GLP-1 medications improve blood sugar control, reduce cardiovascular risk, increase satiety, and may even reduce food-related anxiety.
Here are some of the main metabolic and health benefits of GLP-1s
Improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes
Increase glucose uptake and decrease insulin resistance
Reduce inflammation in the body (by increasing ability of macrophages to work and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines)
Lower the risk of cardiovascular disease
Additional lifestyle and quality-of-life improvements
Increase satiety and satisfaction with meals
Reduce anxiety around food and minimize “food noise”
Decrease alcohol intake by impacting reward centers in the brain
For some, these medications have been the first tool that’s worked after years of frustration, trial, and error navigating weight loss and health goals. We know weight loss is not just about “willpower” or “trying harder;” genetic and environmental factors are constantly at play and obesity is a multifaceted disease with many different moving parts.
Beyond positive lab results, I’ve seen people gain confidence, feel more in control of their eating habits, and finally break free from the exhausting mental loop of constant hunger. I’m especially fascinated by the use of these medications in addiction and substance use disorder since GLP-1 agonists target the brain’s reward pathways.
Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and future GLP-1 medications are here to stay, and so reducing stigma around their use (no, they’re not a “shortcut” or “cheating”) and acknowledging their benefits is essentia.
The messy reality: What are the risks and side effects of GLP-1 medications?
Success stories don’t exist in a vacuum. Alongside life-changing shifts, there are real concerns and potential harms, especially as these medications become more easily available and used for those not necessarily indicated. The most common side effects of GLP-1s are nausea, gastrointestinal distress, reduced appetite, and potential muscle loss if nutrition isn’t supported.
Access and equity challenges
Use by people without a clear medical need, purely for aesthetic weight loss
Supply shortages that limit access for those who truly need the medication
High cost and lack of insurance coverage for some individuals
Compounded versions with questionable quality control
Online prescriptions without proper medical oversight
Physical side effects and unintended consequences
Significant gastrointestinal issues that impact daily life
Appetite reduction that can lead to under-fueling or nutrient deficiencies
Muscle loss and higher risk of osteoporosis due to inadequate nutrition
Reinforcing harmful cultural messages that eating less is always better
Lately there has been quite the surge of influencers on social media recommending GLP-1 use for individuals without overweight and obesity, and while that may be a recommendation in the future, there just isn’t data and findings to support that recommendation right now and such recommendations may be risky and irresponsible.
GLP-1 medications: Why nuance matters
GLP-1 medications aren’t inherently good or bad; they’re a tool. And like any tool, how they’re used (and the systems they’re used within) determines the outcome.
The challenge is recognizing their potential without losing sight of the bigger picture. That means:
Protecting access for people who medically benefit from these medications
Reducing stigma around use of these medications
Staying aware of the ways diet culture can distort their use and messaging
Following evidence-based guidance while also considering real-world experiences
Recognizing that lifestyle changes and supportive habits must exist alongside medication
As the research evolves, so will the conversation. In the meantime, we can commit to two things:
Keeping the dialogue around GLP-1 medications benefits and risks evidence-based and free from fearmongering and stigma.
Making space for both the wins and the concerns. Because when it comes to health… the truth usually lives somewhere in between.
This is a topic I will continue to talk about, especially as I support several of my own clients through their GLP-1 journey. In upcoming posts I will share more about how we mitigate side effects as well as how we can create supportive habits and improve our relationship with food in conjunction with use of these medications.
glp-1 frequently asked questions
Q: What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), are injectable drugs that mimic the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar, appetite, and weight.
Q: Do GLP-1 medications work for weight loss?
Yes, GLP-1s can support weight loss, but their impact goes beyond weight. They improve blood sugar control, reduce cardiovascular risk, and decrease food-related anxiety (“food noise”).
Q: What are the most common side effects of GLP-1s?
The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and sometimes muscle loss if nutrition isn’t managed properly.
Q: Are GLP-1 medications safe long-term?
Research is ongoing, but current data shows strong benefits when prescribed appropriately. Long-term safety depends on medical supervision, adequate nutrition, and addressing risks like under-fueling.
Q: Where can I learn more about GLP-1 medications?
I have released two podcast episodes on the topic of GLP-1 medications, and will continue to do so as the research progresses. For now, you can listen to our Season 3 episode, GLP-1 Medications Explained: All You Need to Know in 2025, on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
If you’re considering a GLP-1 medication, talk to a trusted healthcare provider about the benefits, risks, and how it fits into your long-term health strategy. And if you want to explore nutrition and lifestyle tools that work alongside - or instead of - medications, that’s where my team and I can help.