The Truth About GLP-1 Medications And Weight Loss: 3 Things These Dietitians Want You To Know
“Everyone is getting skinny right now except for me.”
Changing bodies in the media are leaving many people—especially women—feeling like everyone around them is losing weight. It’s increasing body dissatisfaction and creating pressure to do something about it.
First, if you feel this way too, you are not alone.
And what that also means is…not everyone is getting skinny.
It may feel that way, but what you’re experiencing is the very real impact of today’s weight loss culture—and the increasing visibility of GLP-1 medications.
Why Everyone Is Talking About GLP-1 Medications and Weight Loss
While we can never truly know what causes a person’s body to change, we are hearing a lot of speculation about GLP-1 medication use. We are answering many questions and helping clients decide whether these medications are right for them.
If you have questions too, here are three important things to understand about GLP-1 medications and weight loss:
GLP-1 medications do not directly cause weight loss in body fat. They work by decreasing appetite, slowing digestion, and reducing the drive to eat…not by targeting fat itself.
Many people stop taking GLP-1 medications. Research shows that about 65% discontinue within one year (even more by the second year), often due to cost, side effects, or sustainability challenges.
Weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medications is common. Most people regain some or all of the weight once the medication is discontinued, which is consistent with how the body responds to many weight loss interventions.
Are GLP-1 Medications Bad?
No. GLP-1 medications can be incredibly helpful tools, especially for people with type 2 diabetes, where natural GLP-1 levels and activity are often lower. In those cases, these medications can improve blood sugar management and support overall health.
What we don’t see them as is the magic bullet for weight loss they’re often marketed to be.
When used primarily for weight loss, they function similarly to many other short-term approaches…and like many other short-term approaches, they often result in weight regain once stopped.
This isn’t a failure of the person. It’s a reflection of how human physiology works.
The Real Problem With Short-Term Weight Loss Approaches
At Simple Nutrition, we care more about health than weight.
That’s why we don’t recommend short-term weight loss plans. Research shows that weight cycling (losing and regaining weight repeatedly) is associated with increased risk for chronic conditions like high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Ironically, these are often the very health concerns people are trying to prevent through weight loss.
Sustainable health comes from consistent, supportive behaviors, not temporary interventions that fight against your body.
If all of this has left you feeling discouraged, confused, or wondering what you’re “supposed” to do…you’re not alone.
The pressure to lose weight right now is real. But your health and worth are not defined by whether your body changes.
At Simple Nutrition, we help people focus on sustainable health, improve medical conditions, and rebuild trust with their bodies…without dieting, shame, or extremes.
Whether you’re considering GLP-1 medications or simply want a different approach to nutrition, you deserve support that meets you where you are.
You don’t have to figure it out on your own.
If you want to learn more about working with us, you can click here.