What are GLP-1 Medications?

The search for effective and safe weight loss treatment seems never-ending. But the newest anti-obesity medication, GLP-1 medications, is still making waves more than a year after its 2021 approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The injectable drug, initially only used as diabetes medication, is the first drug since Saxenda (2014) approved to treat chronic weight management in the 70% of American adults who are obese or overweight. Research continues to show the effectiveness of GLP-1 medication injections for weight loss. It also highlights the value of treating obesity as a chronic metabolic disease instead of expecting people to rely solely on willpower and lifestyle changes to manage their condition. But GLP-1 Medications are not a miracle drug. And it’s not for everyone.

Here’s what you need to know about GLP-1 Medications:

What are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 Medications belong to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, released in the gut in response to eating.

One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar (glucose). For that reason, health care providers have used GLP-1 medications for more than 15 years to treat Type 2 diabetes.

But GLP-1 in higher amounts also interacts with the parts of the brain that suppress your appetite and signal you to feel full. When used in conjunction with diet and exercise, it can cause significant weight loss — and a reduced risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease — in people who are obese or overweight.

GLP-1 medications Injections for Weight Loss

Currently, GLP-1 medications is only approved for weight loss and the typical dose for weight loss is 2.4 milligrams, administered weekly as subcutaneous (under the skin) self-injections.

Book Now

How effective is GLP-1 medications for weight loss in non-diabetics?

There have been several anti-obesity medications that help suppress appetite and achieve weight loss. But GLP-1 medications perform on a new level.

An early study of 2,000 obese adults compared people using GLP-1 medications plus a diet and exercise program with people who made the same lifestyle changes without GLP-1 medications. After 68 weeks, half of the participants using GLP-1 medications lost 15% of their body weight, and nearly a third lost 20%. Participants who incorporated only lifestyle changes lost about 2.4% of their weight.

Since then, additional studies have shown similar results. But It’s also revealed that participants tend to regain the weight loss when they stop taking GLP-1 medications if they go back to pretreatment habits and overeating.

What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications injections?

The side effects of GLP-1 medications are typically mild — especially when compared to the complications associated with overweight and obesity.

People taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss may experience:

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation and gassiness

• Headache

• Stomach issues, including nausea, vomiting, pain, or distension (bloat)

Gastrointestinal issues are the most common complaints among people just starting GLP-1 medications. But you may be able to reduce the side effects by beginning on a lower dose and then slowly increasing the amount you take.

Who Should (And Should Not) Take GLP-1 medications For Weight Loss?

Options for GLP-1 medications used in overweight adults may be right if you are overweight.


Avoid GLP-1 medications if you have:

• History of medullary thyroid cancer

• History of gallbladder disease

• History of pancreatitis

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)


If you’re considering GLP-1 medications for weight loss, you can make an appointment with our Nurse Practitioner. You can make a 15-minute appointment for a consult to see if this might be an option for you. If you feel you are the right candidate and want to proceed with our weight loss program you can make a one-hour initial evaluation with our Nurse Practitioner which will give time for a complete evaluation and education on our program. Patients will commit to a 3-month program to start. The cost of the initial 3 months is $1125 and includes the following:

Initial full evaluation with a weight-in, dietary education, and demonstration of self-injection. This will be with our Nurse Practitioner.

Three 30-minute visits with our NP to evaluate any side effects of GLP-1 medications. Our GLP-1 medications have B6 incorporated to help with possible nausea.

Up to 6 further touch bases with our NP (virtual, in person, or by phone).

Labs are needed before prescribing treatment. If you have lab work in the past 6 months from another provider, please bring a copy to the first appointment. If not, you will be sent to an off-site lab for minimal labs. These will be at a cost to the client and run usually less than $40. The only extra cost is labs that need to be completed prior to treatment and after 6 months of treatment.

Share by: