To Take a GLP-1 or Not?—Insight on This Disputed Question

GLP-1 medication has become quite the trend lately. Whether that’s good or bad depends on who you talk to. One thing is clear though, there is a lot of back and forth discourse about the topic. This can make it hard to discern if you want to take a GLP-1 or not.

My goal for this article isn’t to sway you one way or the other. I’ll be sharing my experience in how I came to a decision. But, more importantly I will share what this medication is, what it does, and more.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not represent health advice. Please talk to your doctor what's right for you.

What Is A GLP-1?

According to the National Academy of Medicine GLP-1s are “medications that mimic a natural hormone in the body that helps to regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.” What started as a Type 2 diabetes treatment has now helped a plethora of people lose weight.

The main function of this medication is to increase feelings of fullness and reduce appetite. A lot of users say that it quiets the “food noise” they used to have. 

My Experience And Viewpoint On GLP-1s

For some quick backstory about me, you should know that I have been overweight almost all of my life. I’ve tried countless diets and workout programs on and off but haven’t been able to stick to anything long-term.

I let my pride get in the way anytime bypass surgery was brought into the conversation. I felt like I needed to do it naturally.

Any help like that would be “cheating.” So you can imagine what my viewpoint on GLP-1 medication was when they started to become a part of the conversation.

When Things Changed

My opinion changed on both surgery and GLP-1 after my first meeting with a weight loss doctor. I had recently gone through a gallbladder removal surgery and the doctor gave me some sobering advice about the direction my health was going.

I knew I needed to get serious about getting healthy again. At that first appointment my doctor told me to think of weight loss surgery and GLP-1 as a tool. I still needed to do the work, but those tools make it more achievable.

Where I Stand Now

It still took me a while to get on board with starting a GLP-1 medication. I will admit the side effects and horror stories got to me. After actually taking the time to do some research I decided it was time to just try it.

You never know what will happen until you try right? If you are wondering if this is a path you should take, keep reading as I share the pros and cons.

The Pros and Cons Of Taking A GLP-1

There are many pros and cons when thinking about starting a GLP-1. This medication can work wonders for some people, or be too much for others. It’s important to consider both sides, while also keeping in mind you may not experience them all.

To make things even more confusing, there are a variety of GLP-1 medications, as well as areas where you can inject the medication that can affect your experience. This is why I strongly suggest talking over your options with a doctor before deciding and during your treatment. 

The Pros

Besides the obvious, weight loss, there are several other pros you may experience while taking this medication. Reduced blood pressure and reducing your risk of heart disease and liver disease are just some of the other benefits.

GLP-1s can also be beneficial with other medical issues like sleep apnea and PMOS. Then when you think of the benefits of weight loss in general (improved mood, more energy, better well-being) you can see just how plentiful the pros are.

The Cons

Before you get excited, we’ve got to talk about the not so fun aspects of taking a GLP-1 medication. In most cases this is what holds people back the most. You’ll have to decide for yourself if you can handle these cons.

• Side Effects: These are different for every person taking a GLP-1. Some of the most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches. A lot of the time these side effects can be managed by simple fixes and supplements. I recommend keeping a journal of your symptoms so you can talk them over with your doctor throughout your GLP-1 journey.
• The Cost: This medication is expensive, and insurance doesn’t always cover it. Not to mention adding in your supplements, protein powder, and anything else you buy to help you find success using the medication. It’s definitely worth looking around at different pharmacies to find the best deal.
• It’s Long Term: as I mentioned before, GLP-1s aren’t meant to be a quick fix. It’s something you will need to take long term, as many have gained weight back after stopping. Remember this as you decide if a GLP-1 is right for you.

How To Decide If A GLP-1 Medication Is Right For You

I think the biggest deciding factor on whether or not you should take the medication is to reflect on your why for wanting to. If you have a medical reason or want help creating a healthier lifestyle, GLP-1s could be a great tool for you.

However, if you are looking for a quick fix and don’t plan on actually changing your eating and work out habits, or you are wanting to do it because your favorite celeb/influencer, this probably isn’t something you need to do. The cost is also a barrier for most. 

At the end of the day as long as you have talked to your doctor, weighed the pros and cons, and determined why you want to take a GLP-1, you will arrive at the decision meant for you.

Final Thoughts on Deciding to Take a GLP-1 or Not

I hope this has been a helpful article for you. Deciding to start a GLP-1 medication isn’t as easy as some make it seem when you consider all it involves.

Whether or not you choose to go down this route, I hope you can be confident in your decision and know that it’s what is best for you.

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