GLP-1 Medications: What They Are, How They Work, and What They Can’t Do
Medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are part of a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs were originally developed to help people with type 2 diabetes, but they are now widely prescribed for weight management because of their impact on appetite.
Research has shown that they can be incredibly effective tools. Many people experience significant weight loss, better blood sugar control, and in some cases, improvements in heart health. But as powerful as they are, they aren’t a magic solution and they can’t address every challenge people face on their health journey.
How GLP-1s Work
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut after we eat. It plays a key role in regulating appetite and blood sugar. One of its main effects is on the brain’s appetite centres, where it helps signal fullness and reduces hunger. It also slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach, meaning you feel satisfied for longer.
At the same time, GLP-1 stimulates the pancreas to release insulin in response to rising blood sugar levels, and it lowers the release of glucagon, a hormone that would otherwise raise blood sugar.
GLP-1 medications mimic these natural effects, but in a stronger and longer-lasting way. This combination makes it easier for people to eat less, stabilise blood sugar, and lose weight.
What GLP-1s Can Achieve
The benefits of GLP-1s are well documented. Many people find that, for the first time in years, they are no longer constantly thinking about food. They may feel fuller after smaller meals, experience fewer cravings, and find it easier to reduce calorie intake without the constant struggle of ‘willpower’.
Alongside weight changes, GLP-1s are highly effective in improving blood sugar control, which is why they remain a first-line treatment in type 2 diabetes. Evidence also suggests that for people with diabetes and high cardiovascular risk, GLP-1 medications can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
For many, these effects are life-changing but it is just as important to understand the limits of what GLP-1s can do.
What GLP-1s Can’t Do
Despite their effectiveness, GLP-1s do not address everything that contributes to health, nutrition, or long-term behaviour change. They don’t automatically teach you how to eat well or repair your relationship with food. Many people still experience food guilt, emotional eating, or restrictive dieting patterns even when their appetite is reduced.
Because these medications often make people feel full quickly, it can be easy to under-eat without realising it, which may lead to missing out on important nutrients like protein, fibre, or vitamins.
It’s also worth noting that GLP-1s don’t guarantee sustainable lifestyle change. Studies show that once people stop taking the medication, much of the weight loss can return unless new habits have been built alongside it. These medications are most effective when combined with personalised nutrition and lifestyle support.
Finally, GLP-1s are not suitable for everyone. They are contraindicated for people with certain medical conditions and should not be used in anyone with an active eating disorder, unless closely supervised by a doctor or mental health professional.
Why Nutrition and Lifestyle Support Matter
This is where working with a registered nutritionist or a dietitian becomes super helpful. While GLP-1s can make eating less feel easier, they don’t replace the need for evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
Support can include guidance on how to eat enough of the right foods while still benefiting from reduced appetite, and how to protect muscle as much as possible through protein-rich meals and strength-based movement. It can also involve exploring your relationship with food — shifting away from rigid dieting rules and helping you enjoy eating without guilt. Just as importantly, it means focusing on small, realistic behaviour changes that can be maintained for the long term, whether or not you remain on the medication.
Looking beyond the number on the scales, nutrition support can help you feel more energised, improve your mood, support digestion, and give you confidence in your ability to nourish yourself well.
Final Thoughts
GLP-1 medications are one of the most effective medical tools we’ve ever had for supporting people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. They can reduce appetite, improve blood sugar, and help people lose a significant amount of weight. But they are only one piece of the puzzle.
To truly benefit in the long term, it’s important to combine them with nutrition and lifestyle strategies that support your health, preserve muscle as much as possible, and strengthen your relationship with food. That’s where personalised support can make all the difference — helping you not only reach your goals but maintain them in a way that feels sustainable and empowering.
👉 Curious to learn more? You can book a free 10-minute discovery call to chat about your goals and see how I can support you.
