GLP-1 Medications: What They Are, How They Work, and What They Can’t Do
By Bogomila Tosheva | Registered Associate Nutritionist
Medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) belong to a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They were first developed to support people with type 2 diabetes, but are now also used for weight management because of the way they affect appetite and blood sugar.
Research is clear: these medications can be powerful tools. Many people notice significant weight changes, improved blood sugar control and, in some cases, better heart health.
Still, they are not magic and they don’t address every part of what it means to care for your health.
How GLP-1s Work
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your gut naturally produces after you eat.
It helps manage appetite and blood sugar by:
Slowing the rate food leaves the stomach (so you feel full for longer)
Signalling the brain to reduce hunger
Stimulating the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar rises
Reducing glucagon, a hormone that otherwise raises blood sugar
GLP-1 medications mimic these natural effects, but in a steadier, longer-lasting way. This combination makes it easier to eat less, stabilise blood sugar and support weight management.
What GLP-1s Can Offer
For many, these medications bring a sense of quiet around food — less constant thinking, fewer cravings and an ability to feel satisfied with smaller meals. That shift alone can feel life-changing.
They are also highly effective for managing type 2 diabetes, and research suggests that for those with diabetes and higher cardiovascular risk, GLP-1s may reduce the chance of heart attack and stroke.
But even with these benefits, there are limits to what medication alone can do.
What GLP-1s Don’t Teach
GLP-1s can change appetite but they don’t automatically change habits, emotions or beliefs about food.
It’s still common for people to experience:
Guilt around eating
Emotional or stress-related eating
All-or-nothing patterns with food
Because fullness can come quickly, it’s easy to under-eat without realising it. Over time, that can mean missing out on key nutrients like protein, fibre and vitamins that keep energy, muscle and mood steady.
And when medication stops, much of the weight can return if sustainable routines aren’t in place. GLP-1s work best as one part of a broader approach — not the whole picture.
They also aren’t right for everyone. Certain medical conditions or an active eating disorder mean they should only be used with close medical or psychological supervision.
Why Nutrition and Lifestyle Still Matter
This is where professional support makes a real difference.
Working with a registered nutritionist or dietitian helps bridge the gap between medication and day-to-day life.
Support might include:
Learning how to eat enough while appetite is reduced
Protecting muscle through protein-rich meals and strength-based movement
Exploring your relationship with food so eating feels flexible, not rule-driven
Building small, realistic habits that last — whether or not you stay on medication
Beyond the scale, nutrition support can help you feel more energised, improve digestion, lift mood and rebuild confidence in your ability to nourish yourself well.
The Bigger Picture
GLP-1 medications are among the most effective tools we have for supporting people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
They can quiet food noise, stabilise blood sugar and help create space for new habits.
But medication alone can’t replace the deeper work — rebuilding trust with food, protecting your health long-term and finding a rhythm that feels like yours.
Personalised nutrition and lifestyle support help turn a medical tool into a sustainable change.
👉 Curious to learn more?
You can book a free 10-minute discovery call to talk about your goals and explore whether nutrition support alongside GLP-1s feels right for you.
