If you’re considering medical weight loss, GLP-1 medications might be top of mind. These weight loss supports often help, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
Luis Wilmot Jr., MPAS, PA-C, at Bio-X Weight Loss Center in Round Rock and Austin, Texas, has made medical weight loss a central focus of the practice, and he has many tools to develop a plan tailored to your needs.
GLP-1 medications are a great example. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, and the term most often refers to GLP-1 receptor agonists. Most people associate GLP-1s with powerful weight loss drugs.
So let’s talk about some common myths surrounding this class of medication.
There are several types of GLP-1s, including the brands Wegovy®, Zepbound®, and Ozempic®. They’re prescription drugs available only through medical professionals, so never trust online marketing that promises to deliver off-brand or discount GLP-1 medications.
We gather information about your health before suggesting a weight loss medication. Some people respond better to one medication over another, so it could take time to find the right fit. Be patient, and track how the medication makes you feel, positively and negatively.
That information helps us customize your drug therapy over time.
GLP-1s are synthetic versions of a hormone your body produces naturally in your small intestine. Synthetic versions boost the effects of your natural GLP-1 in several ways, including:
These effects help manage your hunger, so you eat less at meals. Consuming fewer calories forces your body to tap into the energy stored in your fat cells, which leads to weight loss over time.
Weight loss drugs can absolutely help you shed excess pounds and move closer to a healthy weight. But they shouldn’t be the only part of your weight loss plan. Improving your everyday habits is critical for successful weight loss, even if you also use weight loss medication.
For example, boost your nutrition by adding healthy foods to your meal planning. It’s a great way to not only lose weight, but also to fuel your body for success. One way to approach this is to focus not on restricting food, but on adding a more complex range of healthful foods.
Set a goal to eat a certain number of plant-based foods each week. It's a great way to try fruits and vegetables you haven't had before and to find some new favorites. Increase your goal every week or so to keep it interesting.
Everyone has a unique experience with GLP-1 medication, and there’s no set timeframe for taking these drugs. Some people need to remain on GLP-1s longer than others.
But that doesn’t mean you must take GLP-1 medication for the rest of your life to keep the weight off. One of the best things about these medications is that they control your appetite and help you build meals around smaller portions.
Over time, you get accustomed to eating a healthier amount at each meal, and that becomes the amount your body and brain expect.
The US food supply has shifted toward huge portion sizes of highly processed meals over the past few decades, which is partly why so many Americans are overweight or obese.
Weight loss medications such as GLP-1s help you reset your approach to food and meal planning. Once you reach a healthy weight and maintain those results for a while, you may be able to stop taking the medication and rely on lifestyle modifications alone.
When you’re ready to achieve your weight loss goals, the team at Bio-X Weight Loss Center is standing by to provide accurate, science-backed guidance, including on weight loss medication. Book your visit by phone or online today.
