Hey Reader,​

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Last week I gave a presentation on GLP-1s & the Future of Weight Management. One of the questions I was asked afterwards was this:

“Why don’t you think GLP-1s are just another passing weight-loss fad?”

In the health and fitness world, I’ve seen opinions about GLP-1 medications ranging from:

“Taking a GLP-1 is cheating. Just eat less and exercise more!” 🙄🤦‍♀️

To people arguing that intentionally losing weight, even with medication, reinforces fatphobia and society’s obsession with thinness.

And just about everything in between.

The reality is complicated, and as usual, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

There will certainly be people who misuse these medications in pursuit of extreme thinness.

Heck, I’ve even heard of bodybuilders now using micro dosing to manage the intense hunger that comes with preparing for a competition. That raises its own questions about where medical treatment ends and physique enhancement begins. 🤷‍♀️

There are also people who could medically benefit from them but avoid them because they’re afraid of being judged or believe they should be able to lose weight on their own.

And some are wondering whether these medications are just the latest trend.

So here’s a little history you might not know about GLP-1 medications.

Scientists have been studying GLP-1 since the 1980s. One of the early breakthroughs even involved a substance discovered in the saliva of a Gila monster. (Yes, a venomous lizard.)

The first GLP-1 medication was FDA-approved in 2005 for type 2 diabetes, and the first specifically for weight management was approved in 2014.

So we’re talking about more than 40 years of research and over 20 years of medications being used clinically.

Does that mean they’re risk-free? Of course not. There’s still plenty we’re learning, especially about newer formulations and long-term use. But that history is one reason I believe GLP-1 medications are likely here to stay.

What also has my attention is the relief some people describe from food noise, the constant mental chatter about food: what to eat, when to eat, guilt about eating. For some people, it can feel all-consuming.

Imagine living with that chatter for decades while hearing, “Eat less. Move more. Try harder.”

That advice overlooks how hard someone may already be trying, and how much their biology can influence the effort required.

The possibility of that kind of relief, alongside improvements in health and everyday life, is HUGE. 🤯

But I’ve also seen the other side: people struggling to get adequate nutrition, losing muscle and strength, and experiencing side effects, sometimes to the point that lifting a 10-pound dumbbell becomes a challenge.

I recently saw a post in a GLP-1 community from someone who’d gone from 215 to 135 pounds in less than a year, without exercising, and their goal was "How low can I go?"

My immediate concern? How much muscle and bone density might they have lost along the way?

Of course, people taking GLP-1s can have very different experiences, and the support they need can look different, too.

​Dr. John Berardi describes 5 challenges people may experience while taking GLP-1s.

• Strength: You’re losing weight, but you’re also noticing that you’re getting weaker. Preserving muscle and strength becomes a priority.
• Fuel: Your appetite has dropped so much that getting enough food, protein, vitamins, and minerals feels difficult. Your energy may be suffering, too.
• Fitness: Your usual workouts feel different. Sessions that once energized you now leave you drained, or you’re working hard without seeing the progress you expected.
• Recovery: You feel exhausted, struggle to get through the day, or notice you’re having a harder time recovering despite continuing to push yourself.
• Result: Your progress has stalled, and you need help figuring out how to move past the plateau and work toward lasting results.

You might recognize yourself in more than one. What matters is understanding where you might need support.

My stance? I don’t put GLP-1 medications on a pedestal, and I don’t paint them as villains.

Having worked with clients taking these medications, I put a lot of emphasis on adequate nutrition, strength training, and habits that fit their lives. Our coaching focuses on helping them put those pieces into practice so they can preserve muscle, support their health, and feel strong and capable along the way.

Whatever approach you’re taking to managing your health, I believe you deserve accurate information, individualized support, and freedom from judgment as you make decisions with your healthcare providers.

Taking a GLP-1, considering one, or just curious? Hit reply and tell me what’s on your mind.

Until Next Time,