The GLP-1 Weight Loss Craze: How Did We Get Here?
- Gwen Krehbiel
- Oct 8, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 6
GLP-1 drugs are being hailed as the new weight loss miracle. Social media is plastered with influencers chronicling their weight loss success with these drugs, and high-profile celebrities like Oprah and Elon Musk have given them their stamp of approval.
But what are these drugs exactly – and do they live up to all the hype? Let’s dive into the details of GLP-1 medications, how they work, and what you should know if you’re considering them. We’ll also explore the driving forces behind the obesity epidemic and how we arrived at this point.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 agonists are a class of drugs that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally produced in your small intestine that helps regulate blood sugar. These drugs were initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes. However, people taking them soon noticed an unexpected side effect: weight loss. This discovery led to a surge in demand for GLP-1 medications, with many touting them as a weight loss silver bullet.
How Do GLP-1 Medications Work?
GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the effects of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. Here’s a quick breakdown of what GLP-1 does in the body:
Increases Insulin: GLP-1 triggers the release of insulin from your pancreas, helping to lower blood sugar by converting glucose into energy.
Blocks Glucagon: Glucagon is a hormone that increases blood sugar levels. GLP-1 prevents excessive glucagon from entering the bloodstream.
Slows Down Digestion: By delaying gastric emptying, GLP-1 slows digestion and glucose absorption, helping to prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Lowers Appetite: GLP-1 acts on the hunger and satiety centers in the brain, promoting a feeling of fullness that can reduce food intake.
While natural GLP-1 breaks down rapidly, GLP-1 medications are formulated to last longer in the body, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness and, ultimately, weight loss.
List of GLP-1 Drugs
Here’s a look at some GLP-1 medications on the market:
Medication | FDA Approval Status | Patients |
Ozempic® (semaglutide injection) | Type 2 diabetes | Adults |
Rybelsus® (semaglutide tablets) | Type 2 diabetes | Adults |
Mounjara® (terzepatide) | Type 2 diabetes | Adults |
Byetta® (exenatide) | Type 2 diabetes | Adults |
Trulicity® (dulaglutide) | Type 2 diabetes | Children (ages 12+) |
Victoza® (liraglutide) | Type 2 diabetes | Children (ages 12+) |
Saxenda® (liraglutide) | Weight management | Adults and children (ages 12+) |
Wegovy® (semaglutide injection) | Weight management | Adults and children (ages 12+) |
Zepbound® (tirzepatide) | Weight management | Adults |
Most of these drugs come as injections, which you must administer to yourself daily or weekly. While primarily approved for diabetes, healthcare providers often prescribe these drugs “off-label” for weight loss.
Downsides of GLP-1 Drugs
While GLP-1 medications can lead to significant weight loss, they are not without their drawbacks:
Long-Term Use: To maintain weight loss, these drugs must be taken indefinitely. Research shows that a year after stopping semaglutide injections, people regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost.
Cost: GLP-1 drugs are expensive, costing around $1,000 per month without insurance, making them unaffordable for many.
Side Effects: Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and constipation. There is also an increased risk of pancreatitis, gall bladder disease, gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), thyroid cancer, and kidney problems.
Health experts are also concerned that GLP-1 drugs may contribute to disordered eating, as their appetite-suppressing effects could lead to restrictive eating patterns.
The Obesity Epidemic
Overweight and obesity rates have been steadily rising for decades. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 people globally live with obesity. In the United States, 42.4% of adults were obese in 2018, a significant increase from 30.4% in 1999.
Nearly 3 out of 4 American adults are now overweight or obese, with children and teens also increasingly affected.
The Root of the Obesity Crisis
The obesity crisis didn’t happen overnight. It’s deeply rooted in the transformation of the American food system. Over the years, wholesome, home-cooked meals have been replaced by packaged convenience foods and fast food, loaded with sugar, fat, and artificial additives designed to be addictive. This modern diet has contributed significantly to the rise in obesity rates. The Dangerous Reality of the Sad American Diet
A More Thoughtful Path Forward
GLP-1 medications can play a role for some individuals, but they are not a complete solution—and they do not address the underlying patterns that drive metabolic imbalance, inflammation, or disrupted appetite regulation.
Lasting change requires understanding why the body is responding the way it is and what it needs to function more efficiently—whether or not medications are part of the picture.
At Krehbiel Natural Health, I take a root-cause, anti-inflammatory wellness approach that focuses on:
Metabolic and blood sugar balance
Nervous system and stress regulation
Hormonal support
Inflammation reduction
Sustainable nutrition and lifestyle habits
This approach can be used with or without GLP-1 medications, depending on individual needs and medical guidance.
Wondering What Makes Sense for Your Body?
If you’re considering GLP-1 medications—or already using them—and want guidance on how to support your body safely and effectively, the next step is personalized insight, not another protocol.
Book a Self-Sabotage Breakthrough Session
The Self-Sabotage Breakthrough Session is a one-on-one appointment designed to:
Explore underlying drivers of weight resistance, inflammation, and metabolic stress
Clarify whether lifestyle, nutrition, and anti-inflammatory support may benefit you alongside (or instead of) medication
Identify practical next steps tailored to your body, goals, and health history
This session provides clarity and direction so you can make informed decisions—without hype or pressure. Hope to connect with you soon! ❤️
Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment. Medical conditions require medical care.
SHAPE ReClaimed has been a game changer for me. The fact that most regain weight after they stop taking GLP-1 medications and the fact that the GLP-1 drugs change a person's biochemistry are non-starters in my book. SHAPE all the way!