GLP-1 is skyrocketing in popularity as a way to treat type 2 diabetes, and to help people lose weight, according to StatPearls. A new poll from KFF Health Tracking found that 12% of U.S. adults have taken the drug—that’s one in eight people.
There’s a reason for that: The medication has been shown to be effective in helping people drop pounds. In a new multinational study, for example, participants lost significant weight, and the weight loss was sustained throughout the four years of the trial. (If you’re curious about GLP-1, chat with a ReflexMD Wellness Advisor now.)
What’s it like to live your life on GLP-1, though? It depends. “Everyone is different,” says Shirley Jiang, MD, MPH, a board-certified internal medicine physician in San Diego and Chief Medical Officer of ReflexMD.
For example, some people experience side effects while taking GLP-1, especially early on. These may include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, gassiness, stomach pain, fatigue, and headache, according to UCLA Health. Others don’t suffer from GLP-1 side effects. Some people start seeing results soon into the process. For others, weight loss doesn’t come as quickly as they expected it to.
How does this medication work? How long does it take? What to eat on semaglGLP-1utide? Can you drink alcohol? Here are answers to common questions about GLP-1 to help you decide, with your doctor, if the medication is right for you.
Top question #1: What is GLP-1 and how does it work?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration explains that GLP-1 is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. When you eat, GLP-1 gets released in your GI tract and signals your body to increase insulin, which lowers your blood sugar. This type of medication mimics the function of GLP-1. GLP-1 also makes you feel full and zaps your appetite, by sending signals to your brain.
Considering whether a weight loss medication like GLP-1 might be right for you? Chat with a ReflexMD Wellness Advisor now or take our short quiz to see if you qualify.
Top question #2: What to eat when taking GLP-1?
To maximize the weight loss benefits of the medication, it’s important to eat a healthy, low-fat diet. The USDA’s MyPlate app can help you choose balanced meals. Another smart strategy: Eat frequent, small meals throughout the day. This can especially help if you have any GI-related side effects—it makes it easier to digest your food. (Check out our guide to common side effects.)
Some people who take GLP-1 experience muscle loss, research shows, so you want to make sure you compensate for that. “Take in enough protein,” says Dr. Jiang. Lean fish, legumes, chicken, nuts and seeds, tofu and other soy products, and beef are great choices.
Mayo Clinic suggests you aim for 200 to 700 calories from protein, or 50 to 175 grams of protein. That calculation is based on 2,000 calories a day. Adjust up or down if you eat more or less than that.
Top question #3: Can I drink alcohol on GLP-1?
What to eat on GLP-1 is an important question. So is what not to eat on GLP-1. Or, in this case, drink.
“Medications like GLP-1 slow down your gut,” says Dr. Jiang. “I’ve noticed that patients who do drink alcohol while taking GLP-1 don’t tolerate it very well. For example, they can experience nausea and vomiting.”
One potential silver lining: Many people who take GLP-1 notice a change, now that they’re on the med. They say that they don’t crave alcohol anymore.
Consult with a ReflexMD prescriber to determine whether a GLP-1 could be right for your needs.
Top question #4: How long does it take for GLP-1 to begin suppressing the appetite?
According to data from Mayo Clinic, in the first four weeks of taking GLP-1, many people notice they feel less hungry. They also may start feeling fuller after meals. After five to 20 weeks on GLP-1, people commonly continue to feel that their appetite is smaller. This can extend long-term if they continue to take the med.
There are certain factors that can influence the speed of how you react to GLP-1. The Mayo Clinic data found that the faster your metabolism is, the faster your body will process GLP-1.
Interestingly, this does not mean you’ll feel less hungry right away. It means you might need a higher dose of the drug, or more frequent doses, to experience its weight loss effects. The slower your metabolism is, the quicker your appetite will probably lessen.
Also, there are things you can do to help the medication work. Follow your treatment plan correctly, reduce stress, fit in some exercise, get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and eat a balanced, healthy diet.
Top question #5: Why am I not losing weight on GLP-1?
Once you lose a certain amount of weight, you may hit a plateau. One theory about why this happens is that everyone has a metabolic set point, the weight your body “thinks” you shouldn’t dip below, explains the Cleveland Clinic.
If you go below that number on the scale, you may find it’s hard to go any lower. Often, this is because of genetics. One way to help avoid hitting a plateau, research shows, is to focus throughout your weight loss journey on building lean muscle. This helps keep your metabolism at an optimal level.
Related: How Much Weight Can You Lose In A Month?
Other research shows that if a person has fatigue and has also lost lean mass, and they hit a plateau that’s accompanied by increased tiredness, they may need a recovery period to focus on rebuilding that lost muscle mass. They also may need to temporarily increase the amount of calories they’re eating, this research shows.
Sometimes, GLP-1 isn’t the right fit. “You can use GLP-1 on a trial basis to see if it works for you,” says Dr. Jiang. “Not everyone loses weight on this medication.“
If this happens, talk to your doctor. There may be other medications, or weight loss plans, that will give you better results.
Considering whether a weight loss medication like GLP-1 might be right for you? Chat with a ReflexMD Wellness Advisor now or take our short quiz to see if you qualify.
