{"id":642,"date":"2024-08-26T18:07:49","date_gmt":"2024-08-26T18:07:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reflexmd.com\/?p=642"},"modified":"2025-11-14T15:58:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T20:58:56","slug":"life-on-gpl-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reflexmd.com\/blog\/glp-1\/life-on-gpl-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Life on a Prescription GLP-1: Your Top 5 Questions, Answered\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GLP-1 is skyrocketing in popularity as a way to treat type 2 diabetes, and to help people lose weight, according to StatPearls<\/a>. A new poll<\/a> from KFF Health Tracking found that 12% of U.S. adults have taken the drug\u2014that\u2019s one in eight people.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a reason for that: The medication has been shown to be effective in helping people drop pounds. In a new multinational study<\/a>, for example, participants lost significant weight, and the weight loss was sustained throughout the four years of the trial.\u00a0(If you\u2019re curious about GLP-1, chat<\/a> with a ReflexMD Wellness Advisor now.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s it like to live your life on GLP-1, though? It depends. Everyone is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>. Others don\u2019t suffer from GLP-1 side effects. Some people start seeing results soon into the process. For others, weight loss doesn\u2019t come as quickly as they expected it to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top question #1: What is GLP-1 and how does it work?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considering whether a weight loss medication like GLP-1 might be right for you? Chat<\/a> with a ReflexMD Wellness Advisor now or take our short quiz<\/a> to see if you qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top question #2: What to eat when taking GLP-1?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To maximize the weight loss benefits of the medication, it\u2019s important to eat a healthy, low-fat diet. The USDA\u2019s MyPlate<\/a> 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\u2014it makes it easier to digest your food. (Check out our guide to common side effects<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people who take GLP-1 experience muscle loss, research<\/a> shows, so you want to make sure you compensate for that. Take in enough protein. Lean fish, legumes, chicken, nuts and seeds, tofu and other soy products, and beef are great choices.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mayo Clinic<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top question #3: Can I drink alcohol on GLP-1?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What to eat on GLP-1 is an important question. So is what not<\/em> to eat on GLP-1. Or, in this case, drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medications like GLP-1 slow down your gut. Some patients who do drink alcohol while taking GLP-1 don\u2019t tolerate it very well. For example, they can experience nausea and vomiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One potential silver lining: Many people who take GLP-1 notice a change, now that they\u2019re on the med. They say that they don\u2019t crave alcohol anymore.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n