GLP-1 weight loss medications, such as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound™, and semaglutide, are not just promising in their potential to combat obesity but also in their market growth. These weight loss medications mimic the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is naturally produced in the body and helps regulate appetite and food intake. A February 2024 MarketWatch report projects a staggering growth rate of more than 20% annually, with the GLP-1 market set to reach a whopping $133 billion worldwide by 2030. With a potential user base of 30 million in the United States alone, accounting for about 9% of the population, awareness and utilization of GLP-1s are increasing due to their effectiveness. Most people who take a GLP-1 for some time lose up to 20% of their body weight—remarkable results indeed.
When considering any medication, it’s crucial to weigh the risk-benefit ratio. Does the benefit outweigh the risk? This decision should be made with your healthcare provider.
The potential benefits of GLP-1s include:
- Weight loss
- Obesity management
- Reduced cravings or “food noise”
- Improved lipid disorders
- Improved fatty liver disease
- Reduced risk of kidney disease
- Delayed progression of diabetes-related nephropathy
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
- Lower risk of stroke
Ongoing studies are exploring the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications for other conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These potential future uses indicate a promising future for the GLP-1 drug class, with the potential to expand their benefits beyond weight loss and obesity management.
However, like any medication, GLP-1s come with possible side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Pancreatitis
- Diarrhea
- Injection site reaction
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Muscle loss
- Fatigue
- Anhedonia (lack of joy in eating and other life activities)
For a comprehensive list of efficacy and safety data, review the prescribing information for each medication or visit the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System website. It is crucial to stay informed and consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Now That You Have Your GLP-1 and Are Ready to Start, What’s Next?
At this stage, you might need additional guidance on personalizing your journey. Your healthcare provider or pharmacy can help with questions about the medication, but what about all the other essential aspects of a successful weight loss journey?
When you engage a GLP-1 weight loss coach from Beyond the Box Nutrition®, you will receive accountability, education, support, and encouragement.
Here are some of the things our weight loss coaches can assist with while you’re taking a GLP-1:
- Navigating difficult insurance coverage questions
- Finding your medication if there are supply chain issues
- Understanding the importance of consuming protein while taking a GLP-1
- Ensuring you’re losing fat, not valuable muscle mass
- A coach can help identify and address emotional triggers that lead to overeating, providing strategies to cope with stress, boredom, self-sabotage, or sadness in healthier ways
- Recommending the best exercises to do while you’re taking your GLP-1
- Suggesting supplements to help with cravings
- Helping you create a plan for when it’s time to transition to maintenance mode once you reach your goal weight
Taking medication alone is never the magic solution everyone hopes for. When you combine behavior change, mindset shifts, and develop self-belief, then the GLP-1 can work its magic. The GLP-1 is not the magic; you are!
Complete our contact form to schedule a free 30-minute call. We’ll help determine if a Beyond the Box Nutrition® weight loss coach is right for you.