Fact vs. Fiction
GLP-1 agonists are a class of medication, often administered as an injectable, that help manage blood sugar levels. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite by stimulating insulin release when glucose is elevated, slowing stomach emptying, and increasing fullness after eating. It also helps by lowering another hormone (called glucagon) that raises blood sugar. GLP-1 agonist medications are manufactured to mimic this hormone.
While originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications have become frequently used for weight loss, marketed under names such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Though a popular option, there are many misconceptions surrounding these medications. Here, we’ll separate fact from fiction with insight from experts in the community.
Fiction
GLP-1 medications are only for people with diabetes.
Because these medications can promote weight loss, the FDA currently approves liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound) for chronic weight management in appropriate patients. Typically, a healthcare provider may prescribe a GLP-1 medication if a patient is overweight and has other health conditions that could be improved by losing weight. Overweight is considered a BMI of 25 to 29.9.
“Generally, good candidates include patients with a BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. In clinical studies, patients typically lose about 10-20% of their body weight. In real terms, this may translate to 20-50 pounds, depending on a person’s starting weight and the specific medication,” says Dr. Jaime Ponce, president and medical director of the Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga. “These medications are particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with hunger control, insulin resistance, or weight regain. Careful medical evaluation is essential to ensure safety and appropriateness.”
In addition to weight loss, research has shown that GLP-1 agonists may lower the risk of certain serious health conditions, such as kidney disease, heart disease, heart failure, and stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic. Patients have also seen blood pressure improve, though researchers have still not determined if these benefits are from the medicine itself or as a result of weight loss.
Fact
Lifestyle changes are still necessary when taking a GLP-1 medication.
While patients may still lose weight on GLP-1 medications without dietary changes or increased physical activity, this can lead to unhealthy weight loss, increased side effects, and a higher likelihood of gaining the weight back.
“The medications are a very effective tool to use when learning new, healthier dietary habits,” says Dr. Rishabh Shah, bariatric surgeon with CommonSpirit Medical Group – Medical Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery. “When you pair positive lifestyle changes with the medications, you maximize the health benefits and potential weight loss.”
While GLP-1 medications may reduce hunger, they do not ensure adequate protein intake, strength preservation, hydration, sleep quality, or muscle maintenance – each of which plays a critical role in long-term health. Alongside these medications, experts recommend eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and managing stress to influence long-term outcomes.
“Eating adequate amounts of protein is essential for muscle preservation, along with physical activity. Equally important is adequate fiber and water intake to improve gut health and try to offset gastrointestinal side effects,” advises Dr. Shah. “Pairing a proper diet with adequate exercise will maintain or increase muscle mass, which also helps fat loss.”
Fiction
GLP-1 medications are a “quick fix.”
According to Dr. Ponce, patients often assume that these medications alone will solve weight problems, or that once the weight is gone, they can stop the medicine without consequences.
“In reality, obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease with complex hormonal regulation. GLP-1 medications help correct some of the biological drivers of hunger and insulin resistance, but they are tools, not cures,” says Dr. Ponce. “Long-term success requires medical supervision, behavioral changes, nutrition support, and ongoing follow-up. When patients understand this, outcomes are significantly better.”
A realistic weight-loss goal and timeline is in the range of 10–20% of total body weight over 6–18 months, depending on the specific medication and dosage. Weight loss occurs gradually, and plateaus are both normal and expected.
“Structured follow-up allows us to adjust nutrition, activity, dosing, or combination therapy when needed,” adds Dr. Ponce. “The focus is not just on scale weight but also on improvements in metabolic health, blood pressure, lipids, and quality of life.”
Fact
GLP-1 medications are not the only option.
“Obesity is a chronic disease, and just like any other chronic disease, it needs multiple treatment options,” says Dr. Shah. “Bariatric surgery is the best option for dramatic and long-lasting weight loss, but the GLP-1 medications are a great option for people with less weight to lose or for whom surgery is not a good option.”
According to Dr. Shah, bariatric surgery helps patients lose around 25-30% of their total weight, with GLP-1 medications helping patients lose 15-20%.
“We have data from surgery, which has been around longer, showing 80% of patients maintain weight loss long term,” continues Dr. Shah. “Long-term data for GLP-1 medications is not yet available, but recent data shows that 65% of people stop the medication after 1 year and 80% after two years. Short-term data does show that the vast majority of people regain weight after stopping GLP-1 medications.”
Ultimately, experts emphasize that successful treatment goes beyond any single solution.
“Obesity treatment should always be individualized, medically supervised, and free of stigma. For some patients, medication alone may be appropriate; for others, combination therapy, including surgical options, may offer more durable and meaningful results,” adds Dr. Ponce. “The key message is that obesity is treatable, and patients deserve comprehensive, science-based care rather than fragmented or cosmetic approaches that offer only a single solution. When we treat obesity as the chronic disease that it is with structure, expertise, and compassion, we see transformative improvements not only in weight, but in overall health, confidence, and quality of life.”
Jaime Ponce, MD, FACS, FASMBS, FIFSO
President and Medical Director, Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga
Rishabh Shah, MD, MBA, FACS, FASMBS
Bariatric Surgeon, CommonSpirit Medical Group - Medical Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery
Meet the Author
Ali Lemmons, BS, Summa Cum Laude
Ali Lemmons is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a minor in computer science. While at UTC, Ali also earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude, the Outstanding Senior Award for the communication department, and was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society. Now, as editor/digital content specialist for CMC Media & Marketing Group, Ali leads the ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. She is also involved in content creation for Digital Smart Marketing customers and is the lead copywriter for the company’s social media sites.
