GLP-1 medications, including drugs commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight management, have seen a dramatic increase in use in recent years. A Gallup poll released in July found that 6% of surveyed adults reported using a GLP-1 medication in 2024, with that number rising to 15% two years later.
Expert Advice
Doctors and nutrition specialists say the medications can be effective tools for weight loss, but they emphasize that patients should have a plan for maintaining healthy habits before stopping treatment. Sarah Smith, a registered dietitian with University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, tells News 10 Lansing that patients beginning GLP-1 therapy should consider working with a dietitian to build sustainable habits.
Smith said GLP-1 medications may provide significant weight loss for some patients, but the medication alone may not create the habits needed for long-term success. She said many patients experience weight regain after stopping the drugs.
Developing Healthy Habits
Health experts say developing routines around nutrition, physical activity and meal planning can be critical for people who eventually discontinue medication. Susan Celsor, an Okemos resident, said she has not taken a GLP-1 medication but worked with a dietitian to create habits that fit into her everyday life.
Celsor said those routines travel with her, even when she is away from home. Experts also say patients should understand the possible side effects of GLP-1 medications. Because the drugs slow digestion, some users may experience nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal issues.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
