When patients come to see me at Dignity Integrative, they’re often frustrated. After decades of yo-yo dieting and exercise programs that started strong but fizzled out, they’re now considering a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic or Wegovy. "I'm tired of failing," a patient has often told me. "But I'm scared about the side effects, and the lifetime cost seems overwhelming."
It’s a familiar story throughout the country. The popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications has skyrocketed, with celebrities and social media influencers touting their dramatic weight loss results. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, these injectable drugs have revolutionized obesity treatment by helping reduce appetite and food cravings.
But are they right for everyone? And how do they compare to "natural" weight loss methods like dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral therapy?