Everywhere I go—interviews, events—someone asks me, “What do you think about Ozempic? Should people take it to lose weight?” And I get it. GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are being talked about as the next big cure-all. Quick results, less hunger, big numbers on the scale. It’s tempting. Especially when you’ve tried everything else.

But weight gain isn’t always just about food. For many people, it’s about emotional eating, hormonal shifts, stress, sedentary routines, or even trauma. And while medications like GLP-1 can help in certain cases, they’re not magic wands.

So before you follow the hype, ask yourself this: Do I want fast weight loss—or sustainable health that lasts beyond the prescription?

Because that answer changes everything.

What Is GLP-1 and Why Are People Taking It?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of prescription medications that mimic a natural hormone in your body called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone plays a key role in managing blood sugar, slowing down how fast your stomach empties, and making you feel full for longer. Originally, these drugs were developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes.

Some common names you may have heard are Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Because they reduce appetite and help regulate insulin, many people taking them began to experience weight loss—sometimes quite rapidly.  

How It Works Inside the Body

GLP-1 isstands for glucagon-like peptide-1 — a hormone your gut naturally produces when you eat. Its job is to:

  • Signal satiety to your brain (you feel full)
  • Stimulate insulin release to manage blood sugar
  • Slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach
  • Suppress appetite between meals

Now, GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are designed to mimic this natural hormone — amplifying its effects. That means less hunger, steadier blood sugar, slower digestion, and often, weight loss.

Originally, these were prescribed to manage Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. But the weight loss seen in many patients caught global attention.

From Clinical Tool to Viral Trend

We’ve now seen celebrities, influencers, executives, and even college students posting about their GLP-1 journey. Suddenly, what began as a medically prescribed treatment became a social media phenomenon — promoted for rapid fat loss and visible results.

But the real concern? Many people are taking these drugs without medical need or supervision, purely for aesthetic goals.

I’ve had clients show me messages from online vendors selling these without prescriptions. That’s dangerous. Because this is not a wellness supplement — it’s a prescription drug meant for specific medical conditions, not casual weight loss. 

The Risks of GLP-1 for Weight Loss: What You Might Not Hear Enough

We respect the medical use of GLP-1 receptor agonists. They were developed for people with Type 2 diabetes—and in some cases, they’ve been lifesaving. But when I see them being marketed—or self-prescribed—for quick weight loss, that’s where my concern begins.

These medications are not without side effects, and many of them are underplayed. Here’s what you should knowI want you to know:

Physical Side Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists:

  • Nausea, Vomiting, and Constipation: These are the most common side effects observed. By slowing gastric emptying, these drugs can cause food to sit in your stomach longer than it should. This can lead to bloating, discomfort, and issues with nutrient absorption.
  • Pancreatitis and Gallbladder Disease: Studies have linked GLP-1 medications with increased risk of inflammation in the pancreas and gallstones, especially with rapid weight loss.
  • Gastroparesis (Gastrointestinal Atony): A more serious concern. In some individuals, the stomach slows down so much that it loses its ability to contract and digest properly. I’ve had clients on these drugs who developed chronic indigestion and lost their natural hunger-satiety rhythm.
  • Thyroid Tumors: Animal studies have shown a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, which has led to boxed warnings on drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. While human data is still evolving, it’s worth asking your doctor if you have a history of thyroid issues.
  • Muscle Wasting and Rapid Aging Appearance: Many people lose weight, but not always the right kind. Without adequate movement and protein, the loss is often muscle mass, not fat. This can lead to frailty, poor metabolism, and even premature signs of aging—sagging skin, dullness, and lack of tone.

The Psychological Cost We Don’t Talk About Enough:

Medications like GLP-1 can suppress appetite—but they don’t teach you how to eat. You’re not learning anything about food, emotional hunger, or self-regulation.

And so what happens when the medication stops?

The Weight Comes Back

One of the most under-discussed outcomes? Weight regain. Studies from Novo Nordisk (makers of Ozempic) and independent trials have shown that when people stop the medication, they often regain most — if not all — the lost weight.

Source: Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Kandler K, Konakli K, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Oral TK, Rosenstock J, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022 Aug;24(8):1553-1564. doi: 10.1111/dom.14725. Epub 2022 May 19. PMID: 35441470; PMCID: PMC9542252.

Why? Because the patterns stay the same.

Our View: When Weight Loss Medications Might Be Necessary

I believe any decision—whether it’s medication, injections, or surgery—is deeply personal. And for some people, especially those with medical or metabolic conditions or where weight is impacting quality of life, these interventions might be necessary and even life-saving. I respect that.

 

What I do caution against, however, is the growing narrative that these tools alone are the solution. Because they’re not. They can offer support, yes—but they don’t address the root causes. They don’t teach you how to eat better, sleep deeper, move consistently, or manage emotional triggers. While genuine imbalances in the human body exist, in most weight loss cases, the problem is human behaviour and none of these medications or medical procedures teach that.

 

In my practice, I’ve seen that sustainable weight management doesn’t come from extremes—it comes from rhythm, from consistency, and from a disciplined yet compassionate relationship with your body. Medications may change a number on the scale. But healing? Healing comes from inside-out choices—food, breath, sleep, movement, and mindset.

 

So whether someone chooses medication or not, I always encourage layering it with intentional lifestyle shifts. Because without that foundation, even the best tools fall short.

 

If you’re considering them, it must be under the guidance of a qualified doctor who understands your full health history.

Disclaimer: GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medications. They should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified medical professional and after a full evaluation of your clinical condition.

In over 14 years of our experience, fat loss — the sustainable kind — doesn’t just come from calorie cuts or drugs. It comes from healing at the root. That means:

  • Eating your last meal at least 3–4 hours before bedtime
  • Walking for 10–15 minutes after your meals
  • Sleeping deeply and at a consistent time
  • Swapping refined sugars for whole foods
  • Addressing emotional eating patterns
  • Breathing through stress instead of eating through it
  • Exercising for at least 30 minutes 4-5 times a week

These aren’t hacks. They’re habits aligned with the six pillars of lifestyle:

Some individuals — those with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes, severe insulin resistance, PCOS, or morbid obesity — may genuinely benefit from these drugs. For them, the medication is for survival. 

The surge in demand for GLP-1 medications is now affecting access for diabetic patients, creating shortages. There are reports of counterfeit versions being sold illegally. And more worryingly, there’s a culture forming around shortcuts over substance — where people think weight loss equals health, and medicine equals magic.

Yes, GLP-1 receptor agonists can offer support — especially for those with diabetes, insulin resistance, PCOS, or morbid obesity. You may look at celebrities and influencers, even your own peers, raving about their effect on weight management. These medications can open the door — but only you can walk through it.

They don’t build discipline. They don’t reset your mindset. And they don’t repair metabolism at a cellular level.  

We’ve seen this in clients too — when the medication ends, the patterns remain, unless something deeper has shifted.

Don’t Fall for the Trend: Questions to Ask Yourself First

Before you follow the crowd, pause. Ask yourself:

  • Am I choosing this out of fear or informed awareness?
  • Do I truly understand the side effects, rebound risks, and long-term financial cost?
  • Has my doctor assessed my body — not just general data?
  • Am I willing to commit to lifestyle changes alongside this tool?
  • What happens after I stop the medication — do I have a plan?

You’re not weak if you choose medication (under professional guidance). But you’re powerful when you choose to empower yourself with the truth.

Final Word

I’ve worked with clients across the world—some on GLP-1 medications for an underlying condition, some exploring surgery, and others choosing the long road of lifestyle changes. What I’ve seen over and over again is this: the body responds best when it feels safe, supported, and understood.

No matter what path you’re on, your relationship with your body is what will carry you through.

Start where you are. Be honest with yourself. And remember — this isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about reclaiming energy, clarity, and self-trust.

You don’t need to chase perfection. You need to create rhythm. One breath, one meal, one choice at a time.

Ready to Take the Sustainable Route to Weight Management?

Our Wellness Program supports you with sustainable, root-cause solutions across nutrition, sleep, movement, gut repair, and emotional health. Because real fat loss is more than a number — it’s a return to rhythm.

Book a one-on-one consultationconsult with our integrative team to understand how your unique body, lifestyle, and emotional health fit into this equation — and how to build lasting change alongside any medical decision.

Write to us at: consults@lukecoutinho.com 

Call our toll-free number: 1800 102 025

Disclaimer

GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) are prescription medications intended for specific clinical conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, PCOS, and morbid obesity. They must only be taken under the supervision of a qualified medical professional after a thorough assessment of your health status. This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice.

 

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