Are GLP-1 Treatments The Real Deal For Your Weight Loss Aims?

Posted on 2/6/2026, 12:40:54 PM

If you’ve been paying any attention to the weight loss world lately, or even just general changes in how we manage health, then you have undoubtedly come across GLP-1 treatments, such as semaglutide and trizepatide. They have exploded in popularity, not just amongst the wellness world, but as a medical solution recommended by doctors to manage weight. But do they actually work, and if so, how do you make the best use of them?

How They Actually Work

GLP-1 treatments work by replicating the effects of a hormone that’s typically produced naturally in the body, which works with appetite and blood sugar regulation. This, in turn, helps you feel full more easily, reducing hunger signals in the brain. For people who have a lot of problems dealing with “food noise” in the brain, this can be a huge relief. It’s important to note that they don’t change the mechanism of weight loss nor force the body to burn fat or the like. They change eating behavior and food habits, which, in turn, naturally result in weight changes.

They’re Not Just For Weight Loss

While reducing your weight might be the most obvious outcome, GLP-1 treatments also help improve blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. As such, they are also used relatively often to help with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, and may even be recommended to those dealing with higher levels of cardiovascular risk. Weight loss should always be considered as part of a broader health goal, rather than the primary objective in and of itself.

The Process Of GLP-1 Treatments

GLP-1 treatments are typically recommended for people with obesity, weight-related health conditions, or significant difficulty losing weight through traditional methods. While they are being prescribed through traditional clinics, more and more are turning to telehealth platforms like Ivologist, which offer dedicated online weight loss programs. They are typically administered through injectable pens, which are used on the tissue of the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms. The specific methods and how often you use them will depend on the type, so be sure that you follow your provider’s instructions carefully if you do start using them.

The Importance Of Maintennace

GLP-1 can result in some side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain, especially if you continue to eat a lot despite them. However, the long-term side effect that people struggle with the most is the weight gain that can come after they stop taking them. This happens due to a lack of maintenance; i.e., going back to bad habits such as overeating and not exercising. Building a fitness routine while on GLP-1 and making mindful changes to your diet can help you establish habits that are a lot easier to maintain when you’re off it, which also helps you sustain the weight loss that initially came thanks to the treatment.

Some skepticism around the claims made by proponents of GLP-1 treatments is healthy. After all, we’ve seen many fads come and go. While they are not a miracle fix, they do represent a real medical breakthrough for weight loss and general health management.