The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Semaglutide and Other Weight Loss Medications: Why They Might Not Be the Easy Solution You Think
The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Semaglutide and Other Weight Loss Medications: What Women Should Know
When you're struggling with weight loss and feel like you've tried everything, the allure of weight loss medications like Semaglutide (often marketed under names like Ozempic and Wegovy) can be tempting. Many women believe that these medications will finally help them lose weight effortlessly. However, in my experience working with real patients, the reality is quite different.
Weight loss medications primarily work by suppressing appetite and silencing the constant food noise in your head that drives overeating and binge eating. While this can help reduce calorie intake, these medications do not address other underlying causes of weight gain, such as hormone imbalances, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction. This is why many women taking these medications still struggle to lose weight, often shedding only 1-3 pounds a month and eventually hitting a plateau even at the highest dosage.
To make an informed decision, let's explore the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of weight loss medications like Semaglutide.
The Good: How Semaglutide and Other Weight Loss Medications Work
Semaglutide is part of a class of medications known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists, originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes. These drugs help control blood sugar by mimicking a hormone that regulates insulin and slows digestion, which also reduces appetite and can lead to weight loss. By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, Semaglutide suppresses appetite, making it easier to eat less.
For women struggling with obesity, these medications can provide a tool to manage cravings and hunger, leading to weight loss. Sounds great, right?
But before you get too excited, let’s take a closer look at the bad and ugly sides of these medications.
The Good
Effective Weight Loss: Clinical trials have shown that Semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss in participants, making it an appealing option for those struggling to shed pounds.
Convenience: As an injectable medication, it can be easier to incorporate into daily routines compared to more complex weight loss regimens.
Appetite Control: For some, the ability to reduce cravings and manage hunger can be a beneficial tool in their weight loss journey.
The Bad: Why Weight Loss Medications Aren’t a Magic Solution
It’s a Temporary Fix, Not a Long-Term Solution
One of the biggest misconceptions I see in my practice is that weight loss medications will do all the work. However, these drugs don't teach you how to eat healthily or develop a sustainable lifestyle. Most patients I see on GLP-1s have a poor relationship with food, struggling with binge eating, sugar cravings, and food addiction. The medication simply reduces how much junk food they eat. Instead of five cheeseburgers from McDonald's, they might now eat just one.
Starvation Mode and Muscle Loss
Since these medications suppress appetite, many users end up unintentionally undereating. This puts the body into a state of starvation, where it begins breaking down muscle tissue for energy instead of burning fat. Many people think, "If I eat in a calorie deficit, I’ll lose body fat." Unfortunately, the body sees fat as a valuable resource and prioritizes muscle breakdown instead. Over time, this muscle loss slows metabolism, making weight loss even harder.
Rebound Weight Gain is Common
Once people stop taking the medication, the overeating, binge eating, and unhealthy habits often return with a vengeance. Because many users don’t meet their protein needs while on the medication, they lose muscle mass rapidly. Without learning healthy eating habits and improving their relationship with food, they revert to old patterns that led to weight gain in the first place—undoing all their progress. Also, realize that when people lose weight while on weight loss mediation, they’re losing muscle mass. But when they start overeating and regain the lost weight, they are gaining body fat. Just realize that you can’t gain muscle mass by overeating. You can only gain muscle mass by exercising and eating a protein-rich diet.
The Ugly: The Hidden Costs and Risks
It’s Expensive
Weight loss medications like Semaglutide are incredibly costly, even with insurance. Many patients find themselves questioning how long they can afford to stay on the medication. In contrast, investing in a holistic approach—working with a dietitian and therapist—often provides long-term benefits at a fraction of the cost. Hint: you can work with an experience weight loss dietitian with zero out-of-pocket cost and achieve the same result but more long-lasting.
Unpleasant Side Effects
Like any medication, Semaglutide comes with potential side effects, including nausea, gastrointestinal issues, and other long-term health risks. Some people tolerate the medication well, but for others, the side effects make it difficult to continue.
It Doesn’t Work for Everyone
While Semaglutide is effective for people with insulin resistance, I’ve seen many cases where it does little for those without metabolic issues. Unfortunately, many doctors prescribe these medications freely without thoroughly assessing whether they’re the right fit for the patient’s needs.
The Key to Lasting, Sustainable Weight Loss
While weight loss medications may provide an initial boost, true and sustainable weight management requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on intuitive eating and improving one’s relationship with food. Here’s why a holistic approach is more effective:
Mindful Eating: Learning to listen to hunger and fullness cues fosters a healthier relationship with food, allowing you to eat without guilt or restriction.
Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods supports metabolism, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Long-Term Habits: Establishing sustainable eating and lifestyle patterns leads to lasting weight management—without relying on medication.
More Cost-Effective: Investing in your health through education, mindful practices, and professional guidance is far more sustainable than paying for lifelong medication.
Ready to Transform Your Weight Loss Journey?
If you're a woman struggling with weight loss and considering medications like Semaglutide, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. We specialize in helping women like you learn intuitive eating and develop a healthier relationship with food. Book a consultation today to explore how we can support you in achieving sustainable weight loss naturally. Your journey to a happier, healthier you starts here!
