You've probably heard the buzz about Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. These medications were first made for diabetes, but higher doses are now FDA-approved for weight loss. They work by mimicking a natural hormone (GLP-1) that helps you feel full sooner, stay full longer, and quiet that constant "food noise" in your head.
How They Work
GLP-1 drugs:
Lower appetite by acting on brain hunger signals
Slow digestion so you stay satisfied longer
Steady blood sugar to help avoid cravings
The result? You naturally eat less without white-knuckling through hunger.
The "I Don't Eat That Much" Surprise
Many people struggling with weight truly believe they eat very little. But our brains are terrible at accurately tracking what we eat—we forget snacks, underestimate portions, and miss how calorie-dense certain foods are.
When GLP-1 drugs work, it's often a sign that we were eating more than we realized. The medication didn't fix your math—it lowered your appetite enough that your actual intake dropped, sometimes for the first time in years.
Is It Forever?
For most people, yes. If you stop the medication, you're hungrier than before and burning fewer calories than before you lost weight—the perfect storm for rapid weight gain. However, plateaus are normal. Sometimes your body reaches a new equilibrium, and lifestyle changes are what move the needle further.
Side Effects
Most common: nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea (usually worst when starting). Less common but serious: gallbladder issues, pancreatitis, or worsening of certain stomach problems. Always start under a doctor's care.
The Price Tag
Without insurance, you're looking at $1,000–$1,500 a month. Insurance coverage is inconsistent—and it might end if you lose enough weight that you no longer meet BMI requirements. That could leave you paying full price just to maintain progress.
Why Not Just Diet and Exercise?
They work—but biology fights weight loss. Hunger hormones rise, metabolism slows, and the body pushes you to regain. That's why 80–90% of people regain weight within a few years. GLP-1 drugs help by lowering that constant hunger, making healthy habits easier to stick with.
You Still Need Healthy Habits
The medication controls appetite—it doesn't choose what you eat or keep you strong. Pair it with:
Balanced, nutrient-rich meals
Regular movement and strength training
Habits you can keep for life
These will help preserve muscle, improve health beyond the scale, and make maintenance easier.
Bottom line:
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy work—but they're not magic. They quiet hunger, help you feel full sooner, and often reveal we've been eating more than we realized.
The catch? Side effects, high costs, and often a lifetime commitment.
They work best with lasting diet and movement habits—because when the injections stop, biology fights to bring the weight back.
– Sam
