GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have helped a lot of people lose weight and reshape the way they live their lives. But while many have seen life-changing results with these medications, this doesn’t mean they are right for everyone. No medication or treatment is.
If you’re thinking about trying a GLP-1, or are having second thoughts about one you’ve already started, here are some signs that GLP-1s might not be for you.
How GLP-1 agonists work
Before we get into whether GLP-1s are right for you, let’s make sure we understand how they work. GLP-1 is a hormone that stimulates insulin release from the gut after you eat, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, slows down digestion, and sends signals to the brain that you’re full.
GLP-1 medications mimic this hormone, which can help reduce appetite and cravings, may help you feel full sooner and for longer, and can help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation. GLP-1s like semaglutide were originally used to treat diabetes, but some doctors are prescribing them weight loss, too, when there has been a medical necessity for it.
How to know if GLP-1s aren’t right for you: Before you start
Your doctor will review your medical history and health goals with you to help you see if GLP-1s are a good fit for you. But here are a few general guidelines that typically bar people from starting a GLP-1 for weight loss.*
Personal history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease
While rare, GLP-1 medications have been linked to pancreatitis. Until we learn more about GLP-1’s effects on pancreatitis and similar medical conditions, healthcare providers tend to avoid prescribing GLP-1s to people in this group.
Family or personal history of certain thyroid cancers
In animal GLP-1 studies, researchers have found that GLP-1s stimulate the GLP-1 receptor, which may cause C-cells to transform. This risk hasn’t been confirmed in humans, but out of caution, GLP-1s aren’t prescribed to those with a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, a rare inherited condition that increases the risk of MTC.
Severe gastrointestinal conditions
GLP-1 medications slow down how quickly food moves out of your stomach, which is great for regulating blood sugar spikes after you eat, but it can also cause side effects like nausea and vomiting. If you already have a GI condition like irritable bowel disease (IBS), GLP-1s can make the symptoms you already have worse.
Pregnancy
GLP-1s are not approved for use during pregnancy. If you’re trying to conceive or plan to in the near future, or if you are breastfeeding, your doctor will advise you to hold off on starting a GLP-1.
There are exceptions to nearly every rule, and each person looking into starting a GLP-1 will have a different story. The more information you give your doctor, the better they will be able to guide you.
Already started a GLP-1? Other factors to consider
Often the best way to find out if any kind of medication is right for you is to try it and see how it goes (under close supervision of your medical provider, of course). This is one reason why doctors start their patients on a small dose and then slowly ramp up to the maintenance dose, which typically takes a few months.
If any of the following issues arise, then stopping GLP-1 treatment may be the best course of action.*
Severe allergic reaction to any GLP-1 ingredients
Allergic reactions to GLP-1 drugs aren’t common, but they can range from mild to severe. If you have a severe reaction, continuing treatment isn’t advised. Always disclose your allergies to your doctor.
Severe side effects
Many tolerate GLP-1s just fine, but for some, the gastrointestinal symptoms are too much to handle. If you regularly experience nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or other symptoms that are interfering with daily life, it may be time to lower your dose or stop treatment altogether.
You’re not seeing results
Some people don’t respond to GLP-1s as expected. If you’re not seeing measurable results, even if you’re complementing treatment with lifestyle changes, another weight-loss approach may be better suited for your body.
Your doctor will be your partner in health as you navigate GLP-1 treatment. Pay close attention to how you feel and communicate any issues as they arise.*
GLP-1 alternatives
While it can be disappointing to not be the right fit for GLP-1 treatment, it is by no means the only weight-loss treatment out there. Your doctor can help you find the right option that meets your needs and goals.*
Shed offers medication alternatives to GLP-1 as well. Visit tryshed.com to learn more or to set up a consultation with a provider.*
Mapping out the right weight-loss path for you
Weight loss is personal, but expert guidance is also important, especially if you’re taking medication for it. So before deciding if GLP-1 is right for you, talk with a licensed medical provider about your medical history, weight-loss goals, and the potential risks and benefits of GLP-1s. (If you’re not sure where to start, check out this blog post on questions to ask your doctor before starting a GLP-1.)
GLP-1s are a powerful weight-loss tool, but the best weight-loss plan is ultimately the one that fits your lifestyle, your health goals, and your body. For you, that may or may not be a GLP-1. If you’re unsure about what to do, set up a consultation with a provider to talk through your options.
FAQs
How do I know if GLP-1s are right for me?
Before making any decisions, consult with a licensed medical provider. They will review your health history and weight-loss goals with you and make a recommendation.
How long do I have to stay on a GLP-1?
It depends, because each person is different. Some people stay on GLP-1s long term, while others use them as a bridge to build healthier habits. Your duration of treatment will depend on a variety of factors, first and foremost being how your body reacts to treatment and your long-term health goals.
Do I need to change my diet while on a GLP-1?
While you don’t “have” to change your diet, a balanced diet with lots of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help minimize side effects and maximize results. Some people also may need to eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than 2–3 big meals a day.
What if I don’t like needles? Does that mean GLP-1s are out?
While injectables are the most common way to administer GLP-1 drugs, they are also available in compounded oral form when a licensed provider deems it medically necessary. Shed offers them in drops or lozenges. Visit tryshed.com to learn more about oral GLP-1s and talk to your doctor to see if oral GLP-1s might be a good option for you.
*This content is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
