Could These Trendy Weight Loss Pills Be Draining Your Body of Vital Nutrients Without You Realizing It?
Heard the buzz about those GLP-1 RA medications everywhere—from celebrity whispers at the water cooler to those viral social media ads making rounds? Maybe you’ve even had a passing thought—could they really help me shed pounds or manage my blood sugar better? It’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon when stories of real transformations flood the headlines, but hang on a second… before you dive in, it’s crucial to get the full scoop on what these drugs bring to the table—and what you might be signing up for. See, GLP-1 RAs aren’t just some miracle pills without strings attached. They come with their own bag of pros and cons, risks, and side effects that you absolutely need to weigh carefully. The surge in popularity makes sense—weight loss, better blood sugar control, even lower blood pressure have people lining up. Yet for many, the journey isn’t always smooth sailing, and some have to tap out before long. So, whether you’re merely curious or seriously considering chatting with your doc about GLP-1 RAs, knowing the ins and outs can arm you with the right questions and a clearer idea of what to expect on this path. Ready to unravel the mystery and decide if GLP-1 medications might be your next best move? Let’s get into it. LEARN MORE
You’ve seen the ads, heard the news stories, whispered about celebrities and maybe known someone taking them now. You may have even considered them yourself. GLP-1 RA medications are the talk of the town right now and for good reason since people are seeing real results in weight loss and diabetes control. But before starting, it’s important to understand the GLP-1 RA medications pros and cons so you can have an informed discussion with your doctor.
But this newer class of drugs do come with risks and side effects. You can’t know if a GLP-1 RA prescription is a good option for you until you talk about it with your doctor or other medical professional. It can be a great start, though, to know the pros and cons first to know if they are something you should look into.
Since GLP-1 medications can result in weight loss, balanced blood sugar and lowered blood pressure, there has been a huge increase in recent years in the number of people taking them. For some, it’s been a literal lifesaver and for others, there have been issues that kept them from staying on them long-term.
This information is meant to be a starting point for talking to your doctor if you’re curious if these medications could be a good option for you. Understanding the GLP-1 RA medications’ pros and cons can help you prepare questions and know what to expect.
What GLP-1 RAs Are and How They Work
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists (GLP-1 RA but often shortened to GLP-1) are liquid injections that were initially approved by the FDA in 2005.
The peptide is a hormone made by the small intestines that naturally triggers the release of insulin, blocks glucagon (blood sugar) release, slows the emptying of the stomach and may physiologically curb appetite.
The synthetic GLP-1 RAs imitate the action of the natural peptides by attaching to the same cell receptors that the GLP-1 would.
Some of the GLP-1 RA medications that are currently on the market include Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Trulicity, Rybelsus, Victoza, Saxenda and Byetta. Except for Rybelsus, which is taken orally once daily, these are injected anywhere from twice daily to once a week.
They must be prescribed and are intended for people with Type 2 diabetes and/or obesity or who are overweight.
Some Positive Results from GLP-1 RA
Because of the increased release of insulin by these medications, many people taking GLP-1 RAs have seen improvements in their diabetes, including a reduction in A1C. But it is still usually recommended to use them in conjunction with diet, exercise and insulin.
Unlike some other diabetes medications, GLP-1 RAs do not increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Although still relatively new to the market, studies are beginning to indicate a decreased risk of death from cardiovascular events and kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes who took GLP-1 RAs.
By triggering activity of serotonergic neurons in the brain, the drug makes you feel more full and less inclined to desire eating. This also adds to the ability to lose weight, also because of the slower gastric emptying.
The Risks and Side Effects of GLP-1 RA
All medications come with certain risks and side effects and GLP-1 RAs are no different. Some of these are common and may not be long-lasting. But anecdotally, depending on the seriousness of these effects and the seriousness of the starting condition, some people report stopping the drug while others continue.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping and constipation. These tend to be worse early on in the treatment and will dissipate for many people.
Other less common side effects can include pancreatitis, gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, gallstones, blockage of the bile duct and risk of acute kidney injury.
Some people have reported headaches, reactions of the injection site, cold-like symptoms, dizziness, fatigue and hair loss.
Although often considered one of the positive effects of GLP-1 RAs, some users complain about low appetite.
Nutritional Deficiencies from GLP-1 RA
From a Nutrition Therapist Master perspective, one of the issues that may not be discussed enough as these types of drugs become more popular is the risk of nutrient deficiencies.
That is in part because most people taking GLP-1 RAs may not be aware of a deficiency compared to some of the other, more obvious side effects.
Studies have found that those taking GLP-1 RAs are more likely to suffer from nutrient deficiencies than those not taking them. And that the risk increases over time when comparing six months after beginning treatment and 12 months after.
The most common deficiency is vitamin D. But others include the B vitamins, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and choline.
There are two main reasons for the increased risk of deficiencies. One is that the change in gastric emptying can affect how well nutrients are absorbed. But the bigger one is due to the decreased appetite.
With caloric intake decreasing 16-39% when taking the medications, what is eaten because much more important. Without proper nutritional guidance, those on GLP-1 RAs may not get an appropriate amount of both macronutrients and micronutrients in their smaller meals.
Imagine trying to get the same amount of B vitamins, vitamin D and protein but in a meal 25% smaller.
Additional Issues with GLP-1 RAs
The reasons for discontinued use of GLP-1 RAs can vary greatly, whether it’s due to the side effects, the cost, the dislike of injections or something else altogether.
What is known is that there is a high rate of stopping the GLP-1 RAs. And those with Type 2 diabetes are less likely to stop compared to those without. One study found that within one year, 46.5% of those with diabetes and 64.8% of those without had ceased the drug.
Unfortunately, it is common for discontinuation to lead to weight gain. And in fact, people may return to their original weight in less than a year. This is also true of the cardiometabolic benefits such as blood pressure and C-reactive protein levels.
Because of the impact on blood sugar levels with these medications, stopping taking them can also mean that diabetes symptoms may return. But there is so far little information on any lasting effects going on and off GLP-1 RAs.
It can’t be ignored that these drugs are also very expensive. Insurance may cover some of the costs if it is prescribed for diabetes, but is much less likely to do so for weight loss.
Before insurance or any discounts, GLP-1 RAs range from $936 to $1349 per month.
Only You and Your Doctor Know If GLP-1 RAs Are Worth Trying
With all the GLP-1 RA medications’ pros and cons, there is much to consider before approaching your medical professional about them.
Whether you are looking to lose weight or balance your blood sugar, you need to know the possible risks and side effects. This includes nutrient deficiency, which is often overlooked, but could impact long-term health.
GLP-1 RAs are most likely not going anywhere anytime soon, based on their recent popularity. But that does not mean they are the right fit for everyone.
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About the author: Maya Strausberg earned her Master Nutrition Therapist certification from NTI before starting her nutrition therapy private practice. She now offers writing and editing services for nutritionists and other health practitioners around the world through her business, Family Tree Nutrition.
Images:
- Image by Gesina from Pixabay
- Image by Saranya7 from Pixabay
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