What are GLP-1 medications?
The most common GLP-1 medications come in the form of two different drugs – semaglutide and tirzepatide, sold under the names Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
The injections were originally intended as diabetes medication, but research found they suppressed appetite hormones, allowing obese people to lose weight through its usage as a weekly dose. These injections work by mimicking the actions of the natural gut hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate your appetite and blood sugar. They slow digestion, suppress appetite and can increase insulin production.
Many have praised their ability to reduce ‘food noise’ in everyday lives, the name given to the persistent and often intrusive thoughts about food. Importantly, studies have shown significant clinical benefits for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Potential risks have been highlighted too, namely concerns around possible increased risks of pancreatitis and thyroid cancer, and gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Despite this, the NHS and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency consider GLP-1 medications safe and effective when prescribed and used appropriately.
But what do the experts really think? We asked seven health professionals from personal trainers to diabetes specialists to give us their views, and tell us what they want us to know, about GLP-1 medications.
THE GP: “Weight loss medications should not be considered a standalone solution.”
Dr Semiya Aziz, GP and founder of say-gp.com
“Current evidence shows that weight loss medications like GLP-1 can offer significant clinical benefits for individuals with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart failure, cardiovascular disease and sleep apnoea. They’ve also been linked to improvements in glycaemic control, cholesterol and mental health, as well as reduced cardiovascular risk and potential prevention of chronic disease. However, weight loss medications should not be considered a standalone solution. They work best as part of a comprehensive care plan involving nutritional therapy, physical activity and psychological support.
It’s important to understand that weight regain is common once the medication is stopped – unless stringent lifestyle changes are maintained. These medications work by reducing cravings and increasing satiety, so without them and ongoing support, weight is likely to return. Using them without medical necessity or assessment carries risks, too. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation and dehydration. Rapid weight loss can also result in muscle loss and nutritional deficiencies, while there is also concern about long-term safety, as well as the potential for dependency or social pressure to use them for aesthetic reasons rather than health.
Finally, it’s vital to remember that weight loss does not always equate to improved health, and treatment goals should focus on enhancing metabolic function and overall wellbeing, not simply achieving a specific body weight or image.”
THE NUTRITIONIST: “This suppression of appetite comes with real nutritional risks.”
Zara Hiridjee, registered nutritionist
“Weight-loss medications can be genuinely transformative, especially for individuals with obesity-related complications. We need to move beyond the outdated narrative that obesity is purely a result of overeating or laziness. The reality is far more complex. For some, these medications offer a crucial physiological reset, reducing the constant ‘noise’ of food thoughts and helping people experience what it’s like to feel satiated, perhaps for the first time in years.
But this suppression of appetite, while effective for driving a calorie deficit, comes with real nutritional risks. People may unintentionally consume so little food that they fall below baseline requirements for nutrients that aren’t just “nice to have,” but critical for healthy body function -essential amino acids, fatty acids, B12, folate, magnesium, zinc and iron – to name a few. Without enough high-quality protein, the weight lost isn’t just fat, it’s muscle, which slows metabolism and can worsen outcomes long-term. And when dietary fibre drops too low, we see knock-on effects on gut diversity, blood sugar regulation, and even mental health via the gut-brain axis.
So yes, the meds can get the ball rolling. But what truly protects someone’s health, confidence and sense of control, is the structure, the education and the support built around it. That’s why expert support is so important during this process. Without that support there’s a real risk that the weight just comes back when the medication stops.”
THE MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST: “It’s vital we talk about the emotional side of these jabs.”
Shelly Dar, Senior Mental Health Therapist and founder of MindSpa Therapy
“In my practice, I support many women navigating complex relationships with food, weight and self-worth. For some, weight loss medication can offer a sense of hope, a way to regain control when other methods have failed. But it’s vital we talk about the emotional side of these jabs.
If you have a history of disordered eating, weight loss medication can trigger old patterns, like obsessive tracking, guilt around food, or an overfocus on numbers instead of nourishment. It’s not the jab itself that causes harm, but how it interacts with underlying beliefs: ‘I’m only worthy if I’m thin,’ or ‘If I’m smaller I’ll be accepted.’
What we need is a joined up approach. These medications don’t just change appetite – they affect identity. They can challenge how people see themselves, how they relate to food and what they believe health looks like. That’s why psychological support matters.
My message? If you’re considering weight loss jabs, bring compassion, not just willpower. Get support that helps you explore your relationship with food and body image, not just the scales. Because long-term wellbeing isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about feeling good in your skin, trusting yourself again and knowing you are more than a number.”
THE PERSONAL TRAINER: “GLP-1s aren’t magic on their own, they’re part of the equation.”
Beth Johnson, personal trainer and founder of Lift Club gym
“As a personal trainer, I completely understand the appeal of weight loss medications like GLP-1s – they can be a powerful tool for people who’ve struggled with their weight and health for years. But what’s often overlooked is how essential it is to pair these medications with strength training. I’ve unfortunately seen cases where someone starts a GLP-1, sees the weight drop quickly, but along with fat, they lose a worrying amount of muscle mass too.
Muscle isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s vital for metabolism, strength, mobility and long-term health. If you’re losing weight but not actively working to preserve or build muscle, you risk weakening your body, lowering your metabolic rate and setting yourself up for fatigue or injury down the line.
That’s why I work with my clients who are on GLP-1s to maintain their weight training – and I recommend if you’re not already, starting a structured strength programme. You don’t have to lift super heavy right away – what matters is that you’re challenging your body consistently and safely, gradually progressing over time. This helps offset muscle loss and makes the weight you do lose more meaningful from a health perspective.
GLP-1s aren’t magic on their own, they’re part of the equation. Strength training is what helps ensure your body stays strong, capable and supported throughout the process. It’s about losing the right kind of weight, in the right way.”
THE FERTILITY EXPERT: “We’re seeing hopeful signs these treatments may also help restore ovulation and improve the chances of conceiving.”
Dr Nikita Kanani MBE, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Aneira Health and Former Head of Primary Care at NHS England
“GLP-1 medications are transforming care for many women – especially those living with conditions like PCOS, insulin resistance or obesity that can impact fertility. We’re seeing hopeful signs that, by supporting sustainable weight loss and improving metabolic health, these treatments may also help restore ovulation and improve the chances of conceiving.
That said, GLP-1s aren’t a silver bullet – and we still need much more research into their specific effects on fertility and conception. We also know they can affect the absorption of oral contraceptives, so it’s essential that women are given clear guidance and options when using them.
We believe women deserve evidence-based, personalised advice when it comes to decisions about fertility, and we strongly support the research and conversations needed to fill the current gaps in understanding. GLP-1s are a powerful tool, but like all treatments, they work best when they’re part of a holistic, informed approach to health.”
THE DIABETES EXPERT: “I’m passionate that people are properly educated and supported before embarking on that journey.”
Alice Yeates, former diabetes nurse and nutritional therapist
“I’m a former diabetes specialist nurse and am now a nutritional therapist and naturopath. I work with women over 50 who are struggling with energy rollercoasters, diabetes and obesity. I’m hugely passionate about ensuring people using medication for weight loss are properly educated and supported before embarking on that journey.
It’s so important to teach people how things work, how they may be adversely affected and also what happens when they stop using the medication that they have been prescribed. For example, I’m seeing more and more clients who have begun taking Mounjaro without the proper support in place, and this means they’ve experienced bad side effects, like increasing their dosage and feeling extremely unwell.
While I think these medications certainly have their place for certain obese individuals in their weight loss journey, they need to be seen as part of a broader, more holistic approach with proper supervision for long-term lifestyle changes, with emotional support being a vital part of that journey.
The most important thing is to make sustainable and long-term lifestyle changes that will help you feel better about yourself, reduce your blood sugar levels and increase your energy, while losing weight along the way.”
THE EATING DISORDER SPECIALIST: “While these drugs may seem appealing to those who are struggling, they can be dangerous.”
Lisa Unger, Emotional and Eating Disorder Specialist
“Although GLP-1 medications may have a place supporting some people with obesity and related health conditions, they are not appropriate for someone with an eating disorder. Eating disorders are psychological illnesses, not simply issues with food or weight. While these drugs may seem appealing to those who are struggling, they can be dangerous, often worsening disordered thoughts and behaviours in those already unwell or triggering an eating disorder in someone who is vulnerable.
Weight loss medications can suppress appetite, but they don’t address the guilt, all-or-nothing thinking, or the belief that your worth depends on your weight – core issues in many eating disorders.
Regaining weight after stopping the drug can trigger shame, self-blame and relapse into harmful behaviours like restriction or bingeing.
Weight loss alone does not equal recovery, and without addressing the emotional relationship with food, these medications risk masking the problem, not solving it. We need a joined-up approach that prioritises both physical and mental health.”
Is there a consensus?
So, while GLP-1 medications are not a magic fix, they can be a meaningful part of a bigger picture when used appropriately and with proper medical oversight. They may help regulate appetite, improve blood sugar control and even support fertility. But every expert we spoke to agreed: they are not a standalone solution.
Without the right nutritional intake, strength training, emotional support and education, these medications risk doing more harm than good, from muscle loss to mental health challenges to a worrying rebound effect once treatment stops.
Crucially, weight loss isn’t always the same as health gain. Whether it’s addressing disordered eating, preserving muscle or restoring confidence, the message is clear: true wellbeing goes beyond the number on the scale. These jabs may be a helpful tool, but the real transformation happens when they’re paired with a compassionate, joined-up approach that supports body and mind.
Further reading:
All you need to know about diets
What is the 5:2 veg diet?
Healthy recipes
50 easy ways to lose weight
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