Answering all your questions about GLP-1s
- Gia Stewart
- Nov 22, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 23
GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now. Many women I work with are hearing about them through social media, friends, or their GP and are unsure what to believe.
Some feel hopeful. Others feel confused or concerned. Many are simply trying to understand whether these medications are appropriate for them.
In this post, I answer the most common questions I’m asked about GLP-1 medications. I’ll explain what they are, how they work, potential benefits, risks, and where nutrition still plays a critical role.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications are drugs that mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
GLP-1 is a hormone your body naturally produces in the gut. It plays a role in appetite regulation, insulin release, and blood sugar control.
GLP-1 medications were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. They are now also prescribed for weight management in some people.
How Do GLP-1 Medications Work?
GLP-1 medications work through several mechanisms. Together, these effects can reduce appetite and improve blood sugar regulation.
Appetite regulation
GLP-1 medications slow how quickly food leaves the stomach. This increases feelings of fullness after eating. They also act on appetite centres in the brain. This can reduce hunger and food preoccupation.
Blood sugar and insulin effects
GLP-1 stimulates insulin release when blood sugar rises. It also reduces glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. This combination improves blood sugar control, particularly in people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
Why Are GLP-1s Being Used for Weight Loss?
Weight loss can occur because people tend to eat less while taking GLP-1 medications. Appetite is reduced and portion sizes often decrease naturally. In clinical trials, many participants experienced significant weight loss. This has contributed to the rapid increase in popularity of these medications.
However, weight loss does not occur in isolation. It comes with physiological consequences that matter for long-term health.
Are GLP-1 Medications a “Quick Fix”?
This is one of the most important questions to ask. GLP-1 medications change appetite signals. They do not address why weight gain occurred in the first place.
In my work, I often see weight changes linked to:
Insulin resistance
Chronic stress
Under-fuelling
Hormonal transitions such as perimenopause
Poor sleep
Medication may reduce intake, but it does not automatically correct these underlying drivers.
Common Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications
Side effects are common, particularly when starting or increasing doses.
Digestive side effects
Many people experience:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Abdominal discomfort
These symptoms occur because digestion slows significantly.
Reduced appetite and under-fuelling
Appetite suppression can make it difficult to meet basic nutrition needs.
I regularly see people struggle to eat enough protein, fibre, and overall energy while on GLP-1 medications. Over time, this can affect muscle mass, metabolism, and nutrient status.
Muscle Loss and Metabolic Health
Weight loss on GLP-1 medications does not only come from fat tissue.
Without adequate protein and resistance training, lean muscle loss can occur. Muscle is metabolically active tissue and plays a key role in long-term metabolic health.
Loss of muscle can make weight maintenance harder after stopping medication. It can also worsen insulin resistance over time.
What Happens When You Stop GLP-1 Medications?
This is an area that receives far less attention.
When GLP-1 medications are stopped, appetite signals often return. If underlying eating patterns and metabolic drivers have not been addressed, weight regain is common.
This does not mean the medication “failed.” It means the body responded predictably when appetite suppression was removed. Long-term success depends on what happens alongside medication use.
The Role of Nutrition While on GLP-1s
Nutrition is not optional when using GLP-1 medications. It becomes more important, not less.
Protein intake matters
Protein supports muscle maintenance, blood sugar stability, and satiety. With reduced appetite, protein intake often drops first. Prioritising protein at each meal is essential.
Regular meals still matter
Skipping meals because hunger is low can worsen under-fuelling. This increases fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and muscle loss. Structure matters more than hunger cues alone.
Micronutrient adequacy
Eating less food increases the risk of inadequate vitamins and minerals. Iron, B12, magnesium, and calcium intake often drop. This can affect energy, mood, bone health, and hormonal regulation.
Are GLP-1 Medications Appropriate for Everyone?
No. These medications are not suitable for everyone. They require medical oversight and careful consideration of health history, medications, and long-term goals. GLP-1 medications are tools. They are not neutral, and they are not risk-free.
GLP-1s, Hormones, and Women’s Health
For women, hormonal context matters. Appetite suppression layered on top of:
Chronic stress
Low energy availability can worsen hormonal symptoms if nutrition is not adequately supported.
This is why a one-size-fits-all approach does not work.
The Bottom Line
GLP-1 medications can reduce appetite and support blood sugar regulation for some people.
They do not replace the need for:
Adequate nutrition
Protein intake
Muscle support
Addressing underlying metabolic drivers
If GLP-1 medications are used, they should be part of a broader, long-term plan, not the entire strategy.
If you’re considering GLP-1s or already using them and feel unsure how to support your body, individual nutrition guidance can make a significant difference.
References used in this article:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/
Diabetes AustraliaGLP-1 receptor agonists and diabetes managementhttps: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/medication/glp-1-receptor-agonists/
The Lancet Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesityhttps: www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(21)00213-0/fulltext
Endocrine Society Pharmacological Management of Obesity: An Endocrine Society Guidelinehttps: academic.oup.com/jcem/article/105/12/3938/5919133
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP trials) https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
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