GLP-1 Medications: Fast Results, But at What Price?
- Marsha Guptill
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
Please share this article with a friend or relative currently using or considering the use of these weight loss drugs.
You’ve probably heard the buzz—GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are being hailed as miracle weight loss drugs. Celebrities are using them, headlines are praising them, and doctors are prescribing them at record rates. But before jumping on the bandwagon, it's worth asking: What’s the full story? What do these medications really cost—in dollars, side effects, and long-term health?
Let’s take a closer look.
The Financial Cost
GLP-1 medications are expensive. Without insurance coverage, a single month’s supply can cost $900 to $1,300. That adds up quickly—especially because these medications are often used long-term or even indefinitely.
Even with insurance, access can be limited, and co-pays may still run high—as much as $500 per month. For many people, this becomes a recurring financial burden, not a one-time solution.
Side Effects and Risks
While many users report weight loss, it doesn’t come without potential downsides:
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation or diarrhea
Fatigue and muscle loss
Pancreatitis risk
Possible thyroid tumors (in animal studies)
“Ozempic Face” or signs of rapid aging due to fat loss
And perhaps most concerning: Most people regain the weight when they stop using the medication—unless they’ve made significant lifestyle changes in the background.
The Bigger Picture: What Are We Really Treating?
GLP-1s target symptoms, not root causes. They suppress appetite, but they don’t teach you why you eat, how to fuel your body, or what changes are truly sustainable. They don’t help you develop a better relationship with food or address emotional eating patterns. And as displayed by the above abbreviated list of side effects, they certainly don't make you healthier.
The Power of Lifestyle Change
Slower, lifestyle-based change offers something medication can’t: lasting transformation.
Healthy weight loss rooted in habits—like mindful eating, balanced nutrition, joyful movement, hydration, and sleep—is:
More affordable
Free from harmful side effects
Empowering, not dependent
Protective of muscle and metabolism
Supportive of whole-person wellness
And when supported by coaching, community, and a realistic plan, it's also more achievable than most people think.
So What’s Right for You?
GLP-1 medications may have a place in healthcare, particularly for those with serious health risks related to obesity. But they shouldn’t be the first or only solution—and they aren’t a substitute for real, lasting behavior change.
If you’re looking to lose weight, improve your health, and feel confident in your skin—without relying on chemicals—there’s another path.
Conclusion
Achieving weight loss and improving health isn't about taking shortcuts. It's about creating a lifestyle that aligns with the version of yourself you aspire to be.
If you’re ready to take small, sustainable steps toward a healthier you—without side effects, without shame or judgement, and without quick-fix gimmicks—I’d love to help.
What are your thoughts on this new wave of weight loss drugs? Would you ever consider using one? I'd love to hear from you!
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