Prescription weight loss medications, known as GLP-1s, have become extremely popular across the country. These drugs, including well-known brands like Ozempic and Wegovy, have aided millions of Americans in losing weight quickly. Approximately 1 in 8 Americans claim to have used one of these medications.

However, as a physician, I must warn that these medications may not be the miracle solution they appear to be.

In reality, GLP-1 medications may complicate doctors’ efforts to help patients make necessary lifestyle changes, which are essential for sustained health, and may also hinder patients from adopting those changes.

This issue is particularly pertinent now that President Joe Biden has suggested that Medicare and Medicaid should cover weight loss drugs for millions of Americans.

GLP-1s function by imitating a hormone that signals to the brain when the stomach is full. They also slow down the digestive process, resulting in prolonged feelings of fullness. Consequently, patients consume less food and shed extra pounds.

Medications can lead to quick weight loss

Typically, patients lose about 5% to 10% of their total body weight within four months, and by the end of a year, that figure can reach around 15%.

This swift weight loss can be liberating, particularly for those who have struggled for years. Yet, there’s no such thing as a miracle cure — relying solely on GLP-1s for life is not a replacement for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

I’ve witnessed a concerning change in how people think. One patient walked into my office 20 pounds lighter than just a few months ago. When I inquired about what changes she had made to her diet or exercise, she simply said, “Honestly, Doc, I didn’t change anything – I just took the drug and ate less of what I was already eating.”

She is not alone. I’ve seen numerous patients who do not exercise and consume primarily unhealthy foods still manage to lose weight with GLP-1s. While they report feeling healthier, their health metrics, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, may also improve.

These encouraging results, however, complicate the conversation for doctors trying to emphasize the need for a healthier lifestyle to patients using GLP-1s. If their blood tests show improvements and they look fit, why should they bother with exercise or a balanced diet?

This is a legitimate concern, which is why discussions about diet and exercise now require more time with patients. Lifestyle changes extend beyond aesthetics or even feeling good; they are vital for keeping our bodies healthy and minimizing disease risks.

Moreover, GLP-1s will never be the only solution for attaining that level of health.

In many instances, they foster a false sense of security, oversimplifying the complex relationship between weight and overall health.

The significance of a healthy diet goes beyond just weight

Food functions as medicine. Consuming a balanced diet that includes the appropriate amounts of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins is crucial not merely for weight management but also for nourishing every cell in our bodies.

The role of nutrition is so critical that transitioning from an unhealthy diet to a healthy one can extend someone’s life by an entire decade.

Good health isn’t just determined by what we consume, but also by how we use our bodies. As we get older, particularly in our 50s and 60s, we naturally lose muscle mass, which can lead to increased fatigue and higher injury risk. Strength training becomes crucial, particularly for those using GLP-1s.

While further research is needed, there are concerns that these medications may accelerate muscle loss, especially among older individuals. This can affect daily activities. Being thin and weak is a combination that no one aims for.

We must also prioritize bone health. Engaging in weight-bearing exercises such as walking and running serves as an excellent prevention strategy against osteoporosis, which is the gradual loss of bone density commonly associated with aging.

Using weight loss medications can serve as a boost toward embracing a healthier lifestyle. With less weight on muscles and joints, initiating exercise becomes less daunting. Moreover, feeling satiated faster may encourage healthier food choices, like opting for a salad at lunch. However, it’s crucial for individuals to view these medications as helpful aids rather than a definitive solution.

Research indicates that some individuals regain around two-thirds of their lost weight after discontinuing a GLP-1 medication. This is often due to a lack of behavioral change during treatment. Many factors lead people to stop using these weight loss medications, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, unpleasant side effects, or potential interactions with other treatments, such as chemotherapy.

We also need to address the underlying reasons many individuals find it difficult to adopt healthier lifestyles in the first place. Many who rely on GLP-1 medications often feel they’ve already made attempts at lifestyle changes that didn’t succeed. However, they may not have had access to the proper tools and the necessary support to foster real success.

Healthcare providers also share in this responsibility. We often fail to provide practical and empathetic health advice. Instead of simply suggesting “Go to the gym” or “Eat healthier,” we need to offer actionable and realistic guidance.

We also cannot overlook the impact of societal factors. Nutritious foods frequently come with a higher price tag, and numerous communities may lack safe areas for physical activity. If we genuinely wish to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles—whether or not they are using GLP-1 medications—we must implement policies that make healthy choices more accessible.

While GLP-1 medications play a crucial role in contemporary healthcare, every physician will affirm that focusing solely on weight is insufficient to gauge one’s health. A well-rounded lifestyle that incorporates a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and other wholesome practices is equally vital.Dr. John Whyte is the chief medical officer at WebMD.