November is National Diabetes Month, making it a month that hits home for most, as the latest data from The Centers for Disease Control (CDC, www.cdc.gov), tells us, that one in three American adults has prediabetes, (8 out of 10 of them have no idea) and one in nine Americans have already been diagnosed with diabetes. With that, medication along with lifestyle management is necessary for managing diabetes. One of today’s most talked-about medications: GLP-1 receptor agonists are certainly taking centerstage lately. You can’t watch T.V., listen to a Podcast or even talk to your friends without hearing about the brand name headliners of these medications: Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or Mounjaro®. For those who aren’t taking them, you may wonder, what are they? Are they safe? And are they only for the rich and famous or can someone like you find results in these options?
Firstly, GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural hormone that the body produces mostly in the intestines, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. GLP-1 medications mimic this hormone, triggering the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar rises, reducing appetite, and slowing digestion. According to the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org), these drugs are helping to lower blood sugars, improve A1C levels, and can lead to significant weight loss. For people with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s are helping when lifestyle changes and other medications aren’t enough. More recently, GLP-1s are supporting people with obesity and/or people who are overweight with other health related risks.
These medications, like any long-term weight loss plan, are not quick fixes and have their own side effects. They work best when paired with healthy eating, regular movement, and medical supervision as the baseline for success. However, there are many myths about these “miracles drugs,” so, let’s take a look!
Myth 1: They are only for people with diabetes. Truth: Some GLP-1s are approved for weight management in people without diabetes who meet certain health criteria (CDC).
Myth 2: They melt fat away without effort. The Truth: GLP-1s help control appetite, but results depend on consistent healthy habits. Without ongoing lifestyle changes, the weight may return when the medication stops (Harvard Health, https://www.health.harvard.edu).
Myth 3: You can buy them cheaply online without a prescription. Truth: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that many online “GLP-1” products are counterfeit, improperly compounded, or unsafe. Always use a licensed pharmacy and a legitimate prescription (www.fda.gov).
Myth 4: Once you start, you can’t stop and you’re on it forever. Truth: Some people will stay on long-term, while others use them temporarily to reset habits. Dosing and duration should always be under medical guidance (American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org). For those using this for their diabetes management, their likelihood for success means longer-term or indefinite use.
Myth 5: Taking medication means you failed at willpower. Truth: Diabetes and obesity are complex medical conditions, not moral shortcomings. GLP-1s are tools that can help manage biology, not a reflection of character. These drugs also give people a chance to support new behaviors that boost willpower and healthier habits that their bodies may have been fighting against for years.
Should you take a GLP-1? Are they safe for everyone? When you see former Olympic athletes on T.V. toting these drugs are easy, cheap and get thin quick drugs, you may wonder if this is your way to a smaller pants size ASAP. However, all your medications should be prescribed by your medical professional, who knows your specific needs, health history and can monitor you for side effects or complications. GLP-1s are not appropriate for everyone, especially those with a history of certain thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, or severe gastrointestinal disease. We are emphasizing the need to talk to your medical provider about whether this is the right drug, or whether it is right for you.
It’s important to remember the “if it’s too good to be true,” theory when spotting social media and T.V. ads that are filled with “cheap and affordable GLP-1s” and celebrity-endorsed injections. Be skeptical. The FDA warns that many online sellers are unlicensed or use fake ingredients. Real GLP-1 medications require refrigeration and prescription monitoring, not a quick one-time credit-card checkout. Your safest route is through a trusted provider and a licensed pharmacy, where like many medications, you may also have the added benefits of prescription coverage.
If the idea of injections or medication doesn’t feel right either, that’s okay. You can still dramatically improve your blood-sugar control and overall health with daily movement, mindful eating, better sleep, and stress reduction. Even small, steady changes such as a 10-minute walk after meals and eating more fiber can all improve insulin sensitivity and lower diabetes risk.
Body positivity matters here too. In a world where the skinny are getting skinnier, and the body positive icons have turned to these medications to become thinner, it’s hard to remember what “real bodies” look like. However, “real bodies” look like you! All bodies are real, and they change and ebb and flow. You can value your health and your body without chasing a number on the scale, size on your clothes, or comparing yourself to someone on medication. Everyone’s metabolism, access, and needs differ. What matters is finding what supports your best health!
GLP-1 medications are one of the most promising tools in modern metabolic medicine, but no, they’re not a shortcut, and they’re not for everyone. This National Diabetes Month, use this conversation as a reminder to check in on your health, your habits, and your options. If you aren’t part of the diabetes statistics yet, great, how can you stay out of it? If you are, how are you managing? Whether you choose a prescription or prefer to go medication-free, the goal is the same: stable blood sugar, strong energy, and confidence in your body. Your health, your choice, your pace, that’s the real win.