GLP-1 medications, initially developed for diabetes management, have gained popularity in recent years for their benefits in weight loss and management. Dr. Saundra Nguyen, an assistant professor of internal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, discusses the side effects associated with these medications.
Dr. Nguyen notes that before the introduction of GLP-1 medications, options for weight loss management were limited to nutrition, physical activity, surgery, and some modestly effective pill medications. "There are some pill medications that have been around for decades, but the effectiveness of those were more on the modest end," she stated. "When GLP-1 agonists came out, they were much more effective than these options."
Patients considering GLP-1 medications should be aware that side effects can vary significantly from person to person. Commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal in nature. "These medications work in both your brain and your gut to slow down how food moves through your body. Some of the side effects can decrease as your body adjusts or escalate with higher doses,” explained Dr. Nguyen.
Additionally, women using oral contraceptives should be cautious as GLP-1s may alter medication absorption rates. "Some people have gotten pregnant while on these medications," Dr. Nguyen warned.
While taking GLP-1s, individuals often experience reduced hunger and a decreased focus on food; however, discontinuing use may reverse these benefits. "These symptoms can come back, and often we see the weight come back," Dr. Nguyen said.
GLP-1s are not advised for individuals with certain medical conditions such as pancreatitis or specific endocrine syndromes like multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) Type 2 or a history of thyroid cancer or medullary thyroid cancer in themselves or their families.
