New Tools, New Outcomes: The Role of GLP-1s in Diabetes and Weight Management

When we talk about managing diabetes, we often start with the usual suspects: a balanced diet, regular exercise, and traditional medications like oral medications  or insulin. For many individuals, this approach works well. But for others, especially those struggling with obesity or persistent blood sugar challenges, more or different support is needed. 

That’s where a class of medications known as GLP-1, or Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, may be useful. These injectable medications have been a game-changer for many, offering multilayer benefits: reducing appetite, helping the body stimulate insulin secretion, and using that insulin more effectively. The result? Better blood sugar control and, for many patients, significant weight loss. 

GLP-1 drugs work by influencing several bodily processes. Primarily, they stimulate the body to secrete more insulin which helps to regulate blood sugar. This is the reason they were initially primarily used to treat diabetes. Additionally, these drugs help to curb the appetite by slowing how quickly food empties from the stomach thereby increasing satiety or that feeling of fullness, which contributes to weight loss. 

Clinicians often recommend these medications not only to treat diabetes but also to support weight loss, especially when traditional methods haven’t been enough. 

What's especially interesting is how public perception is changing. Not long ago, people hesitated to talk about these medications for fear of being thought of as lazy, taking the easy way out, or not having enough willpower to lose weight on their own. But with well-known figures like Oprah, Whoopi Goldberg, and other high-profile celebrities opening up about their experiences, conversations have become more mainstream—and less stigmatized. That shift matters. It normalizes the use of effective treatments and encourages more people to explore all their options with their care teams. 

But here’s something we don’t talk about enough: the mental load of constant food thoughts, often called “food noise.” Many patients describe being consumed by the question of what to eat next, even when they’re not hungry. One of the most meaningful changes some people experience on these medications is a quieting of that internal chatter. Less food noise means more space for mindful choices and a healthier relationship with food. 

Still, these medications are not magic. In fact, their effectiveness can be undercut when people consume too little.

Appetite suppression can sometimes go too far, leaving individuals undernourished. And when your body isn’t properly fueled, it can hold on to weight rather than releasing it. 

That’s why nutrition counseling is absolutely essential in combination with these medications.

It’s not just about taking an injection—it’s about learning how to nourish your body with the right balance of protein, carbs, fats, fiber, etc. - a balanced, inclusive diet.

Sustainable weight loss and better health require a tailored approach that fits your unique needs. 

Your provider can help you determine whether these medications are right for you—and how to use them in a way that truly supports your health and your goals. Have the conversation...