This is an extended provider response from a patient question featured in the Visana Health Newsletter.
You’re not imagining it. GLP-1 medications are getting a lot of attention. And they can be very effective for some people. But they’re not the right fit for everyone.
GLP-1s work by helping regulate appetite and blood sugar. They can improve insulin resistance and support weight loss in a way that aligns with biology, not willpower. At the same time, their popularity has outpaced the nuance. GLP-1s are real medicine, with real side effects and long-term considerations. They aren’t something you “should” take just because others are.
When someone asks me, “Should I be on one?” I usually reframe it: What does your body need right now to be metabolically healthy?
That depends on your medical history, lab markers, current eating patterns, and how your body is responding to lifestyle changes. Many people can make meaningful improvements in energy, cravings, and blood sugar with consistent lifestyle improvements — enough protein, fiber-rich foods, strength training, sleep, and stress support. For others, medication can be a helpful addition to those foundations.
What are the downsides? Some people feel quite nauseated, or deal with constipation, diarrhea, reflux, or fatigue. For others, the appetite suppression can be so strong that they struggle to eat enough protein or overall calories, which can lead to muscle loss and feeling weak. And because many people regain weight when they stop, it can feel discouraging if you do not have a long term plan that includes nutrition, strength, and follow up support throughout. Finally, GLP-1s are not a good fit for everyone, especially if you have certain gastrointestinal conditions or if your relationship with food is already strained.
There isn’t one right answer, only the right plan for you. If you’re curious about GLP-1s, the next best step is a conversation with a clinician who can look at the full picture and help you weigh benefits, risks, and options. At Visana, we focus on comprehensive metabolic support, so whether medication is part of your plan or not, you also receive food, lifestyle, and exercise guidance and coaching, and ongoing follow up that addresses root causes, not just symptoms. We want you to have both the benefits and the tradeoffs clearly in view, so the decision feels informed and supportive, not pressured. Your health deserves personalized care, not pressure from a trend.
Book an appointment with a Visana provider
Dr. Chevon Rariy is the Chief Clinical Innovation Officer at Visana Health and triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, and Obesity Medicine.
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