September 21, 2026
Colton Williams, DNP, FNP, earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a family nurse practitioner focus from Montana State University in Bozeman. He works at St. Peter's Health in the Lifestyle Medicine Clinic.
GLP-1 medications have become a highly talked-about treatment in healthcare. You may have seen stories online, watched commercials, or heard family and friends talk about them. However, not everything you have heard may be true. Here are some common myths and facts around GLP-1s:
Myth: GLP-1s are only for Type 2 Diabetes.
Fact: GLP-1 medications were first approved in 2005 and were originally used to help people with Type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar levels. Today, certain GLP-1 medications are also approved for chronic weight management and have been shown to improve health conditions related to obesity, including reducing cardiovascular risk and improving obstructive sleep apnea in eligible patients.
Myth: Everyone loses weight on a GLP-1.
Fact: People can respond differently to GLP-1 medications. Clinical studies show that weight loss varies by medication, individual factors, and lifestyle changes. Some individuals may lose around 5% of their body weight, while others may lose 20% or more. Although GLP-1 medications can be highly effective, they are not a substitute for healthy habits. The greatest benefits are achieved when GLP-1s are combined with regular aerobic activity, resistance training, a well-balanced diet with adequate protein, quality sleep, stress management, moderating substance use, and spending time outdoors. Lasting success is built on healthy habits that support long-term health.
Myth: Taking a GLP-1 is cheating.
Fact: Obesity is a complex, chronic disease involving many factors, including genetics, biology, hormones, environment, sleep, and lifestyle. GLP-1 medications work alongside your body's natural GLP-1 hormones to help regulate appetite, increase feelings of fullness, slow stomach emptying, and help the body release insulin when needed. For some individuals with overweight or obesity, natural appetite-regulating signals may not be strong enough to support healthy weight regulation. GLP-1 medications can help support these systems and may be an important tool in achieving health goals.
Myth: I can eat whatever I want while taking a GLP-1.
Fact: GLP-1 medications can reduce appetite and help people feel full sooner, which may lead to eating fewer calories. However, eating less does not mean that food quality is less important. Choosing nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains helps provide the body with the nutrients it needs. Eating large portions, high-fat foods, greasy meals, or continuing to eat past fullness may increase the risk of uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, bloating, or stomach discomfort.
Myth: Anyone can take a GLP-1.
Fact: GLP-1 medications are not right for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions, including a personal or family history of specific thyroid cancers, may not be good candidates. If you want to know whether a GLP-1 medication is right for you, talk with your healthcare provider about the potential benefits, risks, and whether it fits your individual health goals.
Myth: You will gain all the weight back once you stop a GLP-1.
Fact: Some people may use GLP-1 medications short-term, while others may benefit from longer-term treatment. Because overweight and obesity are chronic health conditions, weight regain can occur after stopping medication. This is why creating lifelong healthy habits is an important part of treatment. If a GLP-1 medication is stopped, having a plan that includes nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and ongoing support can help maintain progress.
Conclusion
GLP-1 medications are effective tools that can help improve health, but they are only one part of a larger plan. GLP-1 medications, alongside lifestyle changes such as regular aerobic activity, resistance training, nutrient-dense foods, good sleep habits, stress management, limiting substance use, and getting time outside, create a strong foundation for long-term health. Everyone's health journey is different, and no single approach works for everyone. Work with your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan that supports your goals and helps you achieve lasting success.