GLP-1 medications, often referred to as ‘weight-loss injections’, have become a highly visible and, at times, polarising topic. For some individuals who experience persistent food cravings, ‘food noise’, or difficulties with weight management, these medications can feel hopeful. And that sense of hope is completely understandable. Whether or not someone chooses to explore GLP-1 medications, their decision deserves respect, compassion, and informed support.
At the same time, GLP-1 medications are not a ‘silver bullet’ and are not suitable or appropriate for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore what GLP-1 medications are, how effective they may be for weight management, the potential risks and side effects, and why diet, lifestyle, and support from qualified healthcare professionals remain central to long-term health outcomes.
What are GLP-1s?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut that plays a role in appetite regulation, digestion, and blood glucose control (1).
Originally, GLP-1 receptor agonists were licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Only in more recent years have some of these medications been licensed for weight management due to their effects on appetite and energy intake. In the UK, however, strict eligibility and referral criteria apply to GLP-1 medications licensed for weight management, as outlined by NICE (2,3).
GLP-1 medications should only be prescribed by a qualified medical professional and obtained from a reputable source. Using these medications without appropriate medical screening, follow-up and monitoring, or outside of their licensed indications (such as for weight loss in people who are not living with clinical overweight or obesity) may pose health risks (4).
To help protect against illegitimate medicines or medical devises sold online, GOV.UK provides guidance and resources for individuals considering GLP-1 medications.
How Effective are GLP-1s for Weight Loss?
When combined with structured diet and lifestyle support, evidence suggests GLP-1 medications can support weight loss for some individuals. For example, the 2022 SURMOUNT-1 trial found participants taking weekly tirzepatide lost, on average, between 15% and 21% of their body weight over 72 weeks, with greater losses seen at higher doses (5).
But did you spot the important detail? these results were achieved alongside a comprehensive lifestyle programme. This included dietary counselling, a daily calorie deficit, and at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
When GLP-1 medications are used without structured dietary and lifestyle support, outcomes can be more modest. One study reported an average weight loss of 2.2% when lifestyle changes were not included in the intervention (6).
This highlights a key point: GLP-1 medications are not a standalone solution.
For some individuals, they may support an initial step towards positive health changes by reducing very real barriers such as pain, reduced mobility, or low confidence, which can make lifestyle change – for example, engaging in physical activity – feel inaccessible. In this way, GLP-1s may act as a facilitator rather than a fix, helping create space for healthier habits to develop. Long-term nutrition and lifestyle change, however, need to remain central to the conversation, particularly as research suggests weight regain is common once GLP-1 medications are stopped (7).
Potential Risks and Side Effects of GLP-1s
While long-term risks and side-effects of GLP-1 medications are not yet fully understood as high-quality studies extending beyond two years remain limited, NICE guidance lists possible side effects to include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, acid reflux, headaches, fatigue, gallbladder disease, kidney impairment, and in rarer cases acute pancreatitis (8).
Reduced appetite, whilst often an intended effect, is equally important to consider. This is because without appropriate support and monitoring, appetite may become so dampened that individuals struggle to meet their nutritional needs, increasing the risk of malnutrition (9,10).
GLP-1 medications also have contraindications with certain medical conditions and medications (8). This is why they should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified medical professional. Then, they can assess individual health history and coordinate care alongside other regulated healthcare professionals, such as registered dietitians or nutritionists, psychiatrists, and doctors (11).
Why Diet Still Matters
A common misconception is that GLP-1 medications remove the need to focus on diet. In reality however, nutrition remains central to health whether or not medication is used.
This is where working with a Registered Dietitian can be particularly helpful. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all diet, dietitians support individuals to tailor nutrition advice to personal preferences, lifestyles, and health needs.
For individuals using GLP-1 medications, dietetic support may focus on (12):
- Ensuring adequate protein intake to support muscle mass
- Prioritising nutrient-dense foods when appetite is reduced
- Managing any gastrointestinal side effects
- Meeting fibre and micronutrient needs
- Encouraging regular meals and adequate hydration
- Supporting flexible, sustainable eating patterns
GLP-1s and Our Relationship with Food
For many people, the possibility of quietening ‘food noise’ may be an appealing aspect of GLP-1 medications (13). For those who have struggled with their relationship with food, this sense of mental relief can feel significant. That experience is completely valid.
It is important to acknowledge that, for some, these medications could mask underlying challenges such as emotional eating, body image concerns, or disordered eating patterns (14). It is vital that any eating-related difficulties are recognised and discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner when considering GLP-1 medications. If your healthcare practitioner determines GLP-1 treatment to be appropriate and safe, it remains important that eating-related challenges are appropriately supported alongside medical treatment.
A Final Takeaway
GLP-1 medications represent an important advancement in the management of overweight and obesity, but they are not a risk-free or universal solution. They are one possible tool within a broader, person-centred healthcare approach and may be helpful for some individuals when used appropriately and with the right support.
Health, however, is influenced by far more than body weight alone, and meaningful, lasting change rarely comes from medication in isolation. Anyone considering or using a GLP-1 medication is strongly encouraged to seek personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional, such as their doctor or a registered dietitian, to assess their suitability, support adequate nutrition intake, manage potential side effects, and reduce the risk of longer-term health complications.
Dietitian’s Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided by Amber Woodhouse, Registered Dietitian, and is based on current scientific evidence. It is intended for informational purposes for the general adult public only and does not replace personalised medical advice. GLP-1 medications are prescription-only and should only be used following medical screening and under the supervision of a qualified professional. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting, or making any changes to, any medication or diet.
References:
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-67701-9 Unlocking the multifaceted roles of GLP-1: Physiological functions and therapeutic potential – PMC
- https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta1026/chapter/1-Recommendations
- PRN01879-interim-commissioning-guidance-implementation-of-the-nice-technology-appraisal-ta1026-and-the-NICE-fu.pdf
- GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know – GOV.UK
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9877131/#SM1
- https://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj-2025-085304
- GLP-1 receptor agonists | Prescribing information | Diabetes – type 2 | CKS | NICE
- Nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss in adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists: A retrospective observational study – ScienceDirect
- Malnutrition with use of GLP-1 agonists is an underestimated real world harm | The BMJ
- Joint Position Statement with British Dietetic Association
- Nutritional considerations with antiobesity medications – Almandoz – 2024 – Obesity – Wiley Online Library
- GLP‐1 medication and weight loss. Barriers and motivators among 1659 participants managed in a virtual setting. Naveed – 2025 – Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism – Wiley Online Library
GLP-1 Medications and Eating Disorders – National Eating Disorders Association
