The Role of GLP-1 Medications in Effective Weight Management

Apr 16

By Dr. Kaisa Schmitz | Revive Health Medical Weight Loss & Wellness

GLP-1 weight loss medications, like Wegovy (also known as Ozempic or semaglutide), are changing the landscape of medical weight loss treatment. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, these medications are now being widely used for weight loss due to their powerful impact on appetite regulation and fat reduction.

How GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Work

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that helps control blood sugar, slow digestion, and regulate appetite. GLP-1 weight loss medications like semaglutide mimic this hormone, sending signals to the brain that promote a sense of fullness while reducing cravings.

For many patients, this means eating less without feeling deprived—making it easier to stick with a healthy eating plan and see real results.

Benefits of Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Medications like Wegovy or Ozempic, which contain semaglutide, have been shown to help patients lose a significant percentage of body weight—often 10% or more—when combined with lifestyle changes. Some key benefits include:

Reduced hunger and fewer cravings
Improved portion control
Reduction in “food noise”, or frequent thoughts about food
Steady, sustainable fat loss
Better blood sugar regulation

Research has also shown GLP-1 medications to be helpful for:

Cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially in people with existing heart disease.
Fatty liver disease, improving liver function and reducing fat buildup in the liver.
Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, possibly due to their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

This makes GLP-1 medications a powerful tool for those who’ve struggled with traditional diet and exercise alone, and especially beneficial for many patients already dealing with health complications caused by weight.

Is a GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication Right for You?

While these medications can offer impressive results, they’re not for everyone. GLP-1 medications are typically prescribed as part of a medical weight loss treatment plan after a thorough health evaluation.

Potential considerations include:

Pre-existing health conditions (especially related to the pancreas or thyroid)
Current medications or treatments
Tolerance to possible side effects like nausea or GI discomfort

At Revive Health Medical Weight Loss & Wellness, Dr. Kaisa Schmitz works closely with patients to determine if a GLP-1 weight loss medication like Wegovy is a good fit—and ensures it's paired with the right support, nutrition guidance, and activity plan.

The Bottom Line

GLP-1 medications like semaglutide offer a promising option for people looking to lose weight with medical guidance, but they aren’t the only option. If you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck, it might be time to explore what a weight loss medication can do when prescribed and monitored by a qualified professional.

Ready to take control of your weight with a science-backed plan?

Contact Revive Health Medical Weight Loss & Wellness, to schedule your consultation and see if GLP-1 treatment is right for you.