A Fresh Look at Hormone-Based Weight Management
While weight loss medications have existed for decades, few have succeeded in promoting long-term weight management with added health benefits beyond shedding pounds.
That’s why there’s so much buzz around the new generation of GLP-1 receptor agonists — a class of hormone-based medications that mimic the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These treatments show great promise in offering a middle path between restrictive dieting and weight loss surgery.
GLP-1 receptor agonists imitate a hormone our intestines naturally release when we eat. This hormone helps us:
Feel full sooner
Stay full longer
Reduce food-focused thoughts
Make more consistent, health-supporting food choices
Unlike traditional stimulant-based weight loss drugs that often cause insomnia, agitation, or racing heartbeats, GLP-1 medications work in harmony with your body’s natural appetite and satiety signals.
Let’s break it down simply:
GLP-1s slow stomach emptying, helping you feel satisfied with smaller meals. This supports a gentle calorie deficit without constant hunger or deprivation.
GLP-1s signal your brain that you’re full and nourished, reducing appetite and cravings. This makes it easier to make sustainable, balanced food choices.
Yes! And the research is impressive.
For example, Wegovy, one of the most well-known GLP-1 medications, helped participants lose an average of 15% of their body weight when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. Over half of participants lost more than 15%. That’s approximately 45 pounds for a 300-pound patient — up to five times more than diet and exercise alone!
Even better? GLP-1s also support intermittent fasting and have positive effects on:
Blood sugar
Cholesterol
Blood pressure
GLP-1 receptor agonists may be a great option if you:
Have a BMI over 30, or over 27 with associated conditions like hypertension, insulin resistance, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease
Have not achieved desired weight loss with diet and exercise alone
Prefer a non-stimulant, heart-friendly alternative to older medications like phentermine
GLP-1s are not safe for everyone. Avoid these medications if:
You or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or MEN2 syndrome
You’ve had a serious allergic reaction to GLP-1 medications in the past
You are pregnant or planning pregnancy
You are currently on another GLP-1 medication or insulin
You have severe gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, or advanced kidney/liver problems
You’re experiencing significant mental health changes (depression or suicidal thoughts)
You are breastfeeding, as it's unknown if the medication passes through breast milk
GLP-1s can be expensive, but many insurance plans now cover them for patients who qualify.
Here are a few helpful tips:
Wegovy and Zepbound offer manufacturer savings programs
LillyDirect now offers Zepbound in vial form for self-pay patients — often at similar cost to compounded alternatives
We recommend visiting the manufacturers’ websites directly for updated cost and coupon information.
If you think a GLP-1 receptor agonist might be right for you, schedule an appointment with a Thrive Wellness provider to discuss your goals, medical history, and the best plan for your body.
You deserve a compassionate and sustainable approach to your health journey.
Stay well,
The Thrive Wellness Team
P.S. That gorgeous brunch board you saw? It's from The Hip Foodie Mom – find the recipe here. Because joy and nourishment can go hand-in-hand.
