GLP-1 Injections (Fact VS Fiction) Debunking Common Myths

Myth #1: GLP-1 injections are new and experimental

FALSE - GLP-1 medications have been on the market since 2005, almost 20 years.

The first GLP-1 medication, exenatide, entered the market as a way to help manage blood glucose in diabetics in 2005. It was a twice a day injection. Since then GLP-1 efficacy and ease of administration has continued to improve, making these medications an essential part of the the standard of care for treating type II diabetes. In general, diabetics can be very medically complex patients to treat, and throughout years of research, GLP-1 medications have been proven safe and effective in this patient population. As GLP-1 medications do not cause hypoglycemia unless combined with multiple glucose lowering medications, they have also been proven safe and effective for treating obesity in non-diabetic patients.

With a strong family medicine background, our providers have managed GLP-1 in diabetics long before managing these medications for weight loss. We are very familiar with complexities and side effects of these medications and are here to navigate the weight loss process with you.

Myth #2: The side effects of GLP-1 medications are too severe to take for weight loss

FALSE - Patients who are good candidates for GLP-1 medication usually tolerate the medication well. GLP-1 medication is titrated slowly to minimize side effects.

Like all prescription drugs, GLP-1 medications have side effects. That is why here at WeightMed we spend 40 minutes with each new patient, with the bulk of that time reviewing side effects, and risks vs benefits of these medications. We also spend this time going over your medical history to ensure you do not have an underlying condition or family history putting you at a higher risk for severe side effects. We include a records release for your primary care provider in each set of new patient paperwork, and will review your records in detail prior to your appointment as well.

For patients who are good candidates for these medications, there are absolutely things that can be done to manage and reduce the risk of side effects, the most common being nausea, indigestion, acid reflux and constipation. Avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat (especially restaurant type foods), avoiding eating large meals, and maintain adequate hydration are the first crucial steps that most patients can take to minimize unwanted side effects while on GLP-1 medication.

Kristine is the founder of WeightMed PLLC, Washington’s Premier Obesity Medicine Clinic. WeightMed PLLC prescribes GLP-1 medications in the Seattle, Puget Sound area, Vancouver, Spokane Valley, and all of Washington State.