GLP-1 Medications: Why is everyone on it?
By Dr. Rishi Seth MD
Board Certified Internal Medicine, Concierge Physician
Seth Premiere Medical – 3321 W Bearss Avenue, Tampa, FL
www.sethmedical.com
Its no secret that as we all age, weight management is one of the most important aspects of maintaining long-term health. Excess weight can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. And let’s face it, “lifestyle changes” alone may not achieve the affect for many people. It can lead to years of fad diets and exercise plans with minimal results. In recent years, GLP-1 medications have emerged as the most effective tools for safe and sustainable weight loss. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the body. This hormone plays a key role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. GLP-1 medications mimic this hormone. There are different versions such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). These medications work by controlling appetite, slowing digestion, which helps reduce overeating, Stabilizing blood sugar levels and promoting steady weight loss when paired with nutrition and exercise support. Of course, lots of people use these medications and find a lot of benefit, and like all medications, there can be some side effects. Common side effects are nausea, and dehydration. GLP-1 medications offer a new option for people who have tried traditional methods without lasting success. Clinical studies show that patients on GLP-1 medications can lose anywhere between 20-30% of their body weight, which has a meaningful impact on blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall quality of life.
Is it safe? Yes, it has an overwhelmingly safe medication safety profile. That being said, I have had patients who have not tolerated the medication and that is normal. I’ve had some patients who are on the maximum dose with little benefit. No medication is perfect. However, on a whole, it is a medication that has shown in the general population to have massive benefit. The real question people need to ask is “how do I take this medication safely AND effectively?” And that’s a conversation that must be had with you and your doctor.
As a physician, my role is to provide individualized care rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Sometimes, its just as easy as giving the medication and weight loss happens. Sometimes, its much more complicated than that. As Yogi Beara once said, “50% of the game is half mental”. That’s where tailored approaches are important. Otherwise, you are just putting another chemical in your body without identifying your goal. A good GLP-1 weight loss must include advanced diet planning, a structured exercise program and in some case, psychological help. The goal should be to eventually come off of the medication (or at least lowered to a maintenance dose).
Health and wellness are priorities not just for longevity but also for maintaining the active lifestyle so many of us enjoy. Whether it’s golf, tennis, cycling, or simply keeping up with children or grandchildren, excess weight often becomes a barrier. If you live in Avila or anywhere in Tampa and have been struggling with weight loss, I invite you to learn more about our GLP-1 program at Seth Premiere Medical. These medications represent a new era of weight management—one that is both science-driven and personalized to your needs. To schedule a consultation, please visit www.sethmedical.com or call our office at 3321 Bearss Avenue, Tampa, FL.