The Growing Popularity of GLP-1s: What It Means for Your Health

As weight loss drugs become more popular, staying informed about their pros and cons is important, particularly for older adults.

Here, we’ll break down the basics on what GLP-1 meds are for, how they work, and potential benefits, side effects and risks. We’ll also take a look at myths surrounding these popular medications.

What is GLP-1 for?

First of all, GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide 1, and it’s part of a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Some of the specific names and brands in this class are:

• Semaglutide, also known by the brand names Ozempic or Wegovy

• Tirzepatide, also known by the brand names Mounjaro or Zepbound

• Liraglutide, also known by the brand name Victoza

These medications are for weight loss, with about 12 percent of adults reporting they are currently taking a GLP-1 to lose weight or treat a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease. Usage is higher among women — 15 percent of women versus 9 percent of men — with the highest usage among adults ages 50 to 64 (22 percent).

How does GLP-1 work?

According to the Healthy Aging and Longevity experts at Harvard Health, GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are designed to mimic a hormone that occurs naturally in the gut. This hormone is responsible for triggering insulin release, slowing down digestion, and reducing appetite.

Because of the way GLP-1s regulate blood sugar and appetite, people with Type 2 diabetes or obesity-related complications like heart disease may want to talk to their physician about using a GLP-1.

What are the potential benefits of GLP-1?

Besides controlling blood sugar, there are more benefits to taking a GLP-1 than just fitting into your clothes from 10 years ago. Among older adults especially, there are benefits you may not have considered, like:

• better sleep and breathing – reducing weight and regulating blood sugar levels may improve conditions like sleep apnea or asthma

• better memory and better mental health – by minimizing the mental health impact of obesity (links to depression, anxiety and brain fog), GLP-1s have the potential to increase mental wellness

• better balance and mobility – by taking strain off the joints through weight loss, older adults who struggle with obesity may find movement and physical activity less challenging

What are the side effects and risks?

With any new medication, whether it’s new to you and your body or new to the marketplace, an understanding of its side effects and risks is essential.

With the first FDA approval being granted in 2005 for diabetes treatment, GLP-1s are still in the early stages of usage and research. While historically the side effects are relatively limited, the recent surge in popularity of GLP-1s is the “off-label” use for weight loss purposes, not just blood sugar control, say University of Chicago Medicine experts.

As reports from the CDC in 2023 estimate 38.9 percent of older adults are obese, the weight management benefits must be weighed against side effects and risks.

Here is an overview of the most common side effects and risks for GLP-1s:

1. Gastrointestinal (GI) issues like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and nausea
2. Dehydration due to reduced hunger and thirst cues, which can lead to dizziness, weakness or confusion (of particular concern for people with dementia)
3. Muscle mass and bone loss, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis, fractures or falls
4. Harmful drug interactions, particularly among those already taking blood pressure drugs, which can contribute to a variety of health issues and concerns

This is not an exhaustive list, especially as research around GLP-1 medications is changing (since new meds are still being developed and brought to market). Keep in mind that no matter what the data says, every person responds to meds differently. Whether you are considering a GLP-1 or know someone who is, be sure to talk through the potential side effects and risks with a trusted health care provider like your primary care physician or your pharmacist.

What are the common myths?

Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths you may be seeing or hearing about online or in day-to-day conversations:

Are GLP-1s a miracle drug?

Using a GLP-1 to lose weight and improve overall health — with overall minimal side effects — seems too good to be true. And for some people, the risks are definitely greater than the benefits. Across the board, medical and clinical experts emphasize consistency and adherence in using GLP-1s carefully and appropriately, and in maintaining other wellness habits like exercise, better sleep and nutrition, improving mental health and staying connected — rather than relying on the GLP-1 alone.

Are GLP-1s affordable?

This will vary by insurance coverage and prescriber, although Medicare’s lack of coverage for drugs prescribed exclusively for weight loss is probably the reason that only 9 percent of adults over age 65 are using GLP-1s.

Are GLP-1s just a trend?

Not everyone in the world is on a GLP-1, even though many popular media stories are flooded with photos of celebrities showcasing their extreme weight loss. However, these medications have contributed to enough success that they are probably here to say.

Research suggests 12 percent of adults say that they are currently taking a GLP-1 drug to lose weight or treat a chronic condition, representing an increase from data taken 18 months ago.

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) health tracking poll (2023)

If you’re concerned or curious about healthy weight loss or chronic condition management call your local ArchWell Health provider to learn more.

Alternative Titles:

What Older Adults Should Know About GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

The Growing Popularity of GLP-1s: What It Means for Your Health