The Truth About GLP-1 Agonists: A Tool, Not a Crutch
I’ve had countless discussions with clients about GLP-1 agonists (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound), and I’ve seen firsthand the misconceptions and concerns surrounding these medications. Whether someone is 15 pounds overweight or 100+ pounds overweight, the same question arises:
“Should I take this drug, and if I do, what happens next?”
Given how often this topic comes up, I want to provide some clarity—especially for those who have struggled with weight loss for years and are unsure if this is the right step.
Who Is Considering a GLP-1 Medication?
Some of my clients are like a recent patient in her early 40s—very active, already disciplined with her diet, but struggling to lose the last 15 pounds. However, most of my clients aren’t in that position.
Many of the people I work with are:
✔ 50 to 100+ pounds overweight
✔ Battling obesity-related conditions like high blood pressure, insulin resistance, or full-blown diabetes
✔ Experiencing joint pain, fatigue, and metabolic dysfunction due to excess weight
✔ Struggling with years (or even decades) of failed diets and weight regain
Some have already started GLP-1 medications but aren’t seeing results, while others are afraid to take them because they think it means they’ve failed.
The reality is: GLP-1s are not a crutch, and they’re not just for people who need to lose 10 or 15 pounds.
Men Need GLP-1s Too—But Most Won’t Take Them
There’s a common misconception that GLP-1s are mostly for women. The truth is, many men should be on these medications—but pride often gets in the way.
I’ve worked with countless men who:
🚨 Are 50+ pounds overweight
🚨 Are full-blown diabetic but refuse medication
🚨 Won’t address their eating habits because they think “real men” should be able to control their weight naturally
Meanwhile, their blood sugar is out of control, their belly fat is increasing, and their health is deteriorating. It’s not just women who struggle with weight and food cravings—men do too.
I can’t stress this enough: If you’re overweight and struggling, get the help you need. There is no shame in using a tool that can quite literally save your life.
Should You Take a GLP-1 Medication?
Here’s the honest truth about GLP-1s:
👉 If you take them, you need to be prepared for a long-term commitment.
Most people regain weight once they stop taking these medications. That’s not true for everyone, but it’s common.
Some clients—especially those who previously had poor eating and exercise habits—can use the drug as a catalyst for long-term change and successfully transition off.
However, if you’ve struggled for years, stopping the medication will likely result in weight regain unless you’ve made significant lifestyle changes.
💡 The goal should be to find the minimum effective dose and accept that continued use may be necessary for weight maintenance.
The Emotional Toll: “Does Taking a GLP-1 Mean I’ve Failed?”
One of the biggest struggles I see—especially among those who have tried everything to lose weight—is the feeling of failure when considering medication.
Many people (especially men) say:
“If I take this drug, doesn’t that mean I’ve failed? Why can’t I do this on my own?”
This mindset is toxic and false.
🚫 Being overweight isn’t just about willpower.
🚫 Struggling with weight loss doesn’t mean you’re weak.
🚫 Needing help doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
Genetics play a huge role in body weight and metabolism. Some people are simply predisposed to hold onto fat more than others. If a person had high blood pressure or diabetes, they wouldn’t feel ashamed about taking medication.
💡 Why should weight loss be any different?
Why Some Clients on GLP-1s Aren’t Losing Weight
I’ve worked with several clients who started GLP-1s and then said:
“I’m taking the drug, but I’m not losing weight.”
Here’s why:
❌ They put all their faith in the drug but didn’t change their habits.
❌ They kept eating processed foods, not hydrating properly, and avoiding exercise.
❌ They thought the drug alone would do the work.
GLP-1s help suppress appetite and slow digestion, but if you don’t build healthy habits, you won’t see results.
Once my clients started incorporating proper habits—eating whole foods, getting more movement, and improving sleep—the weight finally started coming off.
Who Should Consider a GLP-1?
A GLP-1 might be a good option if you:
✅ Have struggled with weight loss despite dieting and exercise
✅ Have 50+ pounds to lose and are dealing with metabolic dysfunction
✅ Need help controlling cravings or reducing portions
✅ Are open to using the medication as a tool, not a magic pill
The biggest mistake people make is thinking the drug will do everything for them.
The reality is:
🟢 GLP-1s help you control your appetite.
🟢 They make you feel full faster.
🟢 They reduce cravings.
BUT—you still have to make the right choices every day.
Can You Stop Taking a GLP-1?
Yes—but only if you’ve built strong habits.
Most of my clients who have successfully transitioned off GLP-1s were able to maintain their weight loss because they:
✔ Kept eating whole foods
✔ Continued exercising
✔ Maintained accountability
But if you:
❌ Haven’t built new habits
❌ Have a history of weight regain
❌ Struggle with consistency
Then you’re likely to gain the weight back without continued support.
This is why coaching and accountability matter. If you haven’t been able to stay consistent for years, why would that suddenly change on its own?
Final Thoughts: Don’t Go at It Alone
If you’re considering a GLP-1 medication, you need a real plan—not just a prescription.
At Brooktree Consulting, I work with clients to:
✔ Evaluate if a GLP-1 is right for them
✔ Build long-term, sustainable habits alongside medication
✔ Provide accountability so you don’t fall back into old patterns
Your health is an investment, not a quick fix. If you’re serious about finally seeing results, let’s talk.
👉 Schedule a Discovery Call Today and take control of your health—on your terms.
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