Losing weight can be incredibly difficult for many people. For some, no matter how carefully they watch what they eat or how hard they train, the scales barely move. That is where modern science has stepped in, and the world of weight loss has changed dramatically with the rise of a new class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and others, were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but their unexpected effect on appetite and body weight has made them the centre of global attention.
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut. After eating, it signals the brain that you are full, slows digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. GLP-1 medications mimic this hormone, effectively turning down the body’s hunger cues and helping people feel satisfied with smaller portions. They also slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach, which means fewer spikes and crashes in blood sugar. The result is a reduced desire to eat and a steadier energy balance, leading to consistent, sustainable weight loss for many users.
Clinical trials have shown striking results. Participants taking semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) lost on average between 10 and 15 per cent of their body weight over about a year, which is far greater than what can typically be achieved through lifestyle changes alone. Tirzepatide, the ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, has shown even more dramatic outcomes in early studies, with some people losing up to 20 per cent of their starting weight. These results have been hailed as a medical breakthrough, giving people with obesity or weight-related conditions a new path that actually works.
But these drugs are not a magic fix. When someone stops taking them, their appetite often returns to normal, and some of the weight can come back. The medication does not rewire the brain permanently, so it works best when combined with lifestyle changes that support long-term health.
There are also potential side effects. Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue and loss of muscle mass are commonly reported, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Rare but serious complications such as pancreatitis or gallbladder issues can occur, though the overall safety record is strong when the drugs are used under medical supervision.
Beyond the biology, the psychology of weight loss plays a major role. Many people using these medications find themselves confronting their emotional relationship with food. Without the constant pull of hunger, they start to notice patterns that were once hidden, such as eating for comfort or reward. The drugs can create a powerful window of opportunity to reset habits, but they cannot replace the psychological work that supports lasting change. The most successful users pair medication with mindful eating, therapy, or coaching to build a healthier relationship with their bodies and with food itself.
With any high-demand trend comes risk, and weight loss medications have unfortunately attracted scams and counterfeit products. Social media is filled with fake suppliers selling unregulated injections or compounded versions that may not contain the correct ingredients. These are not only ineffective but potentially dangerous. Genuine GLP-1 medications must be prescribed by a qualified GP and more importantly sourced through reputable pharmacies. If something seems too cheap or easy to access, it probably is.
In truth, the rise of GLP-1s is more than a medical story. It reflects a cultural shift in how we understand obesity. For decades, people struggling with weight were told to simply eat less and move more, as if willpower were the only factor. Science now recognises obesity as a complex metabolic condition involving genetics, hormones and the brain’s reward systems. GLP-1 drugs target these underlying processes, helping people regain control over hunger and energy balance in a way that biology often resists.
For those who have battled their bodies for years, these medications can be life-changing. But they are most effective when used with respect for both the science and the psychology behind them, and under proper medical care. Sustainable weight loss is not just about shrinking the body, but about understanding it more deeply and working with it rather than against it.
Photo by Debby Hudson
