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Whether they’re using weekly shots or daily pills, more Americans than ever are turning to anti-obesity drugs to lose weight and boost health. About 1
in 8 U.S. adults say they are taking a GLP-1 drug, according to a recent survey by the health research group KFF.
Since January, more than 600,000 prescriptions have been written for Novo Nordisk’s new Wegovy pill, the company reported. Early analysis indicates that over a third of users are new to the drugs, as noted by Truveta, a health care data company.However, experts caution that medication alone isn’t the solution. Achieving the best results from GLP-1 drugs requires lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and effective stress management.
Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity medicine expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of FlyteHealth, stated, “The biggest mistake people make with GLP-1 medications is thinking the prescription is the treatment.”
While GLP-1s can promote weight loss and health improvements on their own, a recent review of nearly three dozen studies found that the effects are more significant and enduring when the drugs are paired with lifestyle modifications.
Experts emphasize that the focus should be on overall health rather than merely weight loss. Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrinologist and obesity expert at Harvard Medical School, remarked, “Health is what you eat, how much you move your body, what is your blood sugar, what is your blood pressure, what is your cholesterol.”
The GLP-1 medications function by targeting hormones in the gut and brain that slow digestion and influence appetite and feelings of fullness. This mechanism helps facilitate the adoption of healthier habits, according to Saunders.
Despite the perception created by social media and advertising that these medications offer a quick fix, Saunders noted that obesity is a complex, chronic, progressive disease requiring ongoing medical management.
Clinical trials of anti-obesity medications like Wegovy and Zepbound included structured lifestyle programs alongside the medication, which are recommended with every new prescription.
This combination leads to not only significant weight loss but also improved health markers. A February study involving over 98,000 U.S. military veterans found that those who used a GLP-1 and adhered to six to eight healthy habits had a 43% lower risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as stroke and heart attack, compared to those who did not use the drugs and followed three or fewer healthy habits.
Dr. Frank Hu, a lead author and chair of the nutrition department at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, noted that lifestyle habits “can substantially amplify the benefits of modern medications.”
To maximize the advantages of GLP-1s and mitigate potential side effects like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and muscle loss, experts such as Dushay recommend specific strategies. Maintaining muscle by consuming 20 to 30 grams of protein per meal is crucial, with sources including fish, poultry, yogurt, and beans.
Additionally, increasing fiber intake and drinking plenty of water—up to 8 to 12 cups daily—is advised. Those experiencing heartburn or nausea should avoid fried and spicy foods and refrain from lying down after meals.
Aiming for 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly, or ideally about an hour each day, along with 30 minutes of strength training two to three times a week, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, is recommended.
Getting sufficient sleep—seven to nine hours a day for a healthy adult—and taking measures to reduce mental and emotional stress are also important. Regular consultations with healthcare providers about progress are essential, as GLP-1 drugs can have rare but serious side effects.
Dushay emphasized the need for monitoring, stating, “Someone really does need to keep track of: What is the pace of your weight loss? What are your side effects? And not just mailing you a prescription every month.”
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
