GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have changed the weight loss conversation. For many of my patients, they’ve brought relief, hope, and real results. For others, they’ve brought confusion, side effects, and more questions than answers.
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have changed the weight loss conversation. For many of my patients, they’ve brought relief, hope, and real results. For others, they’ve brought confusion, side effects, and more questions than answers.
I prescribe these medications thoughtfully and I always pair them with context.
If you’re trying to figure out whether GLP-1s are right for you, what to expect, or how to avoid the common pitfalls, this is a good place to start. I’ll walk you through the science, the benefits, the risks, and what I tell my own patients about what comes next.
GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are a class of medications originally developed for Type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking a hormone your gut already produces, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.
Brand names you may have heard include:
These drugs help you feel fuller, slower. They reduce cravings, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote steady, sustainable fat loss when used properly.
Yes, they work. Especially for people struggling with biologically driven weight gain. The results I see in clinic vary, but the benefits are real:
But they aren’t magic. And they aren’t for everyone. More on that below.
GLP-1s don’t fix everything.
Dr. Tassa’s Note: In other words, these medications are a powerful tool. But they’re not a lifestyle.
Side effects are common, especially in the first 4–6 weeks. Most are manageable, but it’s important to work with someone who can guide you.
Common side effects include:
Dr. Tassa’s Note: Some patients feel amazing. Others need to switch formulations or pause treatment. I always start low and adjust gradually, based on your labs, feedback, and goals.
I look at three key areas:
Dr. Tassa’s Note: I always make sure patients are informed and motivated from the right place - not pressured or misled by social media trends.
Access and cost are two of the biggest barriers to this care. I work with reputable compounding pharmacies that offer safe, effective versions of these medications at a fraction of the cost.
If you’ve been quoted $1,000+ per month for branded injections, I can often cut that down significantly without compromising safety or results.
This is the part most clinics skip.
Stopping GLP-1s abruptly, without a plan, often leads to weight regain. That’s because:
Here’s how we avoid that:
Dr. Tassa’s Note: Weight maintenance is a skill. I teach it like one.
Dr. Tassa’s Note: No judgment. No shortcuts. No side-effect roulette.
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There’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel better in your body. GLP-1s can be part of that. But they should never be the whole plan.
If you’re curious about whether this approach is right for you, I’m happy to walk you through it, honestly and clearly.
You don’t need to figure it out alone!
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