A scientist has explained why ‘healthy people’ who are taking GLP-1 drugs are actually ‘part of the experiment’ as the drug become ever more mainstream.
GLP-1 medications were first developed to help people manage diabetes, but several have since been adopted for weight-loss treatment too. Drugs such as Mounjaro, for instance, have been approved for people hoping to reduce their weight.
If you’re not familiar with how they work, GLP-1 treatments are commonly taken as a weekly injection. They help bring blood sugar down by supporting the pancreas to release more insulin.
As public interest in GLP-1s has surged, more scientists and clinicians have been weighing in to add context to the ongoing headlines and hype.
Colleen Cutcliffe, a doctor of biochemistry and microbiology, discussed the topic on the Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard podcast, including what people should consider before taking GLP-1 drugs.
She explained: “I’m not anti GLP-1 and if it’s helping you then great. I do think personally that I would be nervous to be on a drug for decades and decades and decades. I’d want to use all the tools in my tool box.
“I’m definitely not against GLP-1’s, but the studies that have been done are with people with type-2 diabetes.” She also suggested that ‘most of the healthy people’ currently using these medications are ‘part of the experiment’.
Cutcliffe continued: “We don’t really know the long-term repercussions, that individual case-by-case basis is getting hammered out now.”
Her comments follow advice shared by a dietician who outlined how eating patterns can differ for people using GLP-1s compared with those trying to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
Zoe Griffiths, Registered Dietitian and VP of Behavioural Medicine at Numan, says people taking GLP-1 medication may want to steer clear of large meals because bigger portions can more easily trigger side effects like nausea and bloating.
Instead, she recommends smaller meals eaten more often to help people meet their needs while keeping symptoms manageable.
Griffiths said: “Nutrient deficiencies can also become a real risk whilst using weight loss medication because appetite is significantly reduced. That’s why people on GLP-1 based treatments need to be more intentional about hitting protein and micronutrient targets.
“Higher protein intake is important during weight loss because without it, the risk of losing excessive muscle mass increases. This has downstream impacts on health, strength and long term weight loss maintenance.”
Comparing both approaches, she added: “The basic principles apply to both people using weight loss medication and those relying on diet and exercise alone. These are eating a balanced diet (whole foods, high in protein and fibre, and limited processed food), eating regular meals, staying hydrated, and strength training to preserve lean muscle. However, using GLP-1s is different enough for a more tailored approach.”