The Truth About GLP-1s: Wegovy, Ozempic, and the Weight Loss Shortcut That Isn’t
- Deion DeLeon
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Deion DeLeon - Functional Fitness Professional
Let’s talk about one of the biggest topics in weight loss today: GLP-1 medications.
Maybe you’ve heard about them through ads, celebrities, or social media influencers. Maybe you’ve even considered using one yourself.
Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and semaglutide have made headlines for helping people drop serious pounds — fast. But what’s the real story? Are they safe? Are they effective? Are they the magic pill people have been searching for?
Let’s break it all down — science included — and let’s do it without hype, without bias, and with a healthy dose of truth.
What Are GLP-1s, and How Do They Work?
GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, a hormone your body naturally produces. It plays a key role in regulating:
Appetite
Insulin release
Blood sugar levels
Digestive emptying
GLP-1 medications are synthetic versions (or mimics) of this hormone. They work by:
Suppressing appetite
Slowing down digestion, so you feel fuller longer
Reducing cravings and hunger signals
Improving blood sugar control
There are two main types of GLP-1-based medications in use today:
🟦 Semaglutide
Found in: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes (Ozempic)
Approved for weight loss (Wegovy)
Taken weekly via injection or daily in pill form (Rybelsus)
🟩 Tirzepatide
Found in: Mounjaro, Zepbound
A dual agonist: targets GLP-1 and GIP (another hormone that enhances insulin sensitivity)
May produce greater weight loss results than semaglutide in studies
Also taken via weekly injection
The Good: What These Medications Can Do
GLP-1s aren’t a scam. They are backed by real science and have delivered real results for many people.
✔️ Significant Weight Loss
Clinical trials have shown average weight loss of 15% or more of body weight with consistent use over several months — when combined with dietary changes.
✔️ Appetite Control
Many users report a dramatic decrease in hunger, which makes it easier to eat less without feeling like you're starving.
✔️ Improved Blood Sugar and Insulin Sensitivity
Especially helpful for people with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, where blood sugar spikes and crashes can fuel cravings and fat gain.
✔️ Health Benefits Beyond Weight
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, and better cholesterol levels are all associated with GLP-1 use in overweight populations.
The Bad: Side Effects, Cost, and Dependency
Let’s be real — this isn’t magic. These medications come with serious drawbacks, and they are not for everyone.
⚠️ Common Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Fatigue
Headaches
Bloating
These side effects often hit hardest when you start, and for some, they never fully go away.
⚠️ More Serious Risks
Gallbladder issues
Pancreatitis
Thyroid tumors (in rodents — unclear in humans)
Muscle loss: rapid weight loss often leads to losing lean mass without proper strength training
⚠️ Not a Long-Term Fix
The moment many people stop taking GLP-1s, their hunger comes back, and weight regain is common — sometimes even worse than before.
This isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a commitment, and in many cases, it needs to be a lifelong medication to keep the weight off.
⚠️ Expensive + Insurance Hurdles
Costs can range from $900 to $1300/month without insurance
Even with coverage, getting approved can be a bureaucratic battle
Bloodwork, follow-ups, and dosage adjustments add to the bill
The Reality: It’s Still Hard Work
Here’s what needs to be said — loud and clear:
GLP-1s don’t change who you are. They just reduce your hunger.
They don’t teach you how to:
Meal prep
Train hard
Build muscle
Be consistent
Choose whole foods
Maintain discipline when life gets hard
GLP-1s can help, but they are only a tool. Not a replacement. Not a shortcut. Not a cheat code.
Even with GLP-1s, if your nutrition is trash, your training is inconsistent, and your habits haven’t changed — your results will be temporary.
Real, lasting change still comes down to:
A structured workout routine
A nutrient-dense, whole food diet
Consistent lifestyle habits
Mindset work and daily accountability
There is no magic medicine that will take your body where your work ethic and discipline refuse to go.
Key Takeaways
GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy, semaglutide, and tirzepatide are effective medical tools for weight loss — especially for people with health conditions.
They suppress hunger and help with portion control, but they do not build muscle or teach discipline.
They can be expensive, come with side effects, and should never replace a proper fitness and nutrition plan.
The most powerful “drug” for fat loss? Still hard work, intentional eating, smart training, and consistency.
DM me “GLP-1 TRUTH” On Instagram @deion_deleon217
…if you want to build a realistic, natural, sustainable fat-loss plan that teaches you the habits and mindset needed — whether you’re on a GLP-1 or not. The medication might help you lose the weight, but I’ll help you keep it off.
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