If you’re a busy adult or parent trying to lose weight, you’ve likely come across the buzz around GLP-1 drugs—namely Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide. These medications are dominating the health and wellness space, and for good reason: they’re producing dramatic weight loss results.
But like many of our clients at Engage Personal Training in West Chester, PA, you may be wondering:
- Are they safe?
- Will they actually help me?
- What are the long-term effects?
Let’s unpack everything you need to know about GLP-1 drugs and how they could fit into a comprehensive weight loss strategy.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and this is not medical advice. This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed physician before beginning any prescription weight loss drug—and please avoid black-market sources.
What Do GLP-1 Drugs Actually Do?
GLP-1 medications mimic a hormone naturally produced in your gut that helps regulate appetite, insulin secretion, and glucose levels. These drugs work by:
- Slowing gastric emptying, helping you feel full for longer periods
- Suppressing appetite, reducing food cravings and the constant “food noise”
- Enhancing insulin secretion, improving blood sugar control and reducing hunger swings
When these systems are balanced, you experience fewer cravings, more consistent energy, and less overeating—making it much easier to lose weight.
What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
GLP-1 medications have been shown to produce an average 15–20% body weight reduction in users over time. This is significantly more than traditional fitness and nutrition programs, which tend to average around 10% total weight loss with strict adherence.
Ps. Clients at Engage Personal Training, on average, see a 15-20% decrease in their body weight while maintaining muscle mass and losing fat if that is their goal… Matching the results of GLP-1 Drugs!
Are There Risks or Downsides?
Safety is a common concern we hear at our gym. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Muscle Loss Concerns
Some critics say these drugs cause muscle loss. But let’s be clear:
- The drugs themselves do not cause muscle loss.
- Caloric restriction without strength training or protein intake causes muscle loss—regardless of whether you’re using a medication or just dieting.
With proper strength training and adequate protein, our clients have successfully maintained muscle mass while losing fat. Due to these drugs reducing appetite, people that lose muscle mass do so as a result of under-eating calories and protein, NOT because of the function of the drugs themselves.
2. Joint or Ligament Weakness
Some people experience joint discomfort while taking GLP-1s, but this is usually due to extreme calorie deficits that lead to poor recovery—not the drug itself. Again, this is true for anyone under-eating, with or without medication.
3. Regaining Weight After Stopping
Yes, many people regain weight after stopping the drugs—but that’s not the drug’s fault. GLP-1s suppress appetite, which gives you the mental clarity and space to build healthy habits without the constant feelings of hunger and thoughts about food that are typically prevalent in obese individuals.
If you don’t build those habits while using the drug, you’re more likely to return to old eating patterns afterward. The solution? Use the weight loss momentum to establish a sustainable nutrition and fitness plan (We can help you with this if you are in West Chester, PA)
4. Potential Side Effects
Remember, I’m not a doctor. Consult your doctor for a full risk assessment for yourself. That said, common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Digestive discomfort
- Fatigue
More serious risks, such as pancreatitis or thyroid issues, are rare.
However, when assessing the risks it’s important to make the right comparisons… Don’t compare simply the risks of taking them vs. not taking the drugs..
You should instead compare the risks of taking the drugs + getting the results of the drugs to the risks of your current state of health/obesity (Sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, risk of injury, cardiac health, etc…)
In most cases, the health risks of long-term obesity far outweigh the potential side effects of the medication.
So, Are GLP-1 Drugs Safe?
(Reminder, talk to a real doctor before making decisions for yourself)
According to current research and safety reviews from the FDA and other health organizations, GLP-1 drugs are considered safe and effective when used under medical supervision. Yes, there are risks, but the same is true for obesity-related conditions like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Sleep apnea
This is not a choice between a perfectly healthy body and a drug with side effects. It’s a choice between:
- A tool that may carry some risks, OR
- Continuing to live with serious, proven health consequences of obesity
For many, the medication is the safer option.
Final Thoughts and what we believe at Engage Personal Training:
GLP-1 drugs are one tool in the weight loss toolbox.
They are not a substitute for a high-protein diet, regular strength training, or the long-term support of a knowledgeable coach that can help build healthier habits. But for many of our clients, they offer a head start toward building the lifestyle changes that matter most.
At Engage Personal Training, we support your choice to take control of your health—whether that includes medication or not.
If GLP-1s give you the courage and confidence to start your journey, we’re here to help you turn that momentum into lasting habits.PS. If you are looking for a place to start your fitness journey, click here to learn about our 21 Day Jump Start program where we focus on beginner-level fitness and help clients see long-term success in a weight loss program.
Ready to take the first step in your fitness journey? This is where thousands have started.