SALT LAKE CITY — Weight-loss drugs have surged in popularity in recent years, with as many as 12% of Americans having tried a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound or Mounjaro for weight loss or chronic conditions.

Just this week, the World Health Organization released new guidelines recommending GLP-1 therapies as a long-term treatment for adults with obesity.

“We’ve never had such powerful weight-loss medications,” said Dr. Jennwood Chen, a board-certified bariatric surgeon and medical director for bariatric medicine at Intermountain Health.

GLP-1 medications were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Typically taken as a weekly injection, they mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite and slows digestion, which can help reduce hunger.

“The first medications have been around for quite some time now, but they’ve steadily gotten better. What’s been noted is not only does it lower A1C or blood sugar levels for people with diabetes, but also there’s a profound weight loss that comes along with it,” said Dr. Betsy Batcher, an endocrinologist and medical director for endocrinology at Intermountain Health.

Related: Trump unveils deal to expand coverage and lower costs on obesity drugs

Potential side effects 

Like all medications, GLP-1s come with potential side effects. The most common include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. They can also cause a significant decrease in muscle mass.

“Up to 40% of every pound you lose is estimated to be muscle, which is a big problem,” Chen said.

“That’s especially relevant in older people who might choose to take these medications, as frailty is a big cause for falls and fractures and quite a bit of disability,” Batcher added.

To counteract muscle loss, experts emphasize maintaining a consistent exercise routine — especially strength training — and getting adequate protein.

Both Chen and Batcher stressed that GLP-1s are not a replacement for regular exercise or healthy eating.

“It’s still important to eat your veggies and get your steps in,” Batcher said. “Using the medications as a tool to complement a healthy, well-balanced diet and a regular exercise program is really the best recipe for success.”

GLP-1s are typically prescribed at the lowest effective dose, which encourages gradual, steady weight loss rather than rapid fluctuations.

“Again, we treat patients first and foremost with intensive lifestyle modifications, and where they can’t reach their goals is when we start thinking about augmenting their treatment with these GLP-1s and/or surgery,” Chen said.

There are also medical conditions where weight-loss drugs would not be recommended, including a history of medullary thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, gastroparesis, or a family history of MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Batcher also noted that people with a current or past eating disorder should use extreme caution.

How patients can get GLP-1 medications 

Accessing GLP-1 medications usually begins with a visit to a primary care provider or endocrinologist. Providers review a patient’s BMI, medical history, weight-related conditions, and previous lifestyle attempts to determine if medication is appropriate.

Insurance coverage varies widely. Many insurance plans cover GLP-1s for type 2 diabetes, but far fewer cover them for obesity alone, leaving some patients paying out of pocket. Without insurance, GLP-1s can cost $900 to over $1,300 per month, depending on the brand and dose.

Intermountain Health offers access to weight loss medications through Weight Loss Treatment on Demand for patients 18 and older in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Nevada. Without insurance, medication through the program ranges from $350 to $500 per month.

GLP-1s can interact with other medications and underlying medical conditions, making a medical evaluation essential. If you’re considering trying a GLP1, talk to your primary care provider to see if it’s safe and right for you.