Okay bestie, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the Ozempic pen in everyone’s purse? If you’ve been living under a rock (or just really good at avoiding wellness TikTok), GLP-1 medications are literally everywhere right now. From your favorite influencer’s “what I eat in a day” posts to your coworker who suddenly stopped reaching for the office donuts, these little pens are having a MOMENT.
But here’s the thing – while everyone’s whispering about them in spin class, the actual science behind GLP-1s is pretty fascinating. So grab your favorite adaptogenic latte because I’m about to break down everything you need to know about these game-changing medications that are revolutionizing how we think about weight loss, metabolism, and honestly? Our entire relationship with food.
Okay Sooo, What Even ARE GLP-1s?
Let me get nerdy with you for a hot sec. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, and plot twist – your body actually makes this hormone naturally! Every time you eat, your gut releases GLP-1 to basically tell your brain “hey girl, we’re good here, put down the fork.” It’s like having a built-in portion control bestie.
The medications (aka GLP-1 receptor agonists) are basically synthetic versions that are way more extra than your natural hormone – they stick around longer and work harder. Think of it like upgrading from your regular mascara to the waterproof, lengthening, volumizing formula that actually does what it promises.
In clinical trials, people lost between 14-22% of their body weight depending on which GLP-1 they used. And honestly? That’s not just “dropped a few pounds for beach season” territory – that’s life-changing stuff.
The Main Characters in This GLP-1 Universe
Like any good Netflix series, there’s a core cast you’ll hear about nonstop… and then a few side characters and up-and-comers worth keeping on your radar.
💉 Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®) – The OG that kicked off the whole GLP-1 craze. She’s the blueprint. Most of my posts reference this one because, well… she’s kind of the Beyoncé of the bunch.
💉 Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) – The overachiever who doesn’t just hit one hormone target, she doubles down. She’s newer, flashier, and honestly making waves. Also a main character here on the blog because she’s giving main character results.
💉 Liraglutide (Saxenda®, Victoza®) – The reliable older sibling. Daily injections, solid track record, not as trendy but still gets the job done.
💉 Dulaglutide (Trulicity®) – The low-key cousin who’s technically in the same family but doesn’t chase the spotlight. Once-weekly injections, mostly used for type 2 diabetes, but quietly helping with weight too.
💉 Retatrutide – Not even officially on the market yet, but the early trial data is… wild. Think: “triple threat” energy hitting three different receptors for potentially even greater impact. Keep an eye on her—she might just steal the show when she drops.
All of these basically work in the same way — slowing digestion, regulating appetite, and improving blood sugar — but their vibes (dosing schedules, side effect profiles, and marketing personalities) are different enough to make each one its own character in the GLP-1 cinematic universe.
How These Little Miracle Workers Actually Work
Here’s where it gets really cool. GLP-1s are basically like having a bestie who texts you “drink water, babe” and “maybe don’t eat an entire sleeve of Oreos at 2am,” except this friend lives rent-free in your bloodstream and actually knows biochemistry.
🧬 Blood Sugar Boss Moves: They tell your pancreas to release insulin only when you actually need it (revolutionary, I know) — no random sugar crashes or energy rollercoasters.
🧠 Brain Game Strong: They literally slide into your brain’s DMs (okay, satiety centers) and turn down the volume on those “but what if I’m still hungry?” thoughts. Less food noise = more mental real estate for, you know, living your life.
🐌 Slow and Steady: They make food hang out in your stomach longer, so you stay full for hours instead of turning into a snack-goblin 20 minutes later.
💪 Metabolic Glow-Up: Early research says they may boost insulin sensitivity and lower inflammation — basically, internal anti-aging with a side of better energy.
The big takeaway? GLP-1s aren’t just “skinny shots.” Sure, they help with weight loss by calming cravings, slowing digestion, and stabilizing blood sugar — but they’re also quietly supporting your overall health. Think: improved metabolic function, better long-term blood sugar control, and possibly lowering your risk for some serious chronic conditions. They’re like the wellness multi-tool you didn’t know existed.
The Real Talk on What to Expect
Most people on GLP-1s notice something wild: they’re just… not obsessing about food anymore. Like, the constant background noise of “What’s for dinner? Should I get a snack? Ooh, cookies in the pantry…” suddenly turns into a gentle hum instead of a screaming stadium crowd. You sit down for a meal, eat half of what you normally would, and—shocker—you’re actually satisfied. No dramatic self-control speeches required.
What people usually experience:
🍽 Naturally Smaller Portions – You push your plate away without the inner “but you should finish it” battle.
🚫 Bye-Bye Mindless Snacking – RIP to my 3 PM chip habit (gone, but not forgotten).
🔥 Steady Fat Loss – Especially from the stubborn belly area that’s been ghosting your workouts for years.
💌 Better Food Relationship – Less guilt, more intention, and meals that actually feel… enjoyable again.
But here’s the tea: GLP-1s are not magic wands. They won’t make kale taste like cake or give you instant abs while you’re Netflix-bingeing. You still need to show up for yourself with balanced nutrition, movement you actually like, and a little self-respect. Think of them as your wellness wingwoman—always there to hype you up and keep you on track—but you’re still the main character in this glow-up story.
The bottom line? They make weight loss easier, but they also help you quiet food noise, stabilize energy, and build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with eating. This isn’t just about dropping pounds—it’s about gaining back mental space and physical confidence.
Let’s Be Real About Side Effects
Because I’m not about to sugarcoat this (pun intended). The most common side effects are:
- Nausea – Usually when you first start or up your dose. Pro tip: ginger everything is about to become your bestie
- Digestive drama – Either constipation or the opposite. Magnesium supplements and fiber are your friends
- Fatigue or headaches – Your body’s adjusting, be patient with yourself
- Rare scary stuff – Pancreatitis or gallbladder issues, but this usually happens when people lose weight too fast
Most side effects are totally manageable, especially if you’ve got a good provider and you’re prepared with the right supplements and support system. Check out our post here that gets down to the nitty gritty of this!
Who Should Skip This Party
GLP-1s aren’t for everyone, babe. You’ll want to pass if you:
- Have a history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
- Are pregnant or trying to conceive
- Just generally haven’t talked to your doctor about your health history
Always, ALWAYS loop in your healthcare provider. No wellness trend is worth risking your health.
Your GLP-1 Getting-Started Game Plan
Ready to explore this option? You’ve got two main routes:
Traditional Route: Your primary care doctor or a weight-loss clinic. This is your best bet if you want insurance to potentially cover it or if you prefer in-person appointments.
Digital Route: Telehealth companies that ship right to your door. It’s faster, often more affordable (we’re talking as low as $83/month), and perfect for our “I want it now” generation.
Our current telehealth faves? GobyMeds and OrderlyMeds are killing it right now with customized formulations – basically, they can adjust your dose and add other supportive ingredients based on what YOU need.
How to Absolutely Crush It on GLP-1s
Want to get the most out of your GLP-1 journey? Here’s your optimization checklist:
✨ Protein is Your BFF – It’ll keep you full longer and help maintain your muscle while you lose fat. (Shoutout to plant-based protein powders for making this easier!)
✨ Lift Heavy Things – Strength training is non-negotiable for maintaining your metabolism and that strong, toned look we’re all after. Try BODi’s LIIFT4 program for a program that you can do from home with just a bench and some dumbells!
✨ Hydration Station – Electrolytes are crucial, especially with potential digestive side effects. A daily Liquid IV is honestly clutch
✨ Support Your Gut – Digestive enzymes and magnesium can be game-changers for managing side effects (plus magnesium helps with sleep – win-win!)
✨ Become a Data Girlie – If you’re into tracking, a continuous glucose monitor can give you fascinating insights into how your body responds
The Bottom Line
Look, GLP-1s aren’t just another wellness fad that’ll be replaced by the next shiny thing. This is legitimate, science-backed medicine that’s changing how we approach weight loss and metabolic health. But they work best when you’re also showing up for yourself in other ways – eating nourishing foods, moving your body, managing stress, all that good stuff.
Think of starting GLP-1s like getting a really good therapist or trainer – it’s an investment in yourself that requires your participation to see the best results. But when you do the work alongside these medications? The transformation can be pretty incredible.
Your future self is waiting for you to make the move. The question is: are you ready to meet her? Get started today.
Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, and remember – you’re not just changing your body, you’re changing your entire relationship with food and health. That’s some pretty powerful stuff right there.
Ready to go down the rabbit hole? Join the private Biohacker Bunny Facebook group for unfiltered chat about GLP-1s, peptides, and the wild side of women’s biohacking they don’t want us talking about in public. 😉
Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you shop through them (no extra cost to you—think of it as buying us a matcha 🍵 for the research).
While some of us are doctors, we’re not your doctors. The info on this site is meant to educate and empower, not diagnose or treat. Always chat with your own healthcare provider before starting new meds, peptides, supplements, or that intense cold plunge-fasting-stack we’re raving about. You do you—but do it safely. 💪
