GLP-1 weight loss medications are becoming increasingly popular in both mainstream and functional medicine circles. We prescribe GLP-1 medication and other peptide therapy at The Fork with incredible results. 

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It’s important to understand that even though GLP-1 drugs are effective, they aren’t the magic bullet to solve your health puzzle. No medication will make up for a poor diet and stressful, sedentary lifestyle. However, when combined with the other facets of a functional medicine protocol, GLP-1s can help you achieve your next level of health.

It’s important to understand that even though GLP-1 drugs are effective, they aren’t the magic bullet to solve your health puzzle. No medication will make up for a poor diet and stressful, sedentary lifestyle. However, when combined with the other facets of a functional medicine protocol, GLP-1s can help you achieve your next level of health. 

Today’s article will cover what you need to know about weight reduction medicine and how to use it in conjunction with other functional medicine interventions. Keep reading as we explore:

• What is GLP-1?
• GLP-1 agonists - How does glp-1 work?
• What are GLP-1 drugs prescribed for?
• The inflammation connection 
• Important considerations, including GLP-1 side effects

What is GLP-1?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peptide (short protein) hormone made by the human body, primarily in the digestive tract. Your body produces this hormone in response to eating, and it binds to receptors throughout the body. 

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GLP-1 performs various functions, including:

• Stimulates insulin synthesis (insulin helps move glucose from the blood into cells)
• Reduction of glucagon secretion (glucagon helps release stored glucose between meals)
• Slows stomach emptying, to help you feel fuller longer
• Reduction of cravings and “food noise” from the brain 
• Reduction of food intake

Overall, GLP-1 helps regulate appetite and balance blood sugar. 

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There is substantial variation in natural GLP-1 production between individuals. Increasing protein and fiber-rich plant foods, as well as specific herbs, like turmeric, can boost natural GLP-1 production. 

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Medications – How They Work

GLP-1 weight loss meds are receptor agonists. The agnostic definition means the medication is similar enough to the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone that it binds to GLP-1 receptors and acts like the hormone, stimulating downstream signaling. 

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These medications are typically injections, although some GLP-1 pills are on the market, with more in development. The first was FDA-approved in 2005. 

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Some GLP-1 receptor agonist medication examples are: 

• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
• Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
• Tirzepatide (Monjaro, Zepbound) – combines GLP-1 with GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), another peptide hormone receptor agonist

What is compounded Semaglutide? Compounded medications allow for personalized care. May patients do well with lower dosages to promote slower weight loss (while preserving muscle mass) and decrease Ozempic side effects.

What GLP-1 Medications are Used For - GLP-1 Effect on Inflammation

While we typically think of Semaglutide for weight loss, GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved for the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. They may have additional clinical uses for:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Musculoskeletal inflammation
• Cancer
• Autoimmune disease

One reason GLP-1 medicines have so many clinical benefits is because they are anti-inflammatory, and this action is independent of its metabolic benefits. Anti-inflammatory benefits exist across organs, which is why you see benefits for various diseases. 

One reason GLP-1 medicines have so many clinical benefits is because they are anti-inflammatory, and this action is independent of its metabolic benefits. Anti-inflammatory benefits exist across organs, which is why you see benefits for various diseases. 

‍Important Considerations

You’ll achieve the best results with GLP-1 medications when combined with nutrition and lifestyle changes. You can’t rely on the medication to do the work for you. 

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In the obese population, Semaglutide weight loss doesn’t just reduce body fat; up to 40% of the weight lost can be muscle, especially in older adults, women, and those eating a low-protein diet. The number on the scale goes down, but loss of lean body mass is not good for your long-term metabolic health and longevity. If you gain weight back, it will be mostly fat, putting you in a worse metabolic position than when you started your weight loss journey. 

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Because of this, maintaining lean body mass when using GLP-1 medications (or following any weight loss protocol) is imperative. From a practical standpoint, you’ll need to dial in your diet and get enough protein each day, and incorporate strength training into your weekly routine.

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Additionally, slower weight loss is more sustainable and helpful for preserving lean body mass, which is why we may use lower dose medications and combine GLP-1s with other peptides or supplements. Lower doses help reduce gastrointestinal side effects that may occur with higher-dose GLP-1 medications. 

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Mission YOU is The Fork’s comprehensive diet, lifestyle, and metabolic overhaul, combining the best of personalized lifestyle medicine with functional medicine tools, including GLP-1 medications. We monitor you along the way to ensure weight loss is safe and sustainable. Additionally, we cut through the wellness noise, so you learn what foods and strategies work for your unique body and help you achieve long-term health and vitality. 

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While GLP-1s may seem like the next shiny new weight-loss miracle, they actually have a lot of research and merit behind them, but they need to be used correctly and as part of a complete functional medicine protocol. If you’re curious about how GLP-1s fit into your lifestyle plan, please reach out to The Fork! 

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References

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2. Nauck M. A. (1998). Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1): a potent gut hormone with a possible therapeutic perspective. Acta diabetologica, 35(3), 117–129. 
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5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists 
6.  Zheng, Z., Zong, Y., Ma, Y., Tian, Y., Pang, Y., Zhang, C., & Gao, J. (2024). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor: mechanisms and advances in therapy. Signal transduction and targeted therapy, 9(1), 234. 
7. Kaye, A. D., Sala, K. R., Abbott, B. M., Dicke, A. N., Johnson, L. D., Wilson, P. A., Amarasinghe, S. N., Singh, N., Ahmadzadeh, S., Kaye, A. M., Shekoohi, S., & Varrassi, G. (2024). The Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 16(8), e67232. 
8. Wong, C. K., & Drucker, D. J. (2025). Antiinflammatory actions of glucagon-like peptide-1-based therapies beyond metabolic benefits. The Journal of clinical investigation, 135(21), e194751.
9. The Endocrine Society. (2025, July 15). Semaglutide melts fat—but may quietly strip away your strength. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 19, 2025 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250715043349.htm