GLP-1 receptor agonists (RA) are powerful in the fight against obesity. These pharmaceuticals are known for their weight loss and blood sugar benefits. By reducing body weight, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may open the door to a more active lifestyle, especially with appropriate support. Healthy habit support during and extending beyond the duration of medication can improve long-term outcomes and can help patients reduce their dosages and sustain their positive outcomes. Success can be maximized when GLP-1 RAs such as semaglutide are combined with behavior support.
Continue to read the full blog below or watch our vLog with Dr. Karlie Intlekofer, PhD on our Treo Wellness YouTube Page.
There are many GLP-1 RA medications for approved for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide appears to be the most potent type of GLP-1 RA for weight loss. You’ve likely seen their ads, with brand names for semaglutide including Ozempic & Wegovy. Mounjaro is another popular anti-obesity / type 2 diabetes drug that also activates the GLP receptor, but through a related molecule (tirzepatide). Other GLP-1 RAs include liraglutide (with brand names Victoza or Saxenda) and dulaglutide (aka Trulicity).
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimick the effects of a natural hormone that stimulates insulin release, curbs appetite, and promotes a sense of fullness. Semaglutide medications slow the digestion process. The stomach empties much slower when these medications are taken, reducing the total quantity of calories per day and leading to significant weight loss for most patients.
Semaglutide medications are effective with minimal safety issues. For instance, in the STEP1 trial for semaglutide (2.4 mg once weekly), patients lost an average of 15% of their body weight after a year of treatment. Healthy lifestyle changes were suggested for both the semaglutide and placebo group. The placebo group lost an average of 2.4% of their body weight, by comparison. 
Studies report that about 7% of patients on semaglutide drop out due to vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. More serious gastrointestinal events were rare but did occur in 1.4% of participants in the semaglutide group and 0% in the placebo group. While the weight loss success is remarkable, this reminds us that not all individuals can tolerate the GLP-1 RAs. This is shown according to the manufacturer’s research findings.
In the real-world, rare adverse events have also been reported. Among the rare side effects are pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and stomach paralysis. And when patients undergo surgeries, they must halt their GLP-1 RA medications to ensure their stomachs are empty before their procedure. Even after fasting for 18 hours, semaglutide-users have “substantial” amounts of food in the stomach that can be vomited and aspirated into the lungs during surgery. Some studies suggest the medication should be withheld for 4 weeks before surgical procedures, while the American Society of Anesthesiologists suggest withholding these drugs for a week prior.
Research studies refer to 5% weight reductions because this represents a clinical benchmark associated with improved metabolic health. In the STEP1 trial, the percentage of those who lost 5% or more of their weight was an impressive 86% of those on semaglutide compared to 32% of those in the placebo group. This suggests that the GLP1 RAs can more than double the amount of individuals who see significant weight loss success.
While current medication addresses the physiological aspects of appetite control, behavior change focuses on the psychological and lifestyle aspects. By understanding our actions and developing stress management techniques, individuals can gradually improve their eating choices and physical activity habits through behavior support.
Medication and behavior support are synergistic partners, working together to enhance and prolong the positive effects of weight loss interventions. By addressing the behavioral aspects of weight management, healthy guidance can amplify the overall effectiveness of weight loss medications. Research suggests that more than double the amount of body weight is lost when combining behavioral training with semaglutide medications. 
It’s no secret that the appetite suppression stops when the drugs are halted. And research shows that most weight is regained once the drug is discontinued. Patients may lose access to the drug for several reasons. They may no longer meet prescription criteria, experience health insurance changes, or may have adverse effects from the drug. Healthy habit support becomes indispensable in these scenarios. By helping individuals form and sustain positive lifestyle habits, behavior tools offer a pathway to gradual reduction in pharmaceutical reliance. This sustainable approach aligns with the long-term goals of patients who seek not only immediate results but lasting health improvements.
In the journey towards effective weight management, medication and behavior support delivers the most weight loss and overall health advantages. By embracing both, individuals can harness the synergistic power of physiological interventions and behavioral change strategies. Treo’s habit support platform can maximize the benefits of weight loss medications, but also empowers individuals to take control of their health, fostering sustainable success for the long term.
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As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
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