Weight Loss Drugs For The Win? Now So Fast
TThe GLP-1 weight loss drugs — think Ozempic, Wegovy, and the like — being touted as miracle cures for obesity have shown dramatic weight loss for many people.
But there are three things we don’t talk about:
- How to afford them (if you’re relying on your insurance, keep reading)
- What we lose beside fat
- What happens when you stop taking these drugs
You’re lighter and so is your wallet!
Sure, people lose weight on these drugs — and they cost a lot. More and more people are facing challenges getting insurance to pay for these drugs if they don’t have type 2 diabetes.
Without insurance coverage, it can cost around $1000 a month. That’s a lot of money. And if you haven’t seen your coverage denied, you’re likely to as more changes go into effect in the next year.
If you haven’t started taking them, you need to know the cost going in.
Did You Want to Lose Muscle and Bone Density?
When you start taking these drugs, you want to lose fat. Most people also lose muscle and have decreased bone density.
It’s possible to slow the loss or regain some muscle through strength training. The reality is we should all be strength training — lifting weights, using resistance bands or your own body weight — for vibrant living. Eating right and exercise are still the answer.
What Happens When You Stop?
These are lifetime drugs. Once you start, you’re intended to keep taking them. People do stop for a number of reasons:
- Can’t afford it
- Shortages, because the drugs are so popular
- Unwanted side effects
- Reaching their weight goal and deciding they don’t want to be on medication any more.
What happens next isn’t surprising: Most people gain back the weight they lost.
You read that right. The miracle loss isn’t a miracle any more than all those other things you tried — unless you keep doing it. This “cure” comes with a high cost to your body and wallet.
If you’re taking these drugs already and stopping, be prepared for weight regain, but don’t be discouraged. You can make long-term gains through lifestyle changes. It’s not fast or sexy, but it works and it lasts — and you can even build muscle and bone health — instead of losing it.
Having support to make the change can make a huge difference. My coaching packages cost less than a month of most weight loss drugs when not covered by insurance.
Curious what it would be like to work with me or if I can help in your specific situation? Let’s talk. Set up a free consultation.