GLP-1s Part 2
GLP-1s Part 2: Questions to Ask Yourself
So maybe you know about the GLP-1 drugs and how they work, and you’re contemplating speaking to your doctor about a prescription.
I will say this until I am blue in the face, so let me be very clear when I say that I support body autonomy and you get to decide how you care for your body. I will also remind you that you deserve care and compassion, and adequate nutrition to support your body’s needs. So if you are considering requesting a GLP-1 drug, I would encourage you to pause and think about what this might mean for your relationship with your body and your health.
Some Questions to think about:
What is your goal with this medication? Are there certain health-related markers you are looking to see change?
Be specific! Write out the things that you want to see improve, and hold yourself accountable. If these things improve, will you be willing to stop taking the medication?
Are there other ways you could support your health aside from weight loss?
I often encourage clients to focus on behaviors that support health rather than the concept of weight loss. If you are reaching for one of these medications, ask yourself if there are other behaviors that you could incorporate into your day to day that could be supportive of your goals. Some examples to think about:
Adding a walk after work to encourage additional movement
Add a vegetable to lunch or dinner a few times per week to increase your fiber intake
Drink more water throughout the day
Prioritize sleep
If your goal is weight loss, what about your life will change if you live in a smaller body? What are you waiting to do until you lose weight?
Are you telling yourself that once you lose the weight, you can engage with the world differently? What is stopping you from engaging with the world as you are?
How will you check in with yourself while you take this medication?
Many people endorse experiencing uncomfortable side effects. How will you hold yourself accountable for safety and body respect if weight loss happens while you experience negative side effects? At what point will you discuss decreasing your dose or ceasing the medication?
How will it feel for you to eat if/when you don’t feel hungry?
Many people experience decreased hunger cues while on a GLP-1 medication. While hunger cues may change, energy needs do not. I would encourage you to consider how you will support meeting your energy needs if you do not experience hunger.
What will happen if you start to regain the weight while on this medication?
How will you talk to yourself? What might you do to try and lose the weight again?
If you are not eating enough, are you willing to take a break from movement/exercise?
If you are not eating/eating enough, you are not supporting your health by moving your body. Full stop. Bodies do not run on empty, and while your body is built to survive and be resilient, it does not mean that existing on minimal intake is safe. And it certainly does not help you to build muscle. If you need to take a break from movement, will this impact the way you eat and take care of yourself?
Have you spoken to a dietitian about your interest in this medication?
It’s ok and totally natural if any of these questions feel hard to respond to. Going onto a medication is a serious decision, and it deserves whatever amount of time you need to think it through. I would encourage you to reach out to your healthcare team with any questions, and add a dietitian to support you through this journey.
