GLP-1 Medications: A HAES Perspective

In recent years, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) like Ozempic and Wegovy have become prominent in discussions about weight loss and metabolic health. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, these medications are increasingly prescribed for weight loss. As a licensed therapist and personal trainer practicing from a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach, I want to explore the realities of GLP-1 medications—when they might be appropriate, their potential risks, and why they are not a magic solution for healing your relationship with food and movement.

The Benefits and Risks of GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 RAs work by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and increase feelings of fullness. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, these medications can offer significant benefits, including improved blood sugar control and reduced risk of cardiovascular events.

However, they also come with potential risks, including:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are common side effects.
• Gallbladder problems: Studies have observed an increased incidence of gallbladder-related disorders.
• Hair loss: Recent studies suggest a link between semaglutide medications and an increased risk of hair loss, particularly among women.

While these medications can be life-changing for some, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution, especially for individuals navigating a complicated relationship with food and body image.

GLP-1s and Eating Disorders: A Major Concern

One alarming trend is the use of GLP-1 medications in individuals with active eating disorders. Because these medications suppress appetite, some see them as a tool to curb binge episodes or reduce food cravings. However, this approach does not teach true body attunement.

For someone struggling with binge eating, restriction, or an unhealthy relationship with food, taking a medication that blunts hunger might feel like a “fix,” but it bypasses the real work of healing. What happens when they stop the medication? Often, old patterns resurface, sometimes even stronger than before, because the individual never learned to listen to and trust their body’s natural cues. Healing from disordered eating requires more than just appetite suppression—it involves deep work around intuitive eating, self-compassion, and body trust.

Weight Loss Alone is Not a Health Goal

From a HAES perspective, using GLP-1s for weight loss alone is problematic. Body size does not determine health, and shrinking your body does not automatically make you healthier. Weight cycling (repeatedly losing and regaining weight) has been associated with increased health risks, including metabolic and cardiovascular issues. If someone is being prescribed GLP-1s solely for weight loss, without addressing underlying behaviors, self-perception, and lifestyle factors, it reinforces the dangerous idea that thinness equals health.

For those with metabolic conditions where GLP-1s can play a role in improving health outcomes, these medications may be appropriate. Weight loss should not be the singular focus. Instead, we need a more holistic approach that includes movement, stress management, and a nourishing relationship with food, without shame or restriction.

Your Body, Your Choice

I recognize that for many people, especially those who have spent a lifetime battling diet culture, GLP-1s offer hope. If you’ve been told your entire life that your body is a problem, it makes sense why you’d be drawn to a medication that promises a solution. I’m not here to tell you what to do with your body—that is entirely your choice. But I do encourage you to ask yourself: Am I making this choice from a place of self-care, or from a place of self-rejection?

The Support You Deserve

If you’re considering GLP-1s, I strongly encourage working with a HAES-aligned registered dietitian or therapist. These professionals can help you explore your relationship with food and movement, ensure that your choices align with your overall well-being, and support you in sustainable behavior changes that go beyond medication.

At the end of the day, your health is about so much more than weight. True well-being comes from learning to care for your body in a way that feels good, sustainable, and free from shame. You deserve support that honors your whole self, not just a number on the scale.

If this conversation resonates with you and you’re looking for a supportive space to explore movement and body acceptance, my FREE Facebook Community, Dumbbells & Donuts, is a great place to start. If you’re seeking more individualized guidance, feel free to reach out about my 1:1 personal training or eating disorder therapy services. You don’t have to navigate this alone—you deserve care that truly supports you.

Sources for GLP-1 Information:

The facts about GLP-1s come from reputable medical sources such as:

• • The American Diabetes Association</strong> (for the role of GLP-1s in blood sugar regulation)
  • The New England Journal of Medicine (for studies on weight loss and health outcomes)
  • The FDA and pharmaceutical companies (for side effects and approved uses)

<li><strong&gt;The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) (for information on how GLP-1s can impact eating behaviors)