08/11/2026
Why I Believe GLP-1 Medications Are About More Than Weight Loss
As a Nurse, one of the reasons I believe in GLP-1 medications is that I don’t view them as simply “weight-loss drugs” but as a lifestyle improvement.
If your on a GLP with us, you have most likely heard me say “The scale is only one piece of the picture” & “Don't base your entire focus on the sale number”
We’re learning more every year about how GLP-1 medications can positively affect metabolic, cardiovascular, kidney and inflammatory health—and some of these benefits appear to extend beyond the amount of weight someone loses.
❤️ Heart health:
In large cardiovascular outcomes trial, semaglutide reduced major cardiovascular events—including cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke—by approximately 20% in adults with overweight/obesity and established cardiovascular disease, even though they did not have diabetes.
🫘 Kidney health:
A follow-up analysis found that semaglutide reduced the risk of a major composite kidney outcome by about 22% and slowed decline in kidney function.
🩸 Metabolic health:
GLP-1 medications can improve blood glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Research has also shown cardiovascular benefits across different baseline HbA1c levels—
I highlight again👉🏼 not just in those with diabetes.
🔥 Inflammation & overall metabolic health:
GLP-1 therapy is also being studied for its effects on inflammatory and metabolic pathways. This is an area of rapidly evolving research, and we're continuing to learn how much of these improvements come directly from the medications versus the weight loss and other metabolic changes they produce.
And that’s why I don't want patients to look at GLP-1 therapy and simplify their thinking to:
“How many pounds did I lose?”
I want to know ⤵️
❔ How are your blood sugar & insulin levels?
❔ How is your blood pressure?
❔ How are your cholesterol & triglycerides?
❔ How is your cardiovascular risk?
❔ How is your kidney function?
❔ How is your energy?
❔ How is your relationship with food?
❔ How is your overall metabolic health?
Weight loss can be an important part of treatment—but it doesn't have to be the only measure of success.
GLP-1 medications aren't appropriate for everyone, and they should be used with appropriate medical screening, monitoring and individualized care.
But when they are appropriate, I believe we should be looking at the whole picture of health—not just the scale. ❤️
Kathryn,
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11282385/?utm_source
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213858724002717?utm_source
To evaluate the cardiovascular effects of semaglutide by baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and change in HbA1c in a prespecified analysis of Semaglutide Effects on Cardiovascular Outcomes in People With Overweight or Obesity (SELECT). In SELECT, ...
