GLP-1 Peptides (Like Ozempic): What to Know About Benefits, Side Effects, and Safety

Meet the “Miracle” Drug

Are you constantly fighting to gain control of your weight or blood sugar, but can’t seem to make meaningful progress? Is it making you curious about medications like Ozempic? Girl, we hear you. Many women struggle with these health challenges, which is why Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications are so freaking popular, especially for our PCOS Cysters. These medicines can offer real help. In this article, we promise to give you the straight facts about GLP-1s: how they work, the good they can do, the potential problems they can cause, and who should and should not consider taking them. 

I Want My Dream Body!

We’ve all heard the tales, right? A relatable woman in her mid-30s is constantly battling her body weight and blood sugar levels, despite following her doctor’s advice for diet and exercise. Then, she discovers Ozempic. Two months later she’s down 12 sizes and getting job offers to be a Victoria’s Secret model!  

Actually, while some of the stories on social media are overblown, there’s no doubt that these medications can, and do, provide major benefits to people from all walks of life. If you want to find out more about how GLP-1 meds really work and whether they might be helpful to you, then keep reading.

What are the Types of GLP-1 Medications and How Do They Work?

There are two main types of GLP-1 medications: semaglutide and tirzepatide. Both can help with weight loss and managing blood sugar, but they work in slightly different ways.1,2

Semaglutide, sold under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, focuses on one key hormone: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1). GLP-1 is a natural hormone your body makes that helps control blood sugar by increasing insulin release after you eat and slowing down the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. It also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, which helps you feel full longer.3,4

Tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro or Zepbound, works on two hormones: GLP-1 and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide). GIP is another natural hormone that helps control blood sugar, but it also affects how your body stores fat. By working on both GLP-1 and GIP, tirzepatide may have additional benefits for weight loss and blood sugar control compared to medications that only target GLP-1.4 While both medications can be effective, they are only available by prescription and should only be used under the guidance of a doctor.

Here’s a link to a list of GLP-1 medications that includes information on dosing, approved use, and price.

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Realistic Benefits of GLP-1 Medications: What to Expect

The three main benefits of GLP-1 medications are:

  • Better blood sugar control: This is very important for people with type 2 diabetes. By helping the body use insulin better, GLP-1s can lower blood sugar levels and help prevent health problems caused by high blood sugar.1  

  • Weight loss: Many people who take GLP-1s lose weight, which can improve overall health and reduce the risk of developing other health problems.  

  • Metabolic support: Improved blood sugar levels and a healthier weight can lead to better blood lipid levels, less inflammation, and healthier organs.2,3,5, 

GLP-1s are especially helpful for people who struggle with metabolic health, a term that describes problems with how your body processes food and uses energy. This is why doctors are prescribing GLP-1s for many of their PCOS patients. Some research also suggests that GLP-1s may have benefits for heart health, but more studies are needed. 

What Are the Possible Downsides? Give It to Me Unfiltered.

Yes girl, they have downsides. GLP-1s can cause uncomfortable side effects such as:  

  • Nausea 

  • Diarrhea

  • Dizziness

  • Tachycardia (a fast heartbeat)  

  • Headaches

  • Upset Stomach/Indegestion

  • Mood Changes4

  • “Ozempic Face” (a noticeable thinning of the face due to overall weight loss that some individuals find undesirable)5

Feeling sexier just reading that list, aren’t you?

Often, these side effects are mild and usually go away after a few weeks as your body gets used to the medication. However, you should know there are some more serious, but rare, complications that can occur:  

  • Pancreatitis (painful inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin and other digestion-related substances)  

  • Medullary Thyroid Cancer (a rare type of thyroid cancer)  

  • Acute Kidney Injury (sudden damage to the kidneys)  

  • Worsening of Diabetic Retinopathy (eye problems caused by diabetes)1 

  • Severe Vomiting and Diarrhea (this can be very dangerous if it’s not addressed)

  • Jaundice (yellow skin color caused by a buildup of waste products in the blood)5

If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it is very important to contact your doctor right away. Despite what you may have heard from friends or seen on social media, GLP-1s shouldn’t cause continuous problems. If they do, they might not be a good fit for your body, so it's important to have a physician evaluate the benefits vs. risks for your individual situation.4 

What is “Ozempic Rebound”?

It's important to know that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic only help with weight loss while you're taking them. They don't permanently change your body's natural systems for managing weight. So, if you stop taking the medication, it's likely that you'll regain some or all of the weight you lost, unless you've made significant, lasting changes to your diet and exercise habits. This scenario has earned the nickname, “Ozempic Rebound". Think of it like this: the medication helps you along the way, but you still need to put in the work to keep the weight off for good.6

Who Are GLP-1s Meant For?

GLP-1s are prescription medications (you can only get them from a doctor) primarily prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to help manage their blood sugar and support metabolic health. Some GLP-1 medications are also approved for weight loss in adults with obesity, or those who are overweight and have related health problems such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.1

They’re not meant for individuals who are classified as medically overweight but who don’t have any other health concerns related to their weight. They’re also not approved to treat mental health conditions, liver disease, or thyroid problems. While you might hear stories from people who claim GLP-1 drugs can help with these kinds of conditions, just know your doctor cannot prescribe them for these purposes. 

Who Should Avoid GLP-1 Medications? Key Risks and Contraindications

Certain people should not take GLP-1 medications, even if they have qualifying medical conditions. You should not take them if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding (GLP-1 medications can cause issues with the baby’s growth and development)1,2

  • Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (because they increase the risk for developing it)2,4

  • Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2), (a rare genetic condition that if you have it, you probably already know why GLP-1s are not a good choice)2,4

  • Have pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas) (GLP-1s can make this condition worse)2

  • Are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication (you’d need to review this information with your pharmacist)

  • Have certain other medical conditions that we don’t have the space to fully list here (it’s crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor)

Are GLP-1 Medications Natural?

GLP-1 medications are lab-made, so they’re definitely not natural. They are designed to work like natural hormones though, helping your body control blood sugar and sometimes helping with weight loss.3 These medications come in different forms, like shots you give yourself (injections) or pills you take by mouth.1,5

Are There Natural Alternatives to Ozempic or Other GLP-1s?

While there are many natural dietary supplements that can support healthy blood glucose control and weight maintenance*, none come close to the body-changing effects produced by GLP-1 medications. After all, GLP-1s are drugs meant to treat diseases while dietary supplements are not approved to do so. 

If you’re opposed to using GLP-1 medications because they are lab-made chemical concoctions from Big Pharma, we get that! We just don’t know of anything natural that can provide the same level of therapeutic benefit. GLP-1s aren't natural, so they’re unnaturally effective if that makes sense. This is why they have earned the nickname “miracle drug.”

Conclusion

We've covered a lot about GLP-1s, including how they work, their potential benefits, and important safety information. Remember, these medications are prescribed by doctors for specific health reasons, like type 2 diabetes and sometimes weight management. If you’re thinking about whether a GLP-1 might be right for you, please talk to your doctor. They can give you personalized advice. For more helpful articles on women's health and well-being, be sure to check out The Wholesome Journal. 

Questions

Did you learn something you didn’t know before about GLP-1 medications? Tell us what else you’d like to learn about. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok! 

In parting, remember that eating healthy, whole foods, and lots of plant foods is one of the simplest, safest, and most effective things we can do to promote good health in our bodies.* As with every preventative/restorative measure though, sometimes these changes alone are not enough to help our bodies function the way we want or need them to. If you are struggling with health problems, please contact your doctor or other healthcare provider such as a Naturopathic Doctor, Dietitian, or Mental Health Professional to see if they can offer appropriate guidance and care. We at Wholesome Story believe that healthy communities require community effort, so we advise you to keep your healthcare community aware and involved in your journey as you pursue better health.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. 

References:

  1. Cleveland Clinic. GLP-1 Agonists. Cleveland Clinic. Published July 3, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists

  2. Castro R. Diabetes Drugs and Weight Loss. Mayo Clinic. Published June 29, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/byetta/faq-20057955

  3. Nauck MA. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1): a potent gut hormone with a possible therapeutic perspective. Acta Diabetologica. 1998;35(3):117-129. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s005920050116

  4. GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss: An Evidence-Based Review. Healthline. Published September 22, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/health/weight-loss/glp1-for-weight-loss

  5. Catanese L. GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss drug side effects: Harvard Health. Published February 5, 2024. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/glp-1-diabetes-and-weight-loss-drug-side-effects-ozempic-face-and-more

  6. Schimelpfening N. Ozempic Rebound: Why Most People Regain Weight After Stopping Semaglutide. Healthline. Published January 11, 2023. Accessed January 21, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/weight-regain-after-stopping-ozempic?utm_source=ReadNext

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