The Risks and Benefits of GLP-1 Therapy: What You Need to Know Before Starting

Introduction

If you’ve been researching effective medical weight loss solutions, you’ve probably come across GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. These treatments, available through telemedicine programs like KairWell Weight and Wellness, have transformed the landscape of obesity care for both men’s and women’s health. But as with any medical therapy, it’s important to understand both the benefits and potential risks before starting.

This guide will walk you through how GLP-1 medications work, their advantages, and what to expect as part of a safe, medically supervised program.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide mimic this hormone to:

• Slow stomach emptying, helping you feel full longer

• Reduce hunger and food cravings

• Improve blood sugar control

• Support steady, long-term fat loss

GLP-1 therapy is typically prescribed as a once weekly weight loss injection administered at home.

The Benefits of GLP-1 Therapy

Clinical studies show that GLP-1 receptor agonists are among the most effective nonsurgical treatments for weight management to date.

1. Significant and Sustained Weight Loss

In a 68-week clinical trial, adults receiving semaglutide achieved an average weight loss of nearly 15% of their body weight when combined with healthy lifestyle changes (Wilding et al., 2021).

2. Improved Metabolic Health

GLP-1 medications improve insulin sensitivity, reduce fasting glucose, and lower cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol and blood pressure (Jastreboff et al., 2022).

3. Appetite Control and Emotional Regulation

By slowing digestion and targeting appetite centers in the brain, GLP-1s help control cravings — one of the biggest challenges in long-term weight management.

4. Telehealth Convenience

Through telemedicine, patients can receive personalized prescriptions, progress tracking, and guidance from experienced clinicians and health coaches — all from home.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While GLP-1 therapy is safe and effective for most patients, it’s not for everyone. Common, mild side effects may include:

• Nausea or bloating (often temporary)

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Fatigue during early dose escalation

Serious risks, though rare, may include:

• Gallbladder inflammation

• Pancreatitis

• Thyroid C-cell tumors (seen in animal studies but not confirmed in humans)

Because of these risks, it’s essential that GLP-1 medications be prescribed and monitored by qualified medical professionals who can assess your personal health history and adjust treatment as needed.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate?

GLP-1 therapy may be appropriate if you:

• Have a BMI ≥ 27 with weight-related conditions (such as diabetes, arthritis, sleep apnea, or hypertension)

• Have a BMI ≥ 30 (obesity) without a weight-related condition

• Have struggled with traditional diet and exercise plans without success

Through telemedicine weight loss programs, your provider can determine eligibility, prescribe appropriate medication, and provide continuous support via virtual follow-ups.

Takeaway

GLP-1 therapy — including semaglutide and tirzepatide — represents a breakthrough in modern medical weight loss. These medications can lead to meaningful, sustained results when paired with structured lifestyle support and clinical oversight.

At KairWell Weight and Wellness, our telehealth-based programs make it simple and safe to access expert guidance, personalized treatment plans, and medication delivery directly to your home. With proper supervision and commitment, GLP-1 therapy can be a powerful step toward long-term transformation.

Works Cited

Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., & Garcia-Perez, L. E. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Kandler, K., Konakli, K., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., & Tran, M. T. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

Author

Sean Bannister, PA-C Sean is a Physician Assistant and a retired US Army officer with over 30 years of clinical medicine and leadership experience. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from The George Washington University and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with an emphasis on Family, Cardiovascular, and Thoracic medicine. He also has over 15-years experience as a cardiovascular surgery PA and certifications as a health coach and personal fitness trainer. While in the military Sean served as the senior healthcare provider and administrator for multiple medical and urgent care clinics and was the director of a military Physician Assistant Training Program. He has performed duties as an Emergency Medicine and Trauma Physician Assistant in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Sean has also served as the director of workplace wellness programs, weight loss programs, and preventive health initiatives to keep people healthier, happier, and more productive.