By Taylor Stewart, Aesthetics and Wellness RN
As a nurse injector with a background also in Exercise Physiology, my goal and purpose in life has always been to build one’s confidence. Whether it is through enhancing your already natural beauty with dermal fillers and neurotoxins, being your personal therapist at our appointments, or improving overall well-being and health through healthy and sustainable weight loss – I am your girl!
As you’ve likely heard, one of the biggest trends in weight loss lately are GLP-1 medications, such as Semaglutide (Brand Names: Ozempic, Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Brand Name: Mounjaro, Zepbound). With all of this new information at hand, it can be confusing figuring out if you are a candidate, and if so – which is for you?
To make things simple, let’s break it down: What are GLP-1s, how do they work, what are the potential down-sides, and are they right for you?
What Are GLP-1s and How Do They Help with Weight Loss?
GLP-1s alone will not make you lose weight. It will make you less hungry (ie. consuming less calories) and — THAT is where the weight-loss comes from.
Often times, food can become habitual. My clients often describe the feeling as “food noise,” specifically at night time before bed. GLP-1 medications eliminate that feeling, and the excess calories that come with it. You can still eat what you enjoy and make this a sustainable long term change without sacrificing your happiness.. your body will just tell you “no more, thank you.”
Have you ever heard of a “sugar crash?” Where someone gets a whole lot of energy (from carbs that breakdown into sugar) and then all of a sudden, they are left with no energy, and often times craving more sugar? GLP-1 medications help your body regulate hunger and digestion. Here’s what they do:
- Reduce appetite – You feel fuller faster, making you eat overall less calories.
- Slow digestion – Food stays in your stomach longer, meaning you stay “full” longer.
- Stabilize blood sugar – No more “food noise” caused by crazy spikes and crashes in blood sugar that make you crave sugar and carb, as discussed above.
The Difference Between Tirzepatide and Semaglutide? Which is better?
I have seen tremendous success with both. We can chat about this! Clinical trials have shown that Tirzepatide has less side effects and more efficiency with weight loss in comparison to Semaglutide, which is because of the additional pathway in acts on.
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
- Targets GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) which your body naturally makes
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
- Targets GLP-1 and GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) that your body naturally makes.
- The extra pathway (GIP) happens in the stomach and decreases risk of side effects.
Who Should Consider GLP-1s?
These medications are FDA-approved for people who are obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI of 27+) with health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes. However, more people are turning to them simply to lose weight—even if they don’t fit those guidelines.
One thing I cannot stress enough to my patients is that GLP-1s are not a magic pill. To ensure that you will not need the drug lifelong, and for the weight-loss to stay off, I strongly encourage also incorporating healthy habits such as proper nutrition and regular exercise alongside GLP-1s. Adequate protein intake and hydration is critical whether you are on a GLP-1 or not.
Recommended Weight Loss Guidelines from ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) are a loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week, or four to eight pounds per month.
- One pound of fat is equivalent to 3,5000 calories.
- 500 less calories/day x 7 days = 3,500 calories (1 pound of fat loss in 1 week)
Reach for protein sources first, knowing that while on these medications if properly dosed, you will have a decreased appetite. A fabulous goal to have (while not always achievable.. I get it) is 1 gram of protein per body weight in pounds each day. Example: if I am 145lb, I *aim* for 145g of protein each day. Honestly, I’m happy with anything over 100 grams.
The Dreaded “Ozempic Face” – What Happens to Your Skin?
From an aesthetic perspective, one thing I’ve noticed and have personally faced with my own rapid weight loss journey is facial volume loss—also known as “Ozempic Face.” When you lose weight too quickly, your face can look hollow, saggy, or older. Remember, this is a journey! It did not take overnight for you to gain the weight, so don’t expect to lose it overnight either. Give yourself grace and trust the process! The weight will not (and should not) come off all at once.
Luckily, there are treatments to help if this is something you fear! Dermal fillers, skin-tightening treatments like Morpheus8 for the Body, and collagen-boosting injections can bring back lost volume and keep your face (and body) looking youthful.
My recommendations for Aesthetic treatments while on GLP-1 medication
If this is a worry for you – start early! In addition to your healthy lifestyle choices, balanced nutrition, and adequate hydration and protein intake, you can:
- Prioritize protein to maintain your muscle (and hair)
- Avoid dermal fillers until you are about 5lb away from your goal weight. GLP1-s could make you metabolize the filler quicker.
- Implement Radiofrequency Microneedling sessions to simulate collagen in the face
- Invest in quality skincare
- Combine Morpheus 8 Body to target stubborn body fat and address saggy skin as it is happening. TruFlex is also an option we offer at Javan to assist you in fulfill your wellness goals.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try GLP-1s?
GLP-1 medications can be a powerful tool for weight loss, but they work best when combined with exercise, strength training, and healthy eating. If you’re considering them, talk to a medical provider who understands both the health and aesthetic side of things.
If you have questions about GLP-1s, body sculpting, or ways to maintain your results, let’s chat! Your wellness journey should be about more than just the number on the scale—it’s about feeling your absolute best. You truly will be glowing from the inside out!