Key Takeaways
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is produced in your gut after eating and signals your brain that you're full. It also slows stomach emptying, helping you feel satisfied longer with smaller portions.
Treatments like Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide mimic your body's natural fullness signals, making it easier to manage appetite, reduce calorie intake, and achieve a calorie deficit without constant hunger.
In addition to effective and sustained weight loss, many patients experience improved health markers, including lower blood sugar levels, better blood pressure, and healthier cholesterol numbers.
You may be a candidate if you have a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition (or 30 or higher without one), have tried diet and exercise without desired results, prefer a non-surgical option, and are committed to lifestyle changes.
At Atlanta Bariatrics, GLP-1 treatment is combined with expert medical supervision, in-office registered dietitian support, and a customized plan tailored to your unique health, lifestyle, and goals for long-term success.
How GLP-1 Can Help You Achieve Your Goals
If you’ve been trying to lose weight, you know how difficult the journey can be. You might follow a diet and exercise plan perfectly, only to find the scale barely moves. It’s a frustrating experience that can leave you feeling discouraged. But what if there was a tool that could work with your body to help you achieve your goals? For many people, that tool is GLP-1 medication.
GLP-1 treatments like Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are helping people see real, lasting weight loss results, often without the need for surgery. At Atlanta Bariatrics, we offer personalized weight loss and wellness plans that may include these innovative medications. If you're ready to explore a new path to weight loss, schedule a consultation with us in Atlanta today.
Let’s take a closer look at what GLP-1 medications are and how they might help you finally reach your health goals.
What Is GLP-1 and How Does It Work for Weight Loss?
GLP-1 stands for 'glucagon-like peptide-1.' It's a natural hormone your body produces in your gut after you eat. This hormone sends signals to your brain that you're full, which helps you feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food. It also slows down how quickly your stomach empties, so that feeling of fullness lasts longer.
GLP-1 medications (such as Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide) are a class of treatments that mimic this natural hormone. When used for weight loss, they enhance your body’s own signals of fullness. This can make it much easier to manage your appetite and reduce your overall calorie intake without feeling constantly hungry.
Think of it as turning up the volume on your body's natural 'I'm full' signal. You eat less because you feel satisfied sooner and for longer. This process helps you create a calorie deficit, which is the key to losing weight. It’s a gentle, science-backed approach that works with your body, not against it.
Benefits of GLP-1 for Weight Loss
One of the most appealing aspects of GLP-1 treatments is that they offer a powerful, non-surgical path to significant weight loss. Many people who are not ready for or do not qualify for bariatric surgery find this to be an excellent alternative.
Here are some of the key benefits:
Effective Weight Loss: Clinical studies have shown that people using GLP-1 medications can achieve substantial and sustained weight loss.
Appetite Control: By making you feel fuller, these treatments help reduce cravings and the urge to overeat, making it simpler to stick to a healthy eating plan.
Improved Health Markers: Beyond weight loss, many patients see improvements in other health areas, such as lower blood sugar levels, better blood pressure, and healthier cholesterol numbers.
Non-Surgical Approach: For those looking for a less invasive option, GLP-1 therapy provides a way to achieve results without undergoing a surgical procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for GLP-1 Treatment?
GLP-1 medications are a great option for many people, but they aren't right for everyone. A thorough medical evaluation is needed to determine if this treatment is a safe and effective choice for you.
Generally, you may be a good candidate for GLP-1 therapy if:
You have a body mass index (BMI) that falls within a certain range, typically 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition, or 30 or higher without one.
You have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise, but haven't seen the desired results.
You are looking for a non-surgical weight loss solution.
You are committed to making lifestyle changes, including adopting healthier eating habits and increasing physical activity.
The best way to find out if you are a candidate is to talk with a medical professional. Our Atlanta Bariatrics experts can review your health history and help you understand your options.
How Atlanta Bariatrics Supports You
Starting a GLP-1 treatment is not about just getting a prescription. At Atlanta Bariatrics, we believe in a holistic approach to weight loss. Your success and well-being are our top priorities, and we provide comprehensive support to help you along the way.
Your journey with us includes:
A Personalized Plan: We don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Your journey begins with a detailed consultation to understand your health, lifestyle, and goals. We then create a personalized plan tailored just for you.
Expert Medical Supervision: Our experienced medical team will monitor your progress closely, adjusting your treatment as needed to help you get the best results safely.
In-Office Dietitian Support: Lasting weight loss depends on building healthy habits. Our registered dietitians are here to guide you. They will help you create a nutritious eating plan that you can enjoy, teach you about portion control, and provide strategies for navigating social events and emotional eating. This partnership is key to long-term success.
Potential Outcomes of GLP-1 Treatment
People who combine GLP-1 treatment with lifestyle changes often experience life-changing results. While every person's journey is unique, many of our patients report feeling more in control of their eating habits for the first time. They lose weight steadily and gain energy and confidence.
Beyond the numbers on the scale, success means being able to move your body more freely, play with your kids without getting tired, and feel proud of the healthy choices you're making every day. The goal is not just to lose weight, but to build a foundation for a lifetime of health and wellness.
A New Path to a Healthier You
Struggling with weight loss can be an isolating and difficult battle, but you don't have to face it alone. Whether it’s Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, or compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, GLP-1 medications offer a promising, non-surgical solution that can help you finally achieve your weight loss goals when combined with healthy lifestyle habits.
At Atlanta Bariatrics, we are here to provide the expert medical care and compassionate support you need to succeed. If you're ready to learn more about GLP-1 for weight loss, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us. Our team will work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your life and helps you build a healthier, happier future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can I expect to lose with GLP-1 medications?
Weight loss results vary from person to person, but clinical studies have shown that people using GLP-1 medications can achieve substantial weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. Your individual results will depend on factors like your starting weight, commitment to dietary changes, physical activity level, and how your body responds to the medication. During your consultation at Atlanta Bariatrics, our team can discuss realistic expectations based on your specific situation.
How long will I need to take GLP-1 medication?
GLP-1 medications are typically used as a long-term treatment for weight management. Many people continue taking them for an extended period to maintain their weight loss results and health improvements. When you stop taking GLP-1 medication, your appetite signals may return to previous levels, which can lead to weight regain if healthy habits aren't maintained. Our team will work with you to develop a sustainable plan that includes building healthy lifestyle habits alongside your medication treatment.
Will my insurance cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss?
Insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications varies significantly depending on your specific plan. Some insurance companies cover these medications for weight loss, while others only cover them for diabetes management. Coverage may also depend on your BMI and whether you have weight-related health conditions. Our team at Atlanta Bariatrics can help you navigate insurance questions and explore options, including compounded alternatives that may be more affordable if your insurance doesn't provide coverage.
Do I still need to diet and exercise while taking GLP-1 medication?
Yes, GLP-1 medications work best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. While the medication helps control your appetite and makes it easier to eat less, you'll achieve the best results by also focusing on nutritious food choices and regular physical activity. At Atlanta Bariatrics, our registered dietitians will help you create an eating plan that works with your medication and your lifestyle.
