The Truth About GLP-1 injections for Weight Loss

🧠 Did You Know?

The Truth About GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss GLP-1 receptor agonists—like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro—have exploded in popularity for weight loss. Originally created for type 2 diabetes, these medications now dominate headlines for helping patients shed pounds quickly.

But what’s not being talked about enough?

The fact that for most users, GLP-1s are a lifelong medication—and that a significant portion of the weight lost comes from lean muscle, not just fat. This really means you should take this for the rest of your life.

GLP1 alternatives

🧬 What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1s mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. By slowing gastric emptying and signaling satiety to the brain, they lead to reduced calorie intake and rapid weight loss. But here’s the catch: Up to 39% of the weight lost may come from lean body mass, including skeletal muscle ([1]).

⚖️ Muscle Loss: The Hidden Cost A 2021 study in Obesity found that with semaglutide (Wegovy), patients lost an average of 14.9% of total body weight—but 39% of that loss was lean mass ([1]).

That’s concerning, because muscle:

• Is critical for metabolism

• Supports blood sugar stability

• Protects against aging and injury

• Affects physical strength and energy Losing muscle slows your resting metabolic rate, meaning you burn fewer calories at rest—even if you weigh less.

🔁 What Happens If You Stop Taking GLP-1s? Immediate Weight regain!!!

The STEP 1 trial follow-up showed that patients regained two-thirds of their lost weight within a year after stopping semaglutide ([2]).

That’s because the medication controls appetite—but doesn’t fix underlying metabolic issues or retrain the brain and body for long-term change.

⚠️ Common Side Effects of GLP-1s:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Gallbladder issues

• Fatigue or hair thinning

• Nutrient deficiencies from eating too little

• Muscle wasting if not counteracted with strength training and protein intake

Possible side effects: Increase risk of Cancer, blindness, permanent stomach and GI paralysis etc.

💊 What About Phentermine?

Unlike GLP-1s, phentermine has been around for decades and has a long track record of safety when used appropriately.

• FDA-approved in 1959

• Typically prescribed for short-term use (12–16 weeks), but often used off-label in longer-term, low-dose protocols

• Mechanism: Suppresses appetite via the central nervous system (norepinephrine release)

• Does not cause muscle wasting

• No long-term risk of weight rebound if paired with sustainable lifestyle support A 2019 review in Obesity found that phentermine is safe and effective, even when used long-term under medical supervision ([3]).

In fact, it is still one of the most widely prescribed weight loss medications in the U.S., with fewer gastrointestinal or metabolic side effects compared to GLP-1s. Unlike GLP-1s, phentermine does not slow digestion, shrink muscle tissue, or require lifelong use to maintain results. However, this is a stimulant, and it is not for everyone.

🧩 Do the Risks Outweigh the Benefits? For some patients, GLP-1s are a helpful tool—but they must be approached with eyes wide open:

• They reduce hunger, but can also reduce muscle

• They work well short-term, but often require lifelong use

• They don’t correct root causes of weight gain (insulin resistance, stress, toxins, gut health, hormone imbalances) and they are quite expensive.

✅ A Functional Medicine Alternative At Clark Wellness, we take a root-cause approach to weight loss. Our focus is on:

• Fat loss, not muscle loss

• Preserving metabolism and energy

• Improving insulin, cortisol, thyroid, and gut health

• Personalized nutrition and lifestyle protocols

• Strategic use of safe medications when appropriate (including low-dose phentermine under supervision)

💡 Final Thoughts GLP-1 medications are powerful—but not perfect. If you’re considering starting (or coming off) Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, it’s critical to understand the full picture. Muscle is your metabolic currency. Don’t lose it in the name of quick weight loss. If you’re looking for a safer, more sustainable strategy—with or without medication—we’re here to help you do it right.

Everyone should discuss with their own health care provider to determine which tool is the best for their weight loss journey. This article is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition. This is for educational purposes only.

📞 Call us at 254-227-5851 or visit www.clarkwellnesstx.com to schedule a discovery call.

📚 References

1. Bolvig, A.K., et al. (2024). Changes in body composition in individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity treated with semaglutide. Obesity (Silver Spring).PubMed Abstract

2. Wilding, J.P.H., et al. (2022). Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.PubMed AbstractFull Text – Wiley Online Library

3. Hendricks, E.J., et al. (2019). Safety and effectiveness of longer-term phentermine use: Clinical outcomes from a retrospective study. Obesity (Silver Spring).PubMed AbstractFull Text – Wiley Online Library