Good morning!

Okay, fine, {hands in the air} you got me.

Truth be told, this missive is being launched on a spectacularly sublime Thursday evening from our back stoop as the sun ever so slowly drops below the horizon.

To celebrate WWAD’s 21st birthday, I have a refreshing mocktail (that’s a cocktail with zero alcohol) that I call a ‘Robert Hammond’ (I renamed number 5 after a close friend) at my side. It’s an honor to be with you after yet another exhilarating week in Walk with a Doc Land. Every day is a gift, including Tuesday, when we met some awesome people . Are any of you familiar with them? (“Janet, I bet he used the word ‘launched’ just to show the Artemis II video. He didn’t have to use that word. He just as easily could’ve said ‘written’.”)

Well, we’ve put this subject off long enough, but I think it’s (beyond) time we talk about GLP-1’s receptor antagonists aka weight loss drugs. The following are my thoughts and do not necessarily represent those of my Walk family members. We strongly recommend that you discuss with your provider if you have any interest/questions.

GLP-1s: FAQ’s

They are arguably the hottest medications in healthcare right now: GLP-1s.

If you’ve turned on the TV, opened Instagram, or chatted with friends lately, you’ve probably heard about medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Some people call them “miracle drugs.” Others are skeptical. Most people are simply curious.

So let’s answer the most common questions I hear. In plain English.

What exactly are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1s are medications that mimic a natural hormone our bodies already make. They work by:

• Reducing appetite
• Slowing stomach emptying
• Improving blood sugar control
• Increasing feelings of fullness

The result? We eat less, feel satisfied sooner, and often lose weight in a steady, healthy way.

Are they only for diabetes?

Not anymore.

While GLP-1s were originally developed for type 2 diabetes, several are now FDA-approved specifically for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction.

We now have strong evidence that these medications can:

• Reduce heart attacks and strokes
• Improve blood sugar
• Lower blood pressure
• Promote meaningful weight loss

This is a big deal.

How much weight do people really lose?

On average, people lose 10–20% of their body weight, and sometimes more. That can mean 20, 30, 40 pounds or beyond.

But remember, results vary. These medications work best when paired with healthy nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management. (You know… all those things we talk about on our walks.)

Are they safe?

For most of us, yes.

The most common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite

These usually improve over time and can often be minimized by slow dose increases and mindful eating.

Serious side effects are uncommon, but like all medications, GLP-1s are not for everyone. That’s why having a thoughtful conversation with your healthcare provider is essential.

Will I gain the weight back if I stop?

Here’s the honest answer: many people do regain weight if they stop. In the STEP-1 extension trial, participants who discontinued semaglutide regained 68% of their lost weight after one year off treatment.

Obesity is a chronic condition, much like high blood pressure or diabetes. When medication is removed, the underlying biology often returns. This doesn’t mean failure; it means the body is powerful.

Think of GLP-1s as tools. For some people, they may be short-term. For others, they may be long-term. There’s no single right answer.

Do I still need to exercise and eat well?

Yes. Yes. And yes.

GLP-1s don’t replace healthy habits; they support them.

Movement helps preserve muscle, boost metabolism, protect the heart, improve mood, and maintain weight loss. Walking, strength training, and stretching all count.

Nutrition still matters. Hydration still matters. Sleep still matters.

Are these drugs “cheating”?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: We don’t tell people with high blood pressure they’re cheating when they take medication. We don’t shame people for using inhalers for asthma or glasses for vision.

Using science to support health is not cheating. It’s smart.

So… are GLP-1s right for me?

Maybe. Maybe not.

These medications can be life-changing for many people, but they’re not magic, not perfect, and not necessary for everyone.

The best decision is always a personalized one, made together with a trusted healthcare provider.

The Bottom Line

GLP-1s are indeed powerful tools. Just like we did not tell you to get a calcium score this past month, we are not asking you to start one of these medications.

We just want to help educate you, our brothers and sisters, about them if you are one of the many of us who have questions.

Walking, connection, joyful movement, education, and community remain foundational to our lifelong health.

No prescription required. Just good shoes and good company.

Thank you for your time, a lot of words today. Now back to Bob.

David