There’s a lot of buzz right now about GLP-1 medications—drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide—and people are asking, “Are these safe? Are they too new to trust?”

Let’s set the record straight:
These are not new medications.

GLP-1 receptor agonists have been used for over 15 years in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They were originally developed to regulate blood sugar—and we’ve seen their effectiveness and safety in real-world clinical use for a long time. What’s new is that we’re now applying these medications in the context of weight loss, which, frankly, is long overdue.

That said, these medications are just tools—not magic.
And in my practice, that’s how we treat them: one more tool in the toolbox.

Because here’s the truth: weight loss isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it definitely shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. We’re not chasing skinny. We’re treating a real disease—and that matters.

Obesity is a Chronic Disease — Not a Moral Failing

We have to stop looking at obesity as a personal failure. It’s not about willpower.
It’s a complex, chronic disease, just like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight as of 2016—of those, 650 million were classified as obese. That’s 13% of the global population.

And it’s not just about numbers on a scale—obesity significantly increases the risk of cancer.

In fact, excess body weight is now considered the second biggest preventable risk factor for cancer, after smoking.

A high BMI may contribute to up to 500,000 cancer cases per year worldwide.

Data from the American Cancer Society links obesity to increased mortality from:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Hodgkin's lymphoma

Source: DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5913

Obesity deserves to be taken seriously—and treated accordingly.

Let’s Focus on What Actually Matters

When we use medications like GLP-1s, we do it with intentionality.

But we’re also zooming out.

Are we prioritizing:

• Protein intake?
• Whole, unprocessed foods?
• Sustainable habits, not extremes?

It’s not just about “getting skinny.”

It’s about getting healthy—physically, metabolically, emotionally.

We need to meet people where they are, and understand that genetics, hormones, food availability, trauma, environment, and biology all play a role.

Obesity is not simple. So the solution shouldn't be either.

Final Thought: This is About Support, Not Shame

If this resonates with you or someone you care about, know this:

There is no shame in needing support.

Tools like GLP-1s can help, but they’re just part of the plan—not the whole picture.

We’re here to help you build that bigger picture.