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GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1s) drugs have exploded in popularity in recent years – initially as a way to control diabetes and then as weight loss tools.
A growing body of research suggests that these drugs – which include semaglutide and tirzepatide – may have benefits beyond weight loss, with strong evidence for heart and kidney health.
However, experts warn that these drugs are not foolproof – and using them incorrectly can undermine the results or create new health problems.
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Dr. Meena T. Malhotra, MD, a practicing physician and weight loss specialist in the Chicago suburbs, confirmed that she has seen a number of health improvements in patients taking GLP-1s – especially those with diabetes who were “very sick.”
A growing body of research suggests that GLP-1s may have benefits beyond weight loss, with strong evidence for cardiovascular and kidney health. (Stock)
“We saw that this patient population did better than people with diabetes who were on other diabetes medications,” he shared with Fox News Digital, noting that he saw improvements in brain health, memory, heart health, circulation, and liver and kidney function. “We realized there was more to it than controlling sugar and losing weight.”
Malhotra said he believes most people can use GLP-1s safely, but warns of the following common mistakes.
Mistake 1: Taking GLP-1 before making lifestyle changes
Anyone considering GLP-1 should first focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle, Malhotra emphasized — an opinion widely shared by endocrinologists and obesity medicine experts.
GLP-1 drugs work by reducing gastric emptying, reducing appetite and improving insulin secretion. People with pre-existing GI symptoms may be more prone to adverse reactions or intolerances, although responses vary and formal evidence is limited.
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Before starting medication, Malhotra recommends improving basic eating habits, such as increasing whole, lightly processed foods, and prioritizing protein and fiber to support satiety and gut health.
Even a small improvement in diet can lead to initial weight loss, reducing water retention and improving insulin sensitivity, doctors agree. (Stock)
Even a small improvement can lead to initial weight loss, reducing water retention and improving insulin sensitivity, doctors agree.
Once GLP-1 medications are started, these lifestyle changes may lower the required dose, cause fewer side effects and help preserve lean muscle mass.
Error No. 2: Starting without proper medical examination
The growing trend of getting GLP-1 medications online without proper medical guidance can pose health risks, warns Malhotra.
“No one examines the patient – they just fill out a form and the drug shows up at their door,” he said.
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Patients should see a medical provider for a full check-up and blood work before starting medication, the doctor stressed.
“If something is off, it must be fixed,” he said. “Whether it’s a thyroid problem, a heart condition or another condition that slows down your body, any underlying problems should be addressed first.”
The growing trend of getting GLP-1 drugs online without proper medical guidance can pose health risks, a doctor warns. (Stock)
During treatment, Malhotra recommends that his patients come in once a month to make sure they’re losing fat and not lean muscle. “That’s very important, because if you lose weight, your body doesn’t get better,” she said.
This continuous monitoring also helps ensure that the patient is following a balanced diet, getting enough protein and sticking to strength training. “There’s more to it than shooting yourself,” Malhotra added.
Error No. 3: Not getting enough protein
One of the biggest mistakes people make when taking GLP-1 is cutting calories but not getting enough protein, according to Malhotra.
“If you reduce calories but don’t correct the nutritional base, you will lose weight,” said the doctor. “But if you eat a balanced diet with enough protein and do strength training with a small amount of medicine, you will get better results and your health will be better.”
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Most people need about 0.5 to 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day to maintain muscle mass and support overall health, according to medical experts. For a 200-pound person, that would equate to 100 to 160 grams of protein daily.
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Higher amounts may be needed for those who are physically active or trying to build strength. “The amount of protein you need will depend on the frequency and intensity of your workouts,” says Malhotra.
Error No. 4: Increasing doses too quickly
Another common mistake is to rush the process and increase the doses of GLP-1 too quickly in the hope of quick results, according to the doctor.
“You can start seeing results in the first week or month, but some people need a larger dose over time,” she said. “The key is to be patient and increase gradually – usually month to month.”
Another common mistake is to rush the process and increase the doses of GLP-1 too quickly in hopes of quick results. (Stock)
If a patient doesn’t see results after the first injection, that doesn’t mean the dose should be doubled immediately, according to Malhotra.
“That’s a path to complications, including side effects like pancreatitis,” she said. “Your body needs time to adjust and adapt.”
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“You can go up if you hit a plateau or it doesn’t help, but we usually wait a month to increase the dose.”
While many expect “instant gratification,” life is about balance, Malhotra added. “It won’t take 20 years, but give it two months, I think that’s fine.”
The general rule of thumb, according to the doctor, is “don’t start too soon, don’t stop too soon.
Error No. 5: Mismanagement of side effects
The side effects of GLP-1 can often be prevented by building a strong foundation of health and keeping everything in balance, according to Malhotra.
“Having said that, some people will still have side effects, there are ways to control it,” he said.
“If you cut calories but don’t fix the nutritional base, you’ll lose less weight.”
The doctor recommends eating small, regular meals instead of large portions – about the size of your fist.
It’s also important to keep fat low, he advises – GLP-1 medications already slow digestion and fat can slow it down even more, which can exacerbate nausea.
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For nausea and constipation, simple techniques can go a long way, according to the doctor. Some patients find ginger helpful in relieving nausea, he said, although it is not a substitute for medical advice.
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Adding more fluids, such as shakes, soups and broths, can be easier on the stomach, he suggested. Prunes and other fiber-rich foods can help support digestion and prevent constipation.
“These little lifestyle hacks can go a long way in managing the side effects, instead of stopping and finding that your weight is yo-yoing,” says Malhotra.
