GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications: What They Are, How They Work, and Who They’re Really For
- elisagracemedspa
- Feb 4
- 4 min read
At Elisa Grace Medspa in Lampasas, Texas, we have a lot of conversations about GLP-1 weight loss medications. Some are filled with hope, some with fear, and many with misinformation.
This blog is here to clear things up honestly, ethically, and in a way that actually makes sense.
GLP-1 medications are not a shortcut. They’re not a “skinny shot.” And when used correctly, they can be a powerful tool for people who have struggled with weight despite real effort.
The Biggest Misconception: “You’ll Gain All the Weight Back When You Stop”
This is the number one concern we hear, and it’s simply not true.
You do not gain weight because you stop a GLP-1 medication.
Weight regain happens when old habits return eating patterns, drinking habits, lack of movement, or lifestyle choices that don’t support long-term health. The medication itself does not cause weight gain when discontinued.
I often explain GLP-1 medications to patients like this:
A GLP-1 is a tool, just like a hammer or a curling iron.
A hammer helps you build a house but only if you use it correctly. A curling iron can create beautiful curls, but only if you use the right heat, the right products, and the right technique. If the tool just sits there, nothing changes.
GLP-1 medications work the same way. They support appetite regulation, blood sugar balance, and metabolic function but lasting results come from lifestyle changes made while using the tool.
The Role of Lifestyle Changes During GLP-1 Therapy
The time you are on a GLP-1 medication is when habits should be built not postponed.
We educate our patients on:
Eating 3–5 times per day
Consuming balanced meals with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates
Drinking adequate water
Increasing physical activity in realistic ways (walking counts)
These habits are what support long-term success. The medication helps quiet food noise and regulate appetite, making these changes more achievable
but it does not replace them.
Common Fears About Side Effects (And Why Education Matters)
One of the biggest fears before starting GLP-1s is gastrointestinal side effects, such as:
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation
Cramping or gas
Acid reflux
Feeling unsure about how the body will respond
Here’s the truth: many of these symptoms are avoidable with proper education and supervision.
GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer. If someone overeats, that stomach is essentially overfilled which can lead to nausea, reflux, and discomfort.
On the other hand, not eating enough can also cause nausea.
GLP-1s are peptides that help signal insulin release. If insulin is released and blood sugar drops because someone hasn’t eaten adequately, nausea or that “off” feeling can occur especially in the morning.
Hydration also plays a major role. Adequate water intake helps prevent constipation and keeps the digestive system functioning smoothly.
When nausea does persist, prescription options are available to help manage symptoms. No one should feel like they’re left to figure this out alone.
What I Wish People Understood Before Judging GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications are peptides that mimic hormones the body naturally produces. They are not foreign substances or cosmetic shortcuts.
Many of the adverse effects people hear about are not caused by the medication itself they’re caused by poorly structured or poorly supervised programs.
Online or minimal-contact programs that:
Provide little to no education
See patients once every several months
Do not monitor nutrition, hydration, or dosing
Allow unsupervised dose increases
…create unnecessary risk.
Inadequate nutrition can lead to hair loss. Improper dosing can lead to severe GI issues. Lack of oversight can turn manageable side effects into serious problems.
Most of these outcomes are preventable under the right care.
What Makes Our GLP-1 Program Different at Elisa Grace Medspa
Our program is built around safety, education, and accountability.
During the first month, patients come in every single week. We:
Administer injections
Monitor weight and response
Ask detailed questions
Watch for adverse effects
Provide ongoing nutrition and lifestyle counseling
If anything abnormal arises, we can immediately involve our nurse practitioner and, when needed, our medical director. Because we are a cash lab, we can also run labs on-site if needed.
After the first month:
Patients may continue weekly visits at no additional cost
If self-administering at home, monthly in-person check-ins are required to reorder medication
Education is built into the program from day one, including guidance on:
Nutrition and snacking
Hydration
Medication administration
Mindful eating
What to expect throughout treatment
We can account for every ounce lost in our clinic since starting the program and we are always available when patients need support.
Who GLP-1 Weight Loss May
Not Be a Good Fit For
GLP-1 medications are not appropriate for everyone.
They may not be a good fit for:
Individuals with prior gastric sleeve or stomach-altering surgeries (case-by-case, closely supervised)
Patients with diagnosed body dysmorphia or certain disordered eating patterns
Anyone under 18
Patients with diabetes
Individuals with kidney disease or kidney failure
Patients with active cancer or a history of certain cancers
Those with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer
Individuals with significant or uncontrolled chronic illness
Equally important: readiness matters.
This is not a half-in, half-out program. Success requires commitment to lifestyle changes, follow-ups, and honest communication.
Our Philosophy
GLP-1 medications are tools not solutions on their own.
The best candidates are individuals who are ready to:
Learn how their body works
Build sustainable habits
Participate actively in their care
Commit to long-term health
That’s the standard we hold ourselves to at Elisa Grace Medspa in Lampasas, Texas and it’s how we protect our patients every step of the way.
Comments