What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About GLP-1s

Updated: Mar 5

The buzz around GLP-1 medications for weight loss is undeniable (obviously I'm a HUGE fan of them (no pun intended)). These medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have shown impressive results by significantly suppressing appetite and promoting weight loss. However, although they may feel like it, they aren't exactly "magical solutions". There's a critical element to their success that many doctors aren't emphasizing enough: lifestyle modifications.

Why Doctors Often Overlook Lifestyle Modifications

Despite their proven effectiveness in addressing chronic diseases and obesity, lifestyle changes often take a backseat in medical consultations. Research reveals that while the majority of doctors acknowledge the importance of lifestyle modifications, only a small percentage feel equipped to guide patients effectively. Let’s explore why this happens.

Time Constraints in Busy Practices

Doctors often face the challenge of limited time during patient visits. In many practices, appointments last only 10 to 15 minutes, leaving little room for in-depth conversations about lifestyle changes. This time crunch forces physicians to prioritize immediate concerns, such as prescribing medications or discussing medical procedures, over preventative discussions that require a more personalized approach.

The Push for Immediate Solutions

Medical training traditionally focuses on addressing acute issues and providing quick fixes, often through medications or surgeries. While these interventions are crucial, they overshadow the preventative potential of lifestyle modifications. For patients seeking quick results, the conversation about long-term habits and behavioral changes often gets sidelined. And to be honest, we've been hearing and TRYING the same things OVER AND OVER our entire overweight life... "move more and eat less" (if only it were THAT easy!).

Limited Training in Lifestyle Medicine

While medical education excels at diagnosing and treating diseases, it often lacks comprehensive training in areas like nutrition, exercise science, and behavioral psychology—fields critical for effective lifestyle coaching. Many physicians may feel unprepared to provide the detailed guidance patients need to implement sustainable changes.

Perception of Patient Motivation

Another barrier is the perception that patients won’t adhere to recommended lifestyle changes. This skepticism, rooted in past experiences with non-compliance, leads some doctors to favor solutions requiring less effort from patients, such as medications or procedures. Unfortunately, this mindset can prevent patients from even attempting the most effective strategy: a holistic approach to health. Think about it... You go into the doctor; the doctor says you need to lose a significant amount of weight; you tell the doctor youve been struggling your whole life and nothing works... When the doctor prescribes you with a GLP-1 medication or similar weight loss solution, your mindset when you leave that appoiintment is: "I just hit the JACKPOT! I'm going to take the magic medicine and lose weight without having to workout! My doctor said it would work and didn't mention much about lifestyle changes so I'm good!". Now, this definitely isn't the case at every clinic but youd be surprised how often this happens. I've had both happen to me. My primary care physician was one of the first to prescribe GLP-1 meds off-label for weightloss but when she wrote my prescription, she warned me that I still had to do my part even when the meds are helping me lose weight. That doctor moved out-of-state and I started seeing a new one in the same practice... totally different views about it. The new doctor thought I was losing too slow and immediatley bumped my doseage up without having any meaningful conversation about health, wellness and physical activity (I've been a slow but consistent loser averaging .4 pounds per week). FINALLY, I fired that doctor and decided to find a weight management specialist and found IVIM HEALTH. Honestly I just chose them because I was seeing other people raving about them on TikTok and they had a free consultation. I had nothing to lose so I scheduled my free appointment and saw a provider. They had a whole different outlook (in a good way!) than my last doc... They agreed that I should stay on my weightloss medication but they set me up in their app to help track my intake, activity and progress; they also gave me access to a nutritionist and gave me a game plan. I never knew how important it was to have the accountability whether its self accountability or through a provider or friend. The old saying "what you track will grow" fits perfect here... If you track your progress you are almost guaranteed to do better than if you don't.

As crazy as this seems looking in the rear view mirror, this free consutation was the start of something amazing: I actually grew my relationship with this company and ended up becoming an affiliate of theirs so I could help others find what I had found in IVIM Health (hence the "Free GLP-1 Consultation" button on our website homepage).

Health System Incentives and Priorities

Healthcare systems often prioritize measurable outcomes, such as reduced hospitalizations and adherence to treatments, over preventative care. Physicians may feel pressured to meet these benchmarks, which rarely include compensation for extensive lifestyle counseling. As a result, they focus on what the system rewards, leaving lifestyle discussions largely unaddressed. It's sad but unfortunatley true in many cases.

The Missing Elements in GLP-1 Success Stories

For patients relying on GLP-1 medications, understanding the broader picture is crucial. Here are five overlooked aspects that can transform their journey.

The Role of Mindset and Behavioral Triggers

Lifestyle changes aren’t solely about willpower. They involve understanding the habits and mental triggers that influence daily decisions. Identifying barriers and triggers is essential for long-term success, yet many patients lack the coaching needed to manage these psychological factors effectively.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Achieving meaningful results requires time and consistency. Many patients expect rapid outcomes and become discouraged when they don’t see immediate changes. Physicians should emphasize that sustainable results often take months or even years, helping patients stay committed to their goals.

The Importance of Incremental Goals

Breaking large goals into smaller, manageable steps can significantly increase the likelihood of success. Small victories build momentum and keep patients motivated, yet this strategy is often overlooked in medical consultations.

The Impact of Social and Environmental Influences

"You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with" -Jim Rohn

Jim couldn't have said it better. Support systems play a critical role in achieving lifestyle changes. Family, friends, and work environments can either support or hinder progress. Patients benefit from learning how to navigate negative influences and seek out positive communities that align with their health goals.

Tracking Progress Beyond the Scale

While weight is a common focus, other metrics like energy levels, mental health, sleep quality, and physical endurance are equally important indicators of improvement. Encouraging patients to monitor these aspects helps them appreciate the full scope of their efforts and stay motivated.

Empowering Patients Through Holistic Care

For those using GLP-1 medications, combining them with lifestyle modifications is the key to unlocking their full potential. By addressing mindset, setting realistic goals, and building supportive environments, patients can achieve lasting results that go beyond temporary weight loss. This holistic approach not only enhances the effectiveness of medications but also empowers individuals to take control of their health journey. These medications can be expensive so make sure you're doing your part to get the very most out of it!