GLP-1 Medications for Weight Management

The treatment options for obesity have changed dramatically in recent years. New GLP-1 medications help patients achieve significant weight loss and improve obesity-related conditions.  

It’s important to understand how these medications work, who may benefit and what results patients can expect. At Covenant Health, we help you unpack weight management options to learn what may be right for you. 

What Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Injectables? 

Approved in 2005 by the Food and Drug Administration, GLP-1 medications are known to treat type 2 diabetes. They stimulate the body to produce more insulin, which in turn lowers blood sugar levels.  

Once prescribed by a doctor, these medications are typically self-injected once a week into the stomach, thigh or upper arm.  While this medication was originally developed for patients with diabetes, other benefits have been uncovered. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1a) can curb hunger and delay gastric emptying. This leads to potential weight loss. 

Elizabeth Dockery, DO, DABOM, with Covenant Health’s new Methodist Family Metabolic and OMT Clinic stated: “I strongly consider GLP-1a options for patients who have significant comorbidities such as diabetes, fatty liver and heart disease. Patients who have tried multiple diets and/or other weight loss medications without sustainable results are also good candidates for GLP-1a medications.” 

Types of GLP-1 Medications 

There are four common types of GLP-1 Medications: semaglutides, tirzepatides, liraglutide and orforglipron. Each of them activates slightly differently, which can lead to different benefits and outcomes. See the chart below for details: 

Finding Long-Term Success with GLP-1s 

Patients tend to be most successful with GLP-1 medications when they view them as a tool, not a standalone solution. Lasting success depends on developing healthy habits that continue long after the weight is lost.  

The best results are seen when patients maintain: 

• Healthier eating habits 

• Regular physical activity 

• Adequate protein intake 

• Follow-up appointments 

“Your physician can assist you with lifestyle changes such as referrals for nutrition assistance, exercise consultation or therapy services, to make sure all of your gains are sustainable,” explained Dr. Dockery. “We want you to lose weight and keep it off.  Having a healthcare provider available for accountability and monitoring is important.” 

How Do I Know If Medication is Right for Me? 

If you’ve struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, weight loss medications may be worth exploring. Our metabolic clinic provides tailored weight management treatment plans for patients as well as referrals for nutrition, endocrinology and bariatric surgery when needed. 

Covenant Health bariatric surgeon K. Robert Williams, Jr., MD, also offers GLP-1 medication management. For patients who do not achieve their desired weight loss or health improvements with medications alone, Dr. Williams can discuss and evaluate surgical weight loss options. 

“Be sure to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider to decide which option is best for you. Dockery explained. “All medications have risks. Losing muscle mass is possible with weight loss, especially medication-assisted weight loss, so making sure a health professional is monitoring this for you is essential.”   

Ongoing Research of GLP-1s 

Research is constantly evolving and providing more promising options and outcomes. 

Possible Cardiovascular Benefits 

Recent research has shown that semaglutides can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. In 2024, the FDA approved Wegovy to help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events in obese or overweight adults with cardiovascular diseases. An FDA report showed an approximately 20% reduction in risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack or stroke.  

Possible Neurological Benefits 

Early research has also shown that semaglutides may help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s in patients with type 2 diabetes.  

Research about the drugs’ potential for reducing inflammation in the brain and possibly preventing neurological conditions or diseases is ongoing. 

Evaluating the Cost of GLP-1 Medications 

GLP-1 medications continue to carry a high-cost burden in the United States. But more insurance carriers, including Medicare and Medicaid, are starting to cover them.  

Insurance may cover those who meet specific criteria, but many people opt to pay out-of-pocket for prescriptions or generic alternatives. Manufacturer-sponsored self-pay programs have improved affordability for some patients. 

Take the Next Step 

Working with an experienced healthcare professional can help ensure your treatment plan is safe, effective and designed for long-term success.  

To schedule your appointment with Dr. Dockery with Covenant Health’s Methodist Family Metabolic and OMT Clinic, call 865-835-5850.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Williams with Covenant Health’s Parkwest Bariatric program, call 865-694-9676. and benefits.