Research

Hormonal

GLP-1 agonist medications (e.g., semaglutide 2.4 mg) produce clinically significant weight loss (approx. 12.4-12.5%) and improve multiple health markers independent of weight loss, but their use carries risks of medicalizing weight and increasing social stigma.

GLP-1 medications like semaglutide are highly effective for weight loss and improving health markers, but they are not without social costs. If you consider using them, be aware that you may face stigma from others who view it as an 'easy way out' or fear that it medicalizes your body. A patient-centered approach focuses on your overall health and well-being rather than just the number on the scale, and acknowledges these social realities.

GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
the STEP 1 trial of 2.4 mg of semaglutide observed a 12.4% weight loss difference between the semaglutide vs. placebo groups across 68 weeks of treatment... GLP-1 agonist medications also risk medicalizing weight and increasing weight stigma
A. Janet Tomiyama · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · 2024

Why this rating

Based on cited Phase 3 clinical trials (STEP 1, STEP 5) and FDA approvals.

Source

Behavioral medicine in the GLP-1 era

A. Janet Tomiyama · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · 2024

DOI 10.1093/abm/kaae069

narrative_reviewCited 6×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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