Although medications like GLP-1s offer significant promise, relying solely on them risks missing a crucial part of the battle: sustainable behavior change. In this blog, we’ll explore the strengths and limitations of GLP-1s, present the power of behavior change, and discuss why combining both is the winning formula for long-term weight management success.
GLP-1s: A Targeted Intervention with Limitations
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, which mimic natural hormones, offer valuable support by regulating appetite, blood sugar, and energy expenditure. This translates into reduced hunger, increased satiety, and potential weight loss, making them a welcome intervention for many people. However, acknowledging their limitations is vital:
- Accessibility and cost: Not everyone has access to these medications due to their price tag.
- Long-term effectiveness: Their impact can plateau over time, requiring ongoing adjustments.
- Addressing only one factor: Although GLP-1s target hormonal imbalances, they cannot address the broader spectrum of factors contributing to weight management.
Empowering Individuals: The Transformative Power of Behavior Change
Habits — our daily routines and choices — are the silent drivers of weight management. What we eat, how much we move, and how we respond to stress all significantly impact our weight. Although GLP-1s address biological machinery, sustainable weight loss hinges on developing healthy behaviors that become permanent fixtures in our lives.
As explained in Patient Engagement HIT, “When patients are fully engaged in their care, they are more likely to maintain treatment plans, track their health, and ask their providers questions.”*
Imagine this: GLP-1s suppress your appetite, but you still succumb to unhealthy cravings because you haven’t addressed the emotional triggers behind them. Or, the medication increases your energy expenditure, but you remain glued to the couch due to ingrained sedentary habits. This is why behavior change is critical.
By addressing the “why” behind our behaviors, we empower ourselves to make lasting choices that support long-term weight management. This involves strategies like:
- Identifying and managing emotional triggers for unhealthy eating
- Building sustainable exercise routines that fit your lifestyle
- Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress and fatigue
- Creating a supportive environment that encourages healthy habits
The Winning Formula: Combining Forces for Success
The most effective approach lies in combining the power of GLP-1s with a robust behavior change program. You can think of it as a two-pronged attack: The medication provides biological support, and behavior change equips you with the skills and mindset for long-term success. 
Welldoc’s digital health platform understands this synergy. We offer a holistic approach that incorporates:
- Personalized coaching and guidance on behavior change strategies
- Integrated, seamless support for weight loss medications, including GLP-1s
- Data-driven insights and tracking to stay motivated and accountable
- Focus on building sustainable habits for lasting results
By addressing both the biological and behavioral aspects of weight management, Welldoc helps individuals achieve and maintain their weight loss goals, as well as navigate their day-to-day nutrition, activity, data, and trends over time.
Download Welldoc’s White Paper “Engagement: What it is, what it’s not, and where it’s headed” to gain insights, strategies, and expert analysis on the connection between behavior change and outcomes like weight management.
References:
* “How Patient Engagement Supports Chronic Disease Management.” Patient Engagement HIT, Tech Target Xtelligent Healthcare Media, 5 Aug. 2016, patientengagementhit.com/features/how-patient-engagement-supports-chronic-disease-management Accessed 27 Jan 2023
