Zahra Mohammadi is a second-year, second-entry nursing student at York University with a growing passion for mental health, breaking stigma and promoting inclusive, judgement- free community health.
Like many of us, I reach for my phone first thing in the morning and start scrolling. A couple of scrolls in, I see the first “perfect body” post. A few posts later, it’s another weight loss transformation.
Out of curiosity, I check the comments, and everyone seems to be talking about the same thing, a quick solution to losing weight.
Then on the subway, I see Ozempic advertisements on the walls again. It starts to feel like it’s everywhere. These medications; Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, Victoza, Rybelsus, Saxenda and other medications under the GLP-1 category keep coming up, yet, even as a nursing student, I realized I didn’t fully understand what they are.
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a hormone that your small intestine makes to assist with several functions including:
- helping your body release insulin (a hormone that helps turn the food you eat into energy);
- stopping your blood sugar from getting too high;
- slowing down how fast food leaves your stomach; and
- helping you feel full for longer.
GLP-1 medications work by copying or mimicking what the actual natural GLP-1 hormone does in your body.
What are they really used for?
Most commonly, GLP-1 medications are prescribed for:
- managing type 2 diabetes;
- improving blood sugar control; and
- supporting medically supervised weight management.
Health care providers may also prescribe GLP-1 medications off-label, meaning they are used for a condition different from their original approval. For example, they may be used to help manage symptoms of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) if appropriate.
Like any medication, GLP-1 drugs can have side effects, especially without proper guidance. Also, because these medications can be used for different reasons, what works for one person may not be the right fit for someone else. This is why talking to your doctor or a health care provider about your specific needs is important.
It’s also important to be cautious when looking for these medications online. Some products may be fake or not approved, which can be unsafe. The Government of Canada explains more about this.
Let’s play a quick game: Fact or fiction?
Anyone can take Ozempic if they want to lose weight.
- Fiction. These medications require a prescription and medical supervision.
GLP-1 medications work best as part of a bigger treatment plan for managing blood sugar or supporting weight management.
- Fact. They’re usually part of a larger treatment plan that includes lifestyle and medical support.
GLP- 1 goes beyond what you see online
When something like GLP-1 medication becomes popular, it’s hard to find clear, reliable information online. That’s why I find it helpful to look a little deeper, not just scroll past headlines.
Here are a few simple things that have helped me:
Check where the information is coming from.
Look for sources from universities, hospitals or government websites, like Health Canada. If something is shown on social media or is sponsored, take a step back. These are often created to promote a product or service, which means the information may be biased or incomplete.
Look for balanced information.
Reliable sources will talk about both benefits and risks, not just one side.
Talk to a health care provider.
If you’re unsure about a medication, this is the most reliable way to get answers based on your specific needs. Visit York’s Student Health website for more information about finding a health care provider.
If you’re looking for support on campus and aren’t sure where to start, speak to one of our Public Health Nurses.
GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now, but not everything you see tells the full story. Taking the time to look beyond headlines and understand how these medications really work can help you make safe, more informed decision about your health.