Episode 23 - Diabetes and GLP-1: The Real Story Behind Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro (Part 1)

Love the podcast but hate taking notes? The Diabetes Podcast Blog compresses every episode into a bulleted, 10 minute read AND has the podcast embedded so you can listen as you read along! Check it out at https://empowereddiabetes.com/diabetes-podcast-blog

Amber (RD/LD, CDCES) and Richie (TRS-C) dive into diabetes and GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. We cut through the hype and give you the real story. How do these drugs work? What are the benefits? What are the risks? And why do some people regain weight when they stop?

What you’ll learn:

• What GLP-1 is and how it helps with type 2 diabetes
• How GLP-1 messages lower hunger, slow the stomach, and boost insulin when glucose is present
• Why ultra-processed food can block natural fullness signals
• The step-by-step journey on these meds: titration, appetite changes, weight loss, and the 6–12 month “stall”
• The truth about side effects: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation
• “Ozempic face” and why fast weight loss can mean lean mass loss
• Why up to 40% of weight lost may be muscle—and why that matters for your metabolism
• Real-world costs, insurance rules, and why Medicare coverage is tricky
• Caution on compounded semaglutide and FDA warnings
• Big benefits for many with type 2 diabetes: A1C drops and lower heart risk

Key takeaways:

• GLP-1 meds can lower A1C by about 1–2 points and help with weight.
• Your body fights fast weight loss. Weight often returns when you stop.
• Protect your muscle with resistance training and enough protein.
• If you use these meds, plan for cost, side effects, and long-term use.

What’s next (Part 2):

• Foods that naturally boost GLP-1 (some by 40%+)
• Simple meal and movement strategies to calm “food noise”
• How to talk to your doctor about diabetes and GLP-1
• A practical multi-week action plan

Subscribe for more real talk on diabetes and GLP-1.

Disclaimer:

The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace a one-on-one relationship with your physician or qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or take prescription drugs like metformin or insulin.

Results vary from person to person. Examples, statistics, or studies are shared to educate, not to promise outcomes. Any discussion of medications, dosing, or side effects is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or heard here. If you think you are experiencing an emergency or severe side effects (such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms of lactic acidosis), call your local emergency number or seek urgent care right away.

We strive for accuracy, but health information changes over time. We make no guarantees regarding completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the content and assume no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this material. Use of this content is at your own risk.

Links or references to third-party resources are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. By reading, listening, or using this information, you agree to these terms and understand that you are responsible for your own health decisions in partnership with your licensed healthcare provider.