GLP-1ra & Ozempic Treatment

Navigating Your Journey with Ozempic & GLP-1ras

Personalized care plans to transition off GLP-1RAs and navigate recovery while on the prescription

Rethinking GLP-1RAs: Diabetes, Disordered Eating, and Your Well-Being

At BALANCE, we understand the challenges of managing type 2 diabetes and societal pressures around body weight that lead many to GLP-1RA medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.

Often, prescription drugs like Ozempic are repurposed for off-label use to control eating and weight. However, this approach can have significant unforeseen side effects, particularly for individuals grappling with body image issues or pre-existing eating disorders.

Our mission is to guide and support you whether you are considering beginning, continuing, or ending treatment with Ozempic and other GLP-1RAs. At BALANCE, we have developed effective strategies to manage these transitions.

FIND BALANCE IN YOUR JOURNEY AND MAKE EMPOWERED DECISIONS ON YOUR TERMS

GLP-1s a Double-edged sword

We believe in treating the whole person and meeting individual needs by providing a continuum of comprehensive care.

GLP-1s are known primarily for managing type 2 diabetes and are praised for their effectiveness in blood sugar control and potential weight loss. However, their growing off-label use for weight management brings a spectrum of challenges, especially for those struggling with their relationship with food

Understanding GLP-1s

GLP-1RAs and the Connection

to Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating:

FEELING FULL FASTER

Ozempic and other GLP-1RA medications are unique in that they impact two systems in the body related to food intake. Firstly, they slow down the digestive system, leading to a significant decrease in appetite and creating early fullness/satiety. People feel fuller faster, hence they eat less.

LOWER CALORIE FOOD CHOICES

The second action that makes them unique is their impact on the reward system in the brain, which results in a change in food preferences toward less processed and high-sugar foods. Simply put, people choose lower-calorie and higher nutritional-value foods on these medications.

“I have a completely new perspective of food, nutrition, relationship with both, self-value, coping mechanisms, and a new toolbox of resources to lean on.”

former Balance client

Inevitable Weight Regain

Breaking the Cycle: Understanding the Long-Term Impact of GLP-1RAs

Unfortunately, studies indicate that when people stop taking medications like Ozempic, not only is there an inevitable weight regain, but they are also prone to regaining more weight than was lost. The end result is that people end up at a higher weight than when they started on the medication. This is exactly what we see with highly restrictive diets.

This inevitable weight regain increases cardiovascular risk and other health concerns like high blood pressure and exacerbated diabetes.

The physiological processes involved when discontinuing GLP-1RA drugs—the return of hunger and appetite— can create a cycle of restriction and bingeing that is difficult to break. This can feel like out-of-control eating, resulting in significant psychological and body image distress.

GLP-1ra Fall out

Premature termination of the medication

For people who started on the medication and found they had to discontinue it, the rebound weight regain can be very disorienting and triggering.

It’s crucial to understand that while GLP-1RAs can offer benefits, they can trigger a new onset of eating disorder behaviors or exacerbate existing behaviors.

Effective dietetic and therapeutic interventions are essential to treat the disruptive eating, emotional, or behavioral habits at the root of these issues.

How BALANCE Supports You

Full recovery is a testament to understanding, support, and collaboration.

PERSONALIZED CARE PLANS

Your health journey is unique. That’s why our team at BALANCE provides personalized care plans tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re using GLP-1RAs now, wish to discontinue, or are considering using them in the future.

NAVIGATING YOUR PATH WITH CARE:

If you or someone you know is struggling with the impacts of GLP-1RA medications on eating behaviors, you are not alone. Our team is here to support you.