Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. We are not recommending or discouraging GLP-1 medications or gastric bypass surgery. These are deeply personal choices that should be made with your healthcare provider. Our role at the Transformation Center is to help you understand the science and support you with strength training, nutrition, and community, no matter which path you take.
Where GLP-1 Medications Began
GLP-1 medications were never designed to be “weight loss shots.” They were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. These drugs mimic the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which plays several key roles: it stimulates insulin release when blood sugar rises, slows down how quickly food leaves the stomach, and signals the brain to help regulate appetite.
In clinical use, researchers began noticing something surprising—patients were consistently losing weight while on these drugs. That discovery opened the door to using GLP-1s not just for diabetes, but for weight management as well. Now, medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and more are often prescribed to help people struggling with obesity.
How They Work
The effects of GLP-1 medications can be felt in both the body and the brain.
- Slower gastric emptying means food stays in the stomach longer, creating a greater sense of fullness after meals.
- Appetite regulation in the brain reduces the constant cravings and “food noise” that so many people struggle with.
- Improved blood sugar stability reduces the energy crashes and cravings that come with spikes and dips in blood sugar.
The result is usually a natural decrease in calorie intake without the same level of struggle or restriction seen in many diets.
What benefits might people experience?
The most obvious benefit is weight loss—studies show people lose on average 10–20% of their body weight. However, the benefits can go beyond the scale.
- Metabolic health: Improved blood sugar control, better insulin sensitivity, and reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Cardiovascular protection: Some GLP-1s lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Joint relief and mobility: Less body weight means less stress on joints, making movement easier.
- Mental clarity: Many users describe feeling freed from constant cravings, which can create a sense of peace and focus.
For some people, these changes can be life-extending. As one of our members said after weight loss surgery, “At 72, I did it to prolong my life.”
Possible Concerns
Of course, GLP-1s are not without downsides. The most common side effects are digestive—nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. But there are deeper concerns as well.
One is muscle loss.
Weight loss doesn’t just come from fat; without adequate protein and strength training, lean muscle mass is lost too.
This is a problem because muscle is what keeps your metabolism running strong, supports healthy aging, and helps prevent injury.
Another concern is weight regain. Research shows that most people who stop these medications regain much of the weight they lost. Without lifestyle changes in place—things like exercise, nutrition, and healthy habits—the body tends to return to its old set point.
There are also mental and emotional challenges. Some people struggle with the idea of “needing” a medication, while others worry about long-term dependence. Cost and access can also create stress, since these medications are expensive and insurance coverage is inconsistent.
A Note on Gastric Bypass Surgery
Bariatric surgery, like gastric bypass, has been around for decades. It physically changes the digestive system so you can’t eat as much or absorb as many calories. For people with severe health risks, it can be life-saving.
But like medications, surgery isn’t a magic solution. It comes with risks—nutrient deficiencies, surgical complications, and the need for lifelong dietary changes. And just like GLP-1s, the key to lasting success is what happens afterward. Strength training, nutrition coaching, and habit change are non-negotiables if you want to keep the results long-term.
Our Perspective at the TC
At the Transformation Center, we support anyone making the choice that’s right for them—whether that’s using GLP-1 medication, having weight loss surgery, or pursuing weight loss through lifestyle change alone.
As coaches, we see the full spectrum of reasons people walk through our doors. For some, it’s about getting stronger for the first time. For others, it’s about reclaiming confidence after years of struggling. And for a growing number, it’s about finding support while navigating weight loss medications or even after surgery.
We want to acknowledge something important: choosing GLP-1 medications or undergoing gastric bypass is not about “taking the easy way out.” These decisions often come after years—sometimes decades—of frustration, health scares, or failed attempts to make progress with traditional methods.
Each person’s story, body and decisions are unique.
What we don’t believe in are quick fixes without foundation.
If you were handed your dream body tomorrow, would you know how to maintain it?
The truth is, it’s not just about losing weight—it’s about learning the skills, habits, and mindset to keep it off and live a healthier, stronger life.
That’s exactly why we built Killer Kurves. It’s a program designed to help you learn how to fuel your body, build lean muscle, and create sustainable habits—all in a welcoming, supportive community. Because at the end of the day, your journey should not feel isolating or overwhelming. You deserve a circle that lifts you up, reminds you you’re not alone, and gives you the tools to succeed for the long haul.
Ultimately…
GLP-1 medications and gastric bypass surgery can be powerful tools.
For some, they’re the difference between years of struggle and a new lease on life. But like any tool, their effectiveness depends on how they’re used—and whether they’re paired with the habits that sustain results.
Is weight/fat loss possible the old fashioned way? Absolutely! Are any of the above right for you? That’s for you to decide.
If you’re exploring these options, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. The Transformation Center is here to support you with strength training, nutrition coaching, and a community that understands the ups and downs of change.
Our next Killer Kurves session starts Monday, Sept. 29th. If you’re ready to build habits that last—and find a community that makes the process a whole lot easier—this might be your time to say yes.
Reach out today to secure your spot.
References:
Caruso, I., et al. (2024). Renal effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists and tirzepatide. Endocrine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-024-03757-9
Ghusn, W., et al. (2024). Weight-loss outcomes, tolerability, side effects, and risks of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 15, 11404059. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2024.11404059
Krisanapan, P., et al. (2024). Safety and efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Clinical Kidney Journal, 17(2), sfae018. https://doi.org/10.1093/ckj/sfae018
Reiss, A. B., et al. (2025). Weight reduction with GLP-1 agonists and paths for combination therapy. Biomolecules, 15(3), 408. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15030408
Rodriguez, P. J., et al. (2025). Discontinuation and reinitiation of GLP-1 receptor agonists among adults with obesity. JAMA Network Open, 8(6). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.29779
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