As more Americans use GLP-1 medications for weight loss, doctors are reminding patients of the importance of medical necessity and supervision while using the drugs
For many Americans, using GLP-1 medication has brought about significant changes in their lives, and it was a heartbreaking loss that led to Guadalupe Figueroa to dedicating herself to her health
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“One of my sons was a homicide victim, and from there I continued to gain weight. I became what they call a closet eater, a midnight eater. I’d go into the refrigerator just to get comfort,” said Figueroa
At 285 pounds, she decided to undergo bariatric surgery
“I had a dream that I had passed away. and I kept thinking, ‘my children, my sons are not going to be able to carry a casket,'” she said
She had lapband surgery in her 50s, and a revisional sleeve put in by Dr. Rami Lutfi at age 61. Now in her 70s, she’s using a GLP-1 for additional help keeping the weight off
“As we get older, our metabolism slows down, our movements slow down, so it is okay to have what we call adjuvant therapy,” said Lutfi, the president and CEO of the Chicago Institute of Advanced Surgery. “We should never think, is it surgery or medication? We should work together on multimodal therapy.”
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A recent Gallup survey finds 11% of adults now take GLPS-1 medication for weight loss, a significant increase from 3% in 2024
Obesity rates are also down, according to the same analysis from Gallup, that finds “a statistically meaningful decline that continues to inversely track with increased usage of GLP-1 medicine nationally.” However, as the drugs become more popular and widely available, doctors are expressing the importance of using them correctly and effectively
Lifelong Chicagoan and former security guard Edward Butler was 412 pounds when he decided to have a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in May
“Doctors were saying that they don’t know how I was still alive,” he said
Because he had more than 20% of his body weight to lose, Dr. Lutfi said medication wouldn’t have been his most effective option
“Medications would not have been the right choice for him in the long term,” said Lutfi, who emphasizes weight and age are just two of many factors that should be considered, since the drugs are not for short term use. “Once you stop, it’s very unlikely to keep the weight off.”
Surgery is much less invasive with faster recovery times today than it was decades ago. It can also be more cost effective, since most major medical plans cover weight loss procedures. Medication coverage is much more restricted
Surgery combined with GLP-1, lifestyle and diet changes, have been transformative for both Butler and Figueroa
“I kind of feel like Tony the Tiger. I’m great,” said Butler
“I’m more active now than I was in my thirties,” said Figueroa
GLP-1 medications are generally considered safe and effective when prescribed by a doctor, though there are moderate side effect risks
