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At Kansas City Laser-Like Lipo®, one of the most common questions we hear from new clients is, do GLP-1 weight loss shots really work? Our answer is simple—it depends. It depends on what your definition of weight loss really is, how you’re using the medication, and whether or not you’re supporting it with the right nutrition and exercise habits. Let’s break down the truth behind these increasingly popular injections, what the latest research says, and how to use them responsibly if at all.

What Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Shots

GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® were originally developed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite and slow down digestion, leading to a reduced calorie intake. Because of that appetite-suppressing effect, many people who use GLP-1 medications notice significant drops in weight, at least at first.

What the Scale Doesn’t Tell You

Here’s the part most people don’t realize—when you see the number on the scale go down, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve lost fat. In fact, research shows that the average person on GLP-1 medications loses about 40 percent lean muscle mass and only about 60 percent fat. That’s a huge problem because muscle is your metabolism. The less muscle you have, the slower your body burns calories, even at rest. So while your scale might say you’ve dropped 30 pounds, the reality could be something like 18 pounds of fat lost and 12 pounds of muscle lost. That muscle loss is one of the main reasons why up to 80 percent of people regain all the weight they lost, and often more, within one year of stopping their GLP-1 medication.

The Cycle of Dependence

For many people, the muscle loss and metabolic slowdown cause a dangerous cycle. You lose weight quickly on GLP-1s, you stop using the medication, your metabolism is slower because of lost muscle, and the weight—often in the form of fat—comes right back. This leads some people to say, “I’ll just never stop taking it.” But that approach is not without risk. Long-term use can lead to nutrient deficiencies, gastrointestinal issues, and even gallbladder or pancreatic complications. And here’s another eye-opening statistic: 63 percent of people stop using GLP-1 shots within the first month because of uncomfortable side effects like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.

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The Right Way to Use GLP-1 Medications

At Kansas City Laser-Like Lipo®, we’re not against GLP-1 medications, but we’re very clear about how to use them properly. GLP-1s can be helpful for some people if they’re used short term and combined with what we jokingly call the two healthcare cuss words: diet and exercise. That means focusing on a low carb, high protein plan with plenty of vegetables and real, whole foods while avoiding ultra-processed junk that destroys your metabolism and gut health. It means prioritizing resistance and strength training to preserve your lean muscle mass while your appetite is reduced, helping keep your metabolism strong. It also means viewing the medication as a short-term tool to jumpstart your progress, not as a lifelong crutch. Once you’ve built momentum, it’s crucial to maintain those habits naturally. We have many clients who are on GLP-1 medications, but we make sure they’re doing it the right way with the right nutrition, guidance, and fat loss strategies in place.

Why We Take a Different Approach

At Kansas City Laser-Like Lipo®, we’ve helped over 10,000 people hit their weight and health goals using noninvasive fat loss technologies and clinical nutrition programs that protect muscle while burning fat. Our comprehensive approach includes FDA Cleared Low Level Laser Therapy with technologies like MedWave™ and UltraSlim®, designed to target stubborn fat safely and naturally. It also includes guided nutritional protocols through our supplement company, No Label Nutrition®, focusing on real food, sustainable energy, and long-term health, along with one-on-one coaching and accountability to help you stay consistent long after the magic shot wears off. We’re here to help you lose fat, not just weight, and more importantly, keep it off.

The Bottom Line

So, do GLP-1 weight loss shots work? Yes, but only if you define “work” the right way. They can help you lose weight, but they don’t fix the habits that caused the weight gain in the first place. Without proper nutrition, strength training, and lifestyle changes, you’re simply setting yourself up for the same cycle of loss and regain. At Kansas City Laser-Like Lipo®, we believe in giving your body the tools it needs to burn fat naturally, preserve muscle, and build lifelong habits that lead to real transformation, not temporary results. If you’re tired of the roller coaster and ready to see how our proven program can help you finally lose the fat and keep it off, schedule your consultation today. Try your first session for just $59 and experience real, lasting results.