Dr. Jeff White Speaks About GLP-1 Therapy For Weight Loss
R: Optimist member Ron Weier, Dr. Jeff White, and Optimist Vice President Barb Stockhausen
Dr. Jeff White gave an informative talk about GLP-1's to the Optimist Club on August 28, 2026. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a hormone your body naturally produces in your gut. GLP was first discovered in the 1980's. GLP-1's came out fifteen years ago and worked well for diabetes. Its main role is to help regulate blood sugar after you eat, but it also affects digestion and suppresses appetite. Dr. White stated that 11% of adults in the US are using these drugs today.
What happens inside your body with GLP-1's:
Improves insulin function: GLP-1's tell the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar levels are high. This helps lower blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes, while also reducing the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.
Slows digestion: GLP-1's slow down how quickly food leaves the stomach. This steadier digestion helps prevent big spikes in blood sugar after meals and keeps you fuller longer.
Regulates appetite: Because GLP-1 receptors in other parts of the body, such as the GI tract, pancreas, central nervous system and other tissues like the heart, kidneys, liver, send signals to the brain , these medications not only depress appetite but tell your brain you don't want to eat.
Weighing your options:
Pros:
Effective, clinically-proven weight loss and is good for your joints (every pound you lose in your stomach equals 10-15 pounds less on your knees)
Amazing for fatty liver disease
Reduces risk for heart attacks and strokes
Less anxiety
Sleep better
Cons:
High cost - average cost = ~$1,000/month. Insurance may cover some of the cost if you're diabetic.
Loss of muscle mass - 9% of the weight loss with GLP-1's is muscle
Reduced bone density, loss of balance
Short-term gastrointestinal side effects
Dehydrate retina
Risk for pancreatitis
Dr. White explained that the benefits are huge with you lose weight but you need to weigh your options. He suggests that if you choose to try GLP-1's that you give it a 6-month trial, go off it if you can, or lower your dose, and see how it goes. Most diets last for ~three months and you typically start losing weight after three months. It takes ~four months for your stomach to shrink when dieting so if you can stick with it for six months, that gives you the best chance that your stomach may not expand again and you will keep the weight off. He added that, unfortunately, your motivation to exercise does not increase with these drugs and you're often more tired because you aren't eating as many calories. The ultimate goal is to get yourself to a comfortable weight, whatever that might be.
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