Are GLP-1 Agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro) Cheating?
The rise of GLP-1 agonists—like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro— has given rise to a whole mix of opinions (and emotions) whether its in the court of public opinion or the medical and fitness industries.
They’ve been praised as revolutionary for treating obesity… and criticised by some as a shortcut or "cheat code" for weight loss.
But is using them really cheating? Or are we just uncomfortable with a new, highly effective tool?
I wonder if you can guess my opinion as a personal? Let’s see :)
What Are GLP-1 Agonists?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists are drugs originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes. They mimic a natural hormone that:
Reduces appetite
Slows gastric emptying
Increases insulin release
Lowers blood sugar
More recently, higher-dose versions have been approved specifically for weight loss (e.g., Wegovy). These medications are typically administered via weekly injection.
What the Research Says: Benefits & Results
🔹 Clinically significant fat loss
GLP-1 agonists have shown average weight loss of 10–20% of body weight over 12–18 months, depending on the drug and dosage.
In the STEP 1 trial (NEJM, 2021), participants using semaglutide lost an average of **15.3 kg (approx. 33 lbs)**versus 2.6 kg with placebo.
🔹 Improved metabolic health
Users often experience improvements in blood sugar control, cholesterol, and blood pressure—especially those with conditions like diabetes or PCOS.
🔹 Better long-term adherence (compared to diet alone)
By increasing satiety and reducing cravings, GLP-1 agonists help make sticking to a calorie deficit more manageable for many.
Are There Risks?
Like any medication, GLP-1 agonists come with potential downsides:
⚠️ Gastrointestinal side effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation are common, especially early on.
⚠️ Muscle loss
Rapid weight loss without strength training and adequate protein can result in significant lean mass loss.
A 2023 study in Obesity found up to 40% of weight lost via GLP-1 agonists came from lean mass—raising red flags in both clinical and fitness contexts.
⚠️ Dependency and regain risk
Appetite often returns to baseline once the medication is stopped. Without lifestyle changes, weight regain is common.
One study reported that participants regained two-thirds of lost weight within one year of stopping semaglutide (Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2022).
⚠️ Cost and access
Monthly costs can range from £100–£300 out of pocket in the UK. There have also been global supply issues.
⚠️ Not suitable for everyone
Contraindicated for individuals with a history of medullary thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or certain eating disorders.
Ok, so that’s the science-y stuff out the way…
Let’s dig into the real question:
Is It Cheating? Should They Be Used?
It’s vital to recognise that the causes—and challenges—behind weight gain and loss differ dramatically from person to person.
Example 1:
Sheila (37yo / 5ft4 / 60kg / female) wants to lose a few KGs. She has had a busy year full of holidays, weddings and shitty work deadlines and she has ended up 4-5kgs heavier than her normal walking around weight. She has maintained her weight between 54-56kg most of her life. She eats mostly out of connivence, but has no unhealthy relationship with food and she has a naturally low appetite. She also has a pretty active group of friends so she gets out most weekends and some evening to play sport and go o hikes.
Example 2:
Rhonda (37yo / 5ft4 / 90kg / female) has just had some blood work come back and her doctor has advised she lose weight to help improve her risk of negative health outcomes. Rhonda has struggled with her weight all her life. She often eats as an emotional coping mechanism and often describes feel her stomach is like an endless pit… she rarely feels full/stuffed during binge eating episodes. Rhonda also works an un-stimulating desk job, but hey it pays the bills. She also has a partner and friends that suffer from similar issues with weight and health.
What i’m trying to show here is that although weight loss does ultimately come down to energy balance (calories in vs calories out). There are a boat load of biological, psychological, social and environmental factors that influence our ability to achieve it.
I’m not saying that Rhonda has no hope… but what I am saying is that she is playing on a very different landscape to Sheila.
And it’s in these instances where GLP-1 agonists can be absolutely LIFE CHANGING!
But Isn’t It Cheating?
Let’s unpack the most common criticisms:
🗣️ “You didn’t earn it.”
If someone takes blood pressure medication and avoids a heart attack, do we say they cheated?
🗣️ “It’s a shortcut.”
Maybe—but is that a bad thing? If a tool helps someone make lasting change and improve their health, isn’t that the goal?
🗣️ “It takes no effort.”
Not true. Successful use still requires intentional effort—especially to maintain muscle mass, eat enough protein, and build long-term habits.
Final Thoughts: A Tool, Not a Crutch
GLP-1 agonists are not a magic solution. But in the right context, with the right support, they can be a game-changer.
If someone uses a tool that helps them overcome decades of psychological, biological, and environmental barriers to finally improve their health—that’s not cheating. That’s success.
What’s more, framing GLP-1 agonists as a “cop-out” may shame people away from a potentially life-saving intervention.
But they shouldn’t exist in a vacuum.
The best results come when GLP-1 agonists are paired with:
✅ Resistance training – to maintain muscle
✅ A nourishing long-term nutrition plan – not just a deficit
✅ Behavioural support – for post-medication habit development
✅ Medical supervision – to manage risks and personalise dosage
These drugs aren’t for everyone. In fact I think taking them unnecessarily might actually take the drugs out of the hands of those who need it. But for those who’ve struggled for years—physically, emotionally, and metabolically—they might be the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for.