You’ve probably heard a lot about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound or Mounjaro. They’ve become incredibly popular for weight loss, and they can work really well. But what most people don’t realize is how little real support there is for people taking them.
As a pharmacist and board-certified health coach, I’ve seen that firsthand. Several of my clients started GLP-1s through their doctors, got their prescriptions, and then… that was about it. No real plan for eating, movement, or mindset. No one walking with them through the changes their bodies were going through.
That’s a huge problem.
What I Started Noticing
About 70% of people who start a GLP-1 are off the medication within two years. Often it’s because insurance stops covering it, and the monthly cost jumps to $1,000–$1,500 — which most people can’t afford.
Here’s the part that worries me most: when people stop, many gain the weight back — and then some. But it’s not just about the number on the scale. If you lose too much muscle while on a GLP-1 and don’t focus on eating well and moving regularly, your metabolism slows down. When you stop the medication, your overall health — and your future self — can actually end up in worse shape than when you started.
That’s not your fault. You just haven’t been given the full picture.
The Gap I Saw
Doctors genuinely care about their patients, but they’re stuck in what I call a “Sick Care” system, not a true healthcare system. They typically get 6–15 minutes per visit. That’s not enough time to help someone understand what’s really happening in their body, manage side effects, or build new habits around eating, strength training, sleep, and mindset.
Most people I talk to on GLP-1s say the same thing:
- They don’t really know what to eat when they’re not hungry.
- They’re not sure how to protect their muscle.
- They don’t know what kind of exercise makes sense while losing weight fast.
- And they’ve never had anyone help them work through the mindset piece — how to handle cravings, emotions, or identity changes that come with big weight loss.
That’s the gap I saw. And that’s why I decided to shift my focus.
How I Help
With my pharmacy background, I understand the medication side — the science, the side effects, and how these drugs interact with your body. But with my coaching background, I help you build the habits and structure you need to stay healthy while using them.
I meet with clients for an hour a week over three to six months. That gives us time to go deep — to talk through what’s working, where you’re struggling, and what’s changing as your appetite shifts and your body adjusts.
We focus on:
- Eating enough protein to protect and rebuild muscle
- Adding simple movement that fits your schedule
- Understanding and tracking side effects
- Building a sustainable routine that keeps you strong and steady — even if you come off the medication later
This isn’t a quick-fix approach. It’s real support that helps you stay healthy long after the shot wears off.
Why It Matters
GLP-1s can be a great tool. But they’re not the whole answer. Without the right structure — nutrition, movement, sleep, and mindset — the results don’t last.
That’s what drives my work now: helping people on GLP-1s feel supported, informed, and empowered. Because no one should lose their health in the process of losing weight.
Ready to Start?
If you’re using a GLP-1 or thinking about it, download my free GLP-1 Guide: Practical Support for Your Health and Long-term Success, or set up a free Protect Your Health Strategy Call with me. On this call we will spend an hour talking about your specific situation and help you navigate and prioritize important health building strategies. You’ll get practical steps to stay healthy — and a plan that works with or without the medication.
God Bless,
Mike
About Mike Thomas
Mike Thomas is a registered pharmacist and board-certified health coach (NBHWC, DipACLM). He helps people on GLP-1s protect their health, preserve their muscle, and build a clear, sustainable routine — with or without the medication.