By now, you’ve almost certainly heard about GLP-1s. These medications are everywhere in the news for good reason: they’re changing lives. At Grace Aesthetics, we’ve seen firsthand their impact on health, confidence and longevity.

GLP-1s work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, so you feel fuller longer and experience fewer cravings. Currently, we offer Tirzepatide, a type of GLP-1 medication we’ve seen produce transformative results. I’ve been working in medical weight loss for three years now, and in my experience, Tirzepatide stands out for its ability to preserve muscle mass in a way other GLP-1 options, like Semaglutide, sometimes do not. And while many people view GLP-1s as “weight loss drugs,” I want to be clear: these medications are really tools for overall health and longevity. Weight loss is simply one of the benefits.

Who is (and isn’t) a good candidate?

When I meet with new patients, I spend time learning about their lifestyle–how often they exercise, whether they’re strength training, and what their eating habits look like. Why? Because GLP-1s are not magic shots. If you’re hoping to lose weight while sitting on the couch eating fast food, this is not the right solution for you.

The best candidates are people who are ready for change–those who want to adopt a healthier lifestyle and are willing to put in the work. I look for patients who can commit to working out three to five times a week and breaking a sweat. Walking the dog is great, but it’s not the same as true exercise!

GLP-1s can also be game changers for people who already live a healthy lifestyle but are stuck in a “metabolic funk” or struggling with metabolic syndrome. If you’re exercising regularly, eating clean, and still not seeing results, Tirzepatide can be the missing piece.

Protecting Your Muscle Mass

One of the biggest myths about GLP-1 medications is that they cause muscle loss. Here’s the truth: it’s not the medication–it’s your habits. I always stress two things with my patients:

1. You must strength train and push yourself enough to break a sweat.
2. You must eat an adequate amount of protein.

These two factors are the only way to protect your muscle mass, whether you’re on a GLP-1 or not, and are non-negotiable if you want lasting results. Protein supplements can help, but your best source of protein is real food.

The Impact Goes Far Beyond Weight Loss

One of the reasons I’ve started referring to Tirzepatide as a “longevity medication” is because its benefits extend well beyond the number on the scale. We now know that Tirzepatide reduces inflammation in the gut, joints, and even the brain. There’s emerging research that suggests it may lower the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. We also know Tirzepatide reduces the risk of cardiac events like heart attacks and strokes by more than 20%–and that’s independent of weight loss. If that’s not compelling enough, I don’t know what is!

A Success Story I’ll Never Forget

I’ve had countless patients achieve incredible transformations, but one story stands out. A patient came to me struggling with her weight. She couldn’t get on the floor to play with her young son, and simple walks in the park left her in pain. After ten months on Tirzepatide, she had lost nearly ninety pounds. Her mother came to the clinic in tears and said, “You’ve given me my daughter back.” That moment humbled me to my core. The ripple effects of this medication go beyond the patient–it changes families. That’s the kind of impact we get to be a part of every day at Grace Aesthetics.

GLP-1 Medications Are a Tool, Not a Quick Fix

I can’t emphasize this enough: if you don’t change your habits, you will regain the weight. These medications are a tool, not a cure-all. But they can be a powerful jump start. I’ve seen many patients use that first wave of success as motivation to get back into the gym and overhaul their health for the better.

If you’re ready to put in the work, Tirzepatide can be a catalyst for real, lasting change. But if you’re looking for an easy way out, this isn’t it.

At Grace Aesthetics, we’re here to support you through education, accountability, and compassion, so you can gain the energy and health to live your best life for years to come.