The landscape of metabolic health is experiencing a positive revolution with the widespread adoption of GLP-1 medications—Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound—which are proving to be powerful allies in weight management. As many Americans actively seek to improve their well-being and combat the health challenges of being overweight or obese, these innovative therapies offer a new, highly effective, and clinically proven path to improved metabolic health and better quality of life.

What are GLP‑1s?

GLP‑1, glucagon‑like peptide‑1, is a hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. These drugs increase the level of GLP in the body, slowing digestion and altering how the body tells the mind that it’s full. The result is that GLP-1 agonist medications make patients feel full longer, reducing appetite and overeating.

Originally prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes, the medication is now also used for weight management. Patients typically have a favorable response to using the medication, with weight loss of up to 20% of total body weight, decreased craving, and improved satiety.

A holistic approach to GLP‑1s

GLP‑1s are most effective long term when combined with healthy lifestyle choices. Patients who pay attention to the food they eat and how much they move through the day can build on the foundation these medications provide.

Kinwell Primary Care is launching a new group program for patients prescribed a GLP‑1 for type 2 diabetes or weight management. This 7‑session program is designed to maximize the benefits of these medications through comprehensive lifestyle support.

“GLP‑1s are powerful tools,” said Dr. Jlyn Pritchard, a primary care clinician with Kinwell who will lead the program. “Long‑lasting change, however, requires more than medication. Good health over the long-term means developing beneficial habits. What you eat is even more important as your appetite is suppressed. And moving your body more each day will help retain strength as your weight changes.”

The Lifestyle Medicine: GLP‑1 program

Patients who participate in this program will learn the science behind GLP‑1s, their effects in the body, and lifestyle strategies to support the medication. The program leverages a supportive environment in which patients can access expert guidance, share successes, and find mutual support.

This online program starts on March 16 and will continue through May 4, meeting every Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Content will draw from Kinwell’s physical and behavioral health experts, with sessions alternating between the leadership of Dr. Pritchard and Health Coach Heidi Beer, and that of Behavioral Health Clinician James Ellis, LMHC, and Health Coach Kelly Burns.

Program highlights:

  • Treatment: Each session will provide patients with the latest science behind GLP‑1s—what they are, how they work, and what to expect over the course of treatment.
  • Support: The group format offers the mutual support from patients who face similar challenges and opportunities. This is an opportunity to share experiences, celebrate successes, navigate setbacks, and offer encouragement.
  • Sustainable change: The program’s step‑by‑step guidance toward healthy lifestyle changes in nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management will help patients achieve long‑lasting results.
  • Expert‑led sessions: Kinwell’s physical and behavioral health clinicians will monitor patient vitals, offer personalized advice, and answer questions to optimize the GLP‑1 treatment.
  • Convenient virtual format: All sessions are held online, making it easy to participate from home or work.

GLP‑1 medications offer tremendous potential, and pairing them with expert guidance, community support, and sustainable habits can make all the difference. Whether the goal is treating diabetes, obesity, or losing weight, this program offers the information and tools patients need to succeed. Patients must check with their health plan to see if GLP-1 medications are covered and what their out-of-pocket expenses might be.

Lifestyle Medicine: GLP‑1 is open to established Kinwell patients who are currently taking or considering this medication. To learn more about this program, talk to your Kinwell clinician or call 206‑360‑9298.