With nearly three-quarters of American adults over the age of 19 classified as overweight, the search for effective weight loss solutions has reached unprecedented levels. According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics’ National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 2021 through 2023, just over 40% of adults in the United States are considered obese. This widespread struggle has turned GLP-1 medications into a vital lifeline for many, especially following highly publicized results from public figures. While medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are officially approved for weight loss, other popular options such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are primarily designed to treat diabetes.
The popularity of these treatments has surged dramatically in recent years. Data from Gallup’s National Health and Well-Being Index reveals that GLP-1 drug use has nearly quadrupled since 2024. In 2026, approximately 11% of U.S. adults reported taking these medications for weight loss, a significant increase from just 3% in 2024. However, health experts emphasize that there are critical factors to evaluate before starting, during, and when planning to stop these medications. To address these complexities, the all-inclusive wellness resort Hilton Head Health has introduced a specialized GLP-1 Support program during select weeks of the year.
Hilton Head Health, which opened nearly 50 years ago with a primary focus on weight loss, has since transitioned toward a more holistic approach to overall wellness. Despite this evolution, weight management remains a primary goal for many guests, some of whom have already integrated GLP-1 medications into their personal health journeys. The resort's staff members do not encourage or discourage the use of these drugs, choosing instead to leave medical decisions entirely to doctors. However, they actively educate guests on how the medications function, their research-backed advantages and disadvantages, and how to navigate them safely. Bob Wright, a longtime health educator at Hilton Head Health, explained that the goal is to help guests who choose these medications to "take them in a way that provides the best chance of long-term success."
A major focus of the resort's GLP-1 Support program is maintaining physical strength. Holly Toelke, the fitness manager at Hilton Head Health, encourages participants to explore various physical activities. "Try different things, because what happens if you don't know that it's something you're going to potentially fall in love with?" Toelke said. This emphasis on exercise is crucial because muscle loss is a known potential side effect of GLP-1 medications, according to the Mayo Clinic. Toelke noted that preserving muscle is essential, stating, "I do feel like that's a big component of any type of weight loss is to make sure that you still continue strengthening."
In addition to muscle loss, patients frequently experience gastrointestinal side effects, including stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Elizabeth Huggins, a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and certified diabetes educator at the resort, advises individuals to adjust their eating habits when dealing with these symptoms. When it becomes difficult to eat, Huggins suggests to "Relax a little, and you eat foods that you can tolerate." Outside of those difficult periods, she recommends focusing on high-quality, whole, plant-forward foods. Huggins emphasized the importance of "getting the things that you hear all the time, like adequate protein, adequate fluid, adequate fiber."
Developing a healthy relationship with food is particularly vital for those who plan to eventually discontinue GLP-1 medications. Wright points out that these drugs suppress appetite at a biological and hormonal level. "If you take away the hormonal control, then that hunger comes back," Wright warned, noting that "food noise"—or constant, intrusive thoughts about food—can also return. Numerous studies have demonstrated that individuals often regain weight after they stop taking GLP-1 medications. Furthermore, some users do not lose any weight at all, or fail to lose it as quickly or in the specific areas they desire.
To address the psychological challenges of weight management, Anne Poirier, the director of Behavioral Health at Hilton Head Health, works to shift guests' mindsets. "We don't always know what the weight's going to be at the end of a week, but the thing we have control over is our behavior," Poirier said. She encourages participants to practice body neutrality, which focuses on appreciating "what our body does for us every single day" rather than focusing strictly on the scale or physical appearance. Through this approach, Poirier helps guests design and refine practical, actionable wellness plans they can easily maintain once they return home, ensuring they have lasting tools for health regardless of their medical choices.
