Everywhere we turn these days, it seems we’re being marketed GLP-1 medications for weight loss. While these drugs can offer significant benefits for certain individuals, their popularity has also sparked conversations about whether they’re necessary for everyone looking to lose a little weight. GLP-1 medications were initially developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes, and certain medications in this class are now approved to treat obesity as well. While it may be tempting to take the plunge, Rhonda Patrick, PhD, of FoundMyFitness says that it may be worth trying intermittent fasting first if you’re looking to drop about 10 pounds.
Intermittent fasting works because it offers a straightforward way to reduce calorie intake without the hassle of tracking calories all day or cutting back on portions at each meal. The approach involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, which can mean skipping a meal or limiting your meals to a specific window each day. By shortening the amount of time you spend eating, you’ll naturally consume fewer calories and create the calorie deficit needed for weight loss. The key, Patrick says, is to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients, like protein and fiber, during the meals you do eat.
Studies support intermittent fasting as a weight loss method. One review of 27 trials found that people lost between 0.8 percent and 13 percent of their starting body weight, with 12 studies finding that intermittent fasting produced results comparable to traditional calorie-restricted diets. More recently, a systematic review analyzing 99 clinical trials involving more than 6,500 people found that intermittent fasting and traditional calorie-restricted diets produced broadly similar weight loss results.
Related: Top Trainer Says Eating This Fruit Daily Is One of the Most ‘Powerful’ Habits for Losing Dangerous Visceral Fat
Beyond weight loss, intermittent fasting may also positively influence metabolic health. During a fasting period, the body gradually shifts from relying primarily on glucose for energy toward using more stored fat and fatty acids. Intermittent fasting can also help reduce visceral fat, which is the dangerous fat stored deep in the abdomen around internal organs.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Ultimately, intermittent fasting could be worth trying as a last-ditch effort to lose those last lingering 10 pounds before deciding to take a GLP-1 medication for the long term. Nevertheless, it’s worth acknowledging that GLP-1 medications can be an effective option for individuals living with obesity or other health risks, and they shouldn’t be dismissed when medically appropriate. As with any medication or treatment, they still come with potential side effects and considerations, making it important to discuss in depth with a trusted healthcare professional.
Related: Biochemist Shares the 6-Ingredient Anti-Aging Smoothie She Drinks Daily to Support Longevity
Experts
Sources
-
Intermittent fasting strategies and their effects on body weight and other cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. BMJ, 2025
This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Oct 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
