GLP-1 medications — including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) — have helped many people manage their weight and improve their health. But they’re not right for everyone. What works well for one person’s body, biology and lifestyle may not work at all for someone else.
Some patients experience strong side effects like nausea or vomiting. Others may find the weekly injections too difficult to maintain. And for many, insurance coverage is a barrier — making the cost of GLP-1s simply out of reach.
If you’re one of the many people who’ve tried these medications and found they’re not a good fit, you’re not alone — and you still have options.
Explore personalized support
“GLP-1s can be effective, but they’re not the only tool in the toolbox,” says Rush weight loss expert Elizabeth Blankenship, NP. “A personalized plan built around your body, your goals and your lifestyle is key to your long-term success.”
A full range of strategies can help you achieve better health, including:
- Diet and exercise planning tailored to your unique metabolism
- Behavioral therapy to address emotional or environmental factors tied to weight
- Non-GLP-1 medications that may better match your needs
- Sleep and stress management strategies that support weight loss
Bariatric surgery: a proven path for long-term results
For some patients, bariatric surgery may be the most effective and sustainable path forward. There are many surgical options, including:
- Gastric sleeve
- Gastric bypass
- Duodenal switch
- Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty
- Revision surgeries
These procedures are supported by expert care teams, robust pre- and post-surgical education and long-term follow-up to help you stay on track.
“Bariatric surgery isn’t a shortcut. It’s a powerful, evidence-based tool that can help people achieve lasting weight loss and improve — or even reverse — chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, acid reflux and sleep apnea,” says bariatric surgeon Scott Schimpke, MD.
You’re not a failure. You’re a human being.
Weight loss is a journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If GLP-1s didn’t work for you, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options — or that you’ve failed.
Rush experts are here to help you find the path that works for you. Weight management isn’t just about numbers on a scale. It’s about helping you feel better, live healthier and reach your full potential.