As the use of GLP-1 soars, one wellness resort is teaching guests how to develop healthier habits before, during, and after taking the drug.
What you need to know about side effects of GLP-1 drugs
A class action lawsuit has been filed over alleged side effects of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wigovy, and Munjaro.
- GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy are becoming increasingly popular for weight loss purposes, with usage increasing almost fourfold since 2024.
- A South Carolina wellness resort offers special retreats to support guests considering or using GLP-1 medications.
- It is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, as many people regain weight when they stop taking the medication.
HILTON HEAD, S.C. – As I sat around a relaxed classroom with several other guests at the Hilton Head Health Wellness Resort & Spa in South Carolina, I had no idea that some of us were taking or considering taking GLP-1 medications. But we had gathered for an introductory class on an increasingly popular drug.
Nearly three in four Americans age 19 and older are overweight, according to the 2021-2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. This includes just over 40% of U.S. adults who are considered obese.
For people struggling to lose weight, GLP-1 drugs may seem like a lifeline. Especially after seeing celebrities show dramatic results with drugs like Wigoby and Zepbound, which are approved for weight loss, whereas other drugs like Ozempic and Munjaro primarily treat diabetes.
The use of GLP-1 drugs has nearly quadrupled since 2024, with approximately 11% of U.S. adults found to be taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss in 2026, up from 3% in 2024, according to Gallup’s National Health and Wellbeing Index.
But there are important factors to consider before starting, while taking, and when considering stopping a drug, as Hilton Head Health revealed in a special retreat that USA TODAY learned first-hand.
What happens during a GLP-1 retreat?
When this all-inclusive wellness resort opened nearly 50 years ago, it was primarily aimed at weight loss. Although it has since evolved to embrace a more holistic approach to health, many guests are still interested in losing weight, and some, including several in my class, have already incorporated GLP-1 medications into their travels.
Staff neither recommend nor discourage use, leaving medical advice to doctors. But they do explain how the drugs work, their research-backed pros and cons, and “how to take them in a way that gives you the best chance of long-term success when choosing a drug,” said Bob Wright, a longtime health educator at Hilton Head Health.
The resort hosts a GLP-1 support program during certain weeks of the year, starting with the same introductory class I attended, but adds:
- Assessment of individual body composition and metabolism
- Individualized biomarker testing for inflammation, metabolic health, and blood sugar regulation
- Workshop on nutrition, physical fitness, and mindset related to GLP-1
- Group coaching discussion and small group strength training
- Chef-led cooking demonstration
- All-inclusive accommodation and gourmet restaurant
- Access to the resort’s full range of facilities and programs, from guided meditation to aqua boxing to circuit training
Things to consider about GLP-1
Holly Tolke, fitness manager at Hilton Head Health, encourages guests to “try different things, because what if you didn’t know it was something you could be into?” Strength is important because muscle loss can be a side effect of GLP-1 drugs, according to the Mayo Clinic. “I feel like the key element in any type of weight loss is to make sure you continue to strengthen your muscles,” Tolke said.
Other potential side effects of the drug include gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. When you’re having trouble eating, Elizabeth Huggins, a registered dietitian, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at Hilton Head Health, told USA TODAY, “Just relax a little bit and eat the foods you can tolerate.” The rest of the time, she advises focusing on high-quality, plant-based, whole foods. “Make sure you’re getting the things that people say: the right protein, the right water, the right fiber.”
Dr. Wright explains that GLP-1 suppresses appetite on a biological and hormonal level, so learning how to eat correctly and develop a healthy relationship with food is especially important for GLP-1 users who want to come off medication. “Once you release the hormonal control, your hunger returns.” Food noises and pervasive thoughts about food may also return.
Studies have shown that weight regain occurs after GLP-1 drugs are discontinued. Some people don’t lose weight at all, and others don’t lose weight as quickly or where they want, says Ann Poirier, director of behavioral health at Hilton Head Health. “We don’t necessarily know what our weight will be at the end of the week, but what we can control is our actions,” she said. Poirier seeks to help GLP-1 Support participants shift their thinking from scale and appearance to “what our bodies do for us every day,” a principle known as body neutrality. She will also help you create and narrow down a practical action plan for your household.
At Hilton Head Health, no matter how our guests choose to utilize GLP-1 therapeutics, we want to provide them with lasting tools for good health.
This article has been updated to update the headline.
USA TODAY reporter Eve Chen was provided access by Hilton Head Health. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
