Expert Interview: Dr. Susan Ward on GLP-1 Medications — A Metabolic Game Changer for Weight, Insulin Resistance and Longevity

Expert Interview: Our CEO Shannon Chabaud sat down with Dr. Susan Ward to talk about GLP-1 Medications — A Metabolic Game Changer for Weight, Insulin Resistance and Longevity.

Expert Interview: Dr. Susan Ward on GLP-1 Medications — A Metabolic Game Changer for Weight, Insulin Resistance and Longevity

Dr. Susan Ward, Medical Doctor at Thrive Medical, shares her expert insights into the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists—such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide)—in addressing weight, blood sugar, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. She also reminds us that while these medications are powerful tools, they are still relatively new, and their long-term effects are not yet fully known. True transformation, she emphasises, comes from addressing root causes and embracing sustainable lifestyle and mindset changes.

SC: Dr. Ward, there’s a lot of buzz around GLP-1 medications. What’s their role beyond diabetes treatment?

Dr. Ward: GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar, digestion, and appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists are bioidentical medications designed to enhance these effects, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes.

What we’ve discovered is that they can also help improve insulin sensitivity, support weight loss, and reduce inflammation—which has opened the door to their use in people without diabetes but with metabolic concerns. That’s why it’s essential to view them as a tool—not a cure—and to combine their use with a deeper look into what’s actually causing weight gain, fatigue, or blood sugar issues in the first place:

SC: How does this relate to leptin and weight regulation?

Dr. Ward: Many people who struggle with weight are not simply overeating—they’re often dealing with leptin resistance, where the brain doesn’t register when the body is full. This can create a frustrating cycle of hunger, cravings, and fat storage, particularly around the abdomen.

GLP-1 medications help restore the brain’s sensitivity to hunger and satiety cues, making it easier for people to feel full, eat less, and have better energy throughout the day. But again, this can also be addressed through root cause work—improving sleep, reducing stress, supporting gut health, and stabilising blood sugar—all of which help regulate appetite naturally over time.

SC: What’s the connection between GLP-1s, inflammation, and ageing?

Dr. Ward: Chronic low-grade inflammation is a key driver of biological aging—something we now call inflammaging. It speeds up everything from heart disease to mitochondrial decline and cognitive loss.

GLP-1s have been shown to lower inflammatory markers and improve metabolic pathways, which may slow some of the aging processes. They also appear to support cardiovascular and kidney health. However, it’s worth remembering that many of these benefits can be achieved naturally—through anti-inflammatory nutrition, exercise, hormone balancing, and stress reduction. And again, the long-term data is still emerging when it comes to using these medications specifically for anti-ageing or longevity purposes.

SC: Are lifestyle changes still necessary while using these medications?

Dr. Ward: Absolutely—and more than ever. GLP-1s can create a temporary window where it’s easier to make healthier choices, but they don’t replace the need for physical activity, nutrient-dense eating, or sleep hygiene.

In fact, without resistance training and adequate protein, patients may lose muscle instead of fat, which can lead to a slower metabolism and worse long-term outcomes. The real goal is not just to lose weight, but to build a healthier, more resilient body. That’s only possible through sustainable lifestyle changes and shifting mindset—addressing how people think about food, stress, rest, and self-care.

SC: What about reports of side effects or negative experiences?

Dr. Ward: Most side effects occur when people start too quickly, use compounded products, or don’t have proper medical oversight. These medications need to be carefully dosed and monitored. Nausea, bloating, and fatigue are common when protocols aren’t followed.

At Thrive Medical, we take a cautious, evidence-based approach and always consider whether a patient could benefit more from addressing their underlying health issues naturally, especially when they’re not ready for or don’t tolerate medication well.

SC: Do these medications offer any other health benefits?

Dr. Ward: There’s some early evidence that GLP-1s may be helpful in conditions like PCOS, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, and even inflammatory skin concerns but what we do know for certain is that improving metabolic health—whether through medication or natural means—can have far-reaching benefits for nearly every system in the body. The most sustainable results come when we combine short-term tools like GLP-1s with long-term work: root cause healing, habit building, and empowering patients to take control of their health journey.

Want to know if GLP-1 therapy is right for you?

Book a consult with Dr. Susan Ward or a Thrive Medical doctor today to learn more about the benefits of GLP-1 therapy and discuss personalised protocols, safe prescribing, and lifestyle support.