What to Know About GLP-1 for Weight Loss
Dr. Sarah Allen
In recent years, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists also known as GLP-1 injections, and Incretin therapies have gained attention as transformative treatments for weight loss. If you’re considering medication therapy for weight loss, it’s important to understand what these are and how they work. In this post, I will address some commonly asked questions about GLP-1 and Incretin therapies, shedding light on the benefits and key considerations.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. GLP-1 medications bind to the same receptors as the naturally occurring substance in your body and potentiate the effects of this hormone. When this occurs, it promotes weight loss. These injections reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, and improve insulin sensitivity. Common GLP-1 injections include semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) and liraglutide (Saxenda).
How do GLP-1s Work for Weight Loss?
GLP-1 medications lead to weight loss in several ways:
- Decreased Appetite: By activating receptors in the brain that regulate hunger, GLP-1 effectively decreases the desire to eat.
- Feeling Full More Quickly: These injections increase feelings of fullness after meals, allowing individuals to feel satisfied with smaller portions, which can lead to a significant reduction in overall calorie intake.
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: GLP-1 injections help the body use insulin more effectively. This can enhance metabolic health and support weight loss and is one of the reasons this medication is great for patients with diabetes.
- Slowed Gastric Emptying: By delaying the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine, GLP-1 injections prolong the feeling of fullness reducing the urge to snack between meals. Unfortunately, this also leads to the most common side effect of these medications which is nausea. It’s important that you start these medications at the lowest recommended dose and titrate up as tolerated!
Are GLP-1 Injections Right for You?
When thinking about GLP-1 medications for weight loss, it’s important to evaluate if they are right for you. GLP-1 injections are not appropriate for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or pancreatitis. It’s also advisable to avoid them while pregnant or breastfeeding. While GLP-1 injections can aid in weight loss, they should always be combined with lifestyle modifications including a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management to optimize results.
Discuss GLP-1 Injections with Your Medical Provider
GLP-1 injections offer a promising option for those seeking effective weight loss. By understanding how GLP-1 and Incretin medications work, you can make an informed decision about incorporating this treatment into your weight loss journey. Always talk to your healthcare provider about available weight loss therapies before starting. A board-certified medical provider can offer tailored advice to help you achieve your weight loss goals safely and effectively.
About Dr. Sarah Allen
Sarah L. Allen, MD founded Skin Clique in 2018, to provide patients with exceptional results and the highest quality care in aesthetic medicine. She knew as a working mom, it’s hard to make time for yourself. Dr. Allen also knew as a provider it was crucial to execute medical-grade skincare treatments in a safe and comforting environment.
