Weight loss isn’t always about the journey.
People sometimes think that losing weight is all about making the right choices in the gym and kitchen. Indeed, a combination of weight loss and exercise can be effective in reducing unwanted weight—but it is rarely enough to prevent the same unwanted weight from slowly coming back.
Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can help some people lose weight. Both belong to a class of medications termed GLP-1 agonists, frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes. Aside from keeping insulin levels under control, GLP-1 agonists are proven to reduce hunger and suppress certain cravings.
GLP-1 agonists frequently yield positive results, but they can have serious side effects and aren’t right for everyone. Our Caldwell weight management clinic could help you determine if you’re good candidate for weight loss medications, finding solutions that make sense for your age, health, and lifestyle. Read on to learn about GLP-1 agonists and weight loss, or contact Core Medicine of Idaho today to request an appointment.
A Quick Overview of GLP-1 Agonists and Weight Loss
Medical professionals use the terms GLP-1 drugs and GLP-1 agonists to refer to medications that mimic the effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone. GLP-1 medications include brand-name drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy and have been shown to improve weight loss and keep hunger pangs to a minimum. However, GLP-1 agonists are very different from most over-the-counter and prescription weight loss medications. Here’s what you need to know about:
The Science Behind GLP-1 Agonists
A GLP-1 agonist is a semaglutide-based medication that mimics the effect of the GLP-1 hormone.
The GLP-1 hormone is naturally occurring. Everyone’s small intestine produces GLP-1 hormones every day, typically within minutes of eating. The release of GLP-1 affects the body in many different ways. It can trigger the release of insulin from your pancreas and prevent your blood sugar levels from rising too high or too quickly.
A GLP-1 agonist is simply any medication that mimics the effects of the GLP-1 hormone. It is called an “agonist” because it can bind to and activate your body’s naturally occurring GLP-1 receptors without triggering an adverse response. By doing this, GLP-1 agonists control your body’s insulin production and can, by extension, be used to manage insulin and glucose levels. Consequently, GLP-1 has a long history of being used to treat conditions like type 2 diabetes.
GLP-1 medications can have side effects, but they aren’t all bad. Aside from stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, GLP-1 agonists act on the brain, reducing feelings of hunger and increasing the length of time that you feel full.
Determining If You’re a Good Candidate for GLP-1 Agonist Therapy
You don’t have to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to use GLP-1 agonists for weight loss. As of 2014, the FDA has approved several GLP-1 drugs for weight loss in people with obesity, provided that they meet certain conditions.
Although everyone’s body is different, medical professionals will typically only recommend GLP-1 therapy if you either have a BMI over 30 or have a BMI over 27 with a condition such as:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Cardiovascular disease
- Sleep apnea
Aside from these criteria, good weight management plans look at other factors. Some conditions, like hypothyroidism, can make it harder to lose weight, even with the help of Ozempic, Wegovy, or another drug. Similarly, if you take insulin for diabetes, using GLP-1 could lower your blood sugar to the point of hypoglycemia.
The Potential Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs
Taking GLP-1 agonists can have side effects beyond hypoglycemia.
Some of the most common include, but are not limited to, the following:
Most of these side effects appear shortly after starting a new GLP-1 medication and subside with time. However, in rare cases, more serious side effects can occur; these potential complications include sudden kidney injuries, the worsening of diabetes-related conditions, and a slightly increased risk of medullary thyroid cancer.
Are GLP-1 Agonists Right for You?
Many people who have BMIs in the overweight or obese range are eligible for GLP-1 therapy, but most medical professionals won’t write a prescription until they’ve had the chance to go through your health history and ensure that the rewards of GLP-1 drugs outweigh the risks.