{"id":17655,"date":"2024-01-11T14:09:59","date_gmt":"2024-01-11T22:09:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=17655"},"modified":"2024-02-07T09:02:53","modified_gmt":"2024-02-07T17:02:53","slug":"how-does-glp-1-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/how-does-glp-1-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How does GLP-1 work for weight loss and who should try it?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In 1987, scientists discovered glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that affects glucose metabolism. Later, a class of pharmaceuticals called GLP-1 agonists was developed for type 2 diabetics to help regulate blood sugar levels. It was discovered that they also decrease hunger and promote weight loss. But how does GLP-1 work for weight loss<\/a> and who should try it? We examine those questions and more here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a GLP-1 agonist? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Glucagon is a hormone produced in the pancreas. It helps regulate blood glucose (aka sugar) levels. GLP-1<\/a> (glucagon-like peptide 1) is a hormone similar to glucagon. Your body releases GLP-1 when you eat, stimulating insulin secretion that stabilizes blood sugar levels and increases sensations of fullness. The net result is a reduced appetite<\/a> and potentially weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GLP-1 agonists are a class of drugs developed to mimic GLP-1 and bind to GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, nervous system, and elsewhere. This creates the same physiological response as the GLP-1 hormone to reduce feelings of hunger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In simple terms, GLP-1 agonists are drugs that copy the action of the natural hormone GLP-1, helping your body make insulin, reducing the amount of glucose your body needs to make, and slowing down food digestion to reduce hunger effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The development of GLP-1 agonists was a landmark development in the medical treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does GLP-1 work for weight loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By mimicking natural GLP-1, GLP-1 agonists make you feel less hungry, so you can eat less without feeling deprived. Your lower food and calorie intake results in weight loss. For type 2 diabetes patients, GLP-1 medications help<\/a> regulate glucose or blood sugar spikes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In practical terms, this means that patients on GLP-1 prescription medications, such as Ozempic or Wegovy<\/a>, feel less hungry, eat less, and lose weight. According to research on the effects of semaglutide on appetite<\/a>, many people report feeling full faster in addition to having less hunger. They also say they have fewer cravings and think of food less frequently.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GLP-1 drugs for weight loss <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA<\/a>), around 70% of American adults are either obese or overweight, and losing 5 to 10% of that body weight can reduce weight-related health risks, such as cardiovascular disease.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a variety of brand-name GLP-1 drugs for weight loss or the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These medications range in cost, dose, and clinical use. Following is a list of the current FDA-approved GLP-1 agonists being prescribed for type 2 diabetes and\/or weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GLP-1 Medication<\/strong><\/td>Indications<\/strong><\/td>Administration<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Zepbound<\/a> (tirzepatide) <\/td>For weight management in adults who are clinically obese or clinically overweight adults with weight-related health conditions. 

Also sold under the brand name Mounjaro for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.<\/td>		Weekly 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg subcutaneous injections<\/td><\/tr>
Wegovy<\/a> (semaglutide)<\/td>Approved for weight management in adults who are clinically obese or clinically overweight with weight-related health conditions. <\/td>Weekly 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg subcutaneous injections<\/td><\/tr>
Ozempic<\/a> (semaglutide)<\/td>Approved only for type 2 diabetics to help control blood sugar levels and insulin production.

Used off-label for weight loss in people without type 2 diabetes. <\/td>		Weekly  0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg subcutaneous injections<\/td><\/tr>
Rybelsus <\/a>(semaglutide)<\/td>Approved for use along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Used off-label (with FDA approval) for weight loss in people without type 2 diabetes. <\/td>		One 7 mg or 14 mg oral tablet taken daily<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Note that each of these medications is meant to be used along with lifestyle changes, including exercise and diet. Speak to a licensed medical provider for more details about these medications and to see if one is right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who should try GLP-1 agonists for weight loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wondering about trying a GLP-1 agonist for weight loss, start with a conversation with a medical provider. It\u2019s important to note that these medications aren’t for everyone. GLP-1 agonists aren\u2019t suitable for children under age 12, and those approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes are not intended for those without type 2 diabetes. We look at other contraindications below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re overweight or obese, you may be a candidate for GLP-1 drug therapy. Being overweight is defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9, while obesity means you have a BMI of 30 or higher. BMI is determined by your weight in pounds divided by the square of your height in feet. The approved BMI for GLP-1 agonists is 27 or higher \u2013 see below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthcare providers can prescribe GLP-1 agonists for patients in the following categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n