Semaglutide for Weight Loss
It seems like everyone is talking about medications called GLP-1 for weight loss. Recently they have been shown as a promising option for sustained weight loss especially for those who have struggled with long term obesity, familial obesity and other conditions that have prevented them from losing weight. Originally these drugs were made to manage diabetes but as an expected “side effect” WEIGHT LOSS became a common occurrence. This led research down a path of “what if” as it relates to weight loss specifically. So lets DIVE IN…
What is GLP-1 Medication for Weight Loss?
GLP-1, or Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, is a hormone produced in the gut which regulates blood sugar and helps to control appetite. Using a GLP-1 medication like Semaglutide for weight loss MIMICS the effect of this hormone, increasing it’s circulating volume which then results in lower consistent blood sugar then WEIGHT LOSS. Maintaining a steady blood sugar is key to weight loss as well as appetite regulation because we avoid the “rollercoaster” of highs and lows. these are the most common GLP1-1 drugs available.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)
For the purpose of “weight loss” branded medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are extremely expensive (sometimes over $1000/month) most insurances will only cover these for weight loss only to a certain point (based on your A1C-cummulative 3 month blood sugars). Recently compounding pharmacies have been able to work with physicians directly to get generic versions of this medication compounded making then MUCH more affordable, it is then distributed by doctor’s offices to patients directly with specific instructions on dosing and use.
How Do GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss Work ?
GLP-1 medications have three major mechanisms of action
- Appetite Regulation: Affect the brain’s appetite centers. Promoting satiety, meaning you feel full faster and longer, making you less hungry and less likely to overeat or eat when you don’t need to.
- Slowed Gastric Emptying: GLP-1 medications slow down your intestinal absorption which contributes to feeling fuller, longer.
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: By enhancing insulin secretion and sensitivity, GLP-1 medications help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing insulin resistance (the body becomes more responsive to insulin because it is not constantly saturated with levels of it)
Considerations and Potential Side Effects of GLP-1 Medication
While GLP-1 medications offer substantial benefits, they are not without their own potential problems
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, also often improved by compounding with B12 or B6
- Cost and Accessibility: GLP-1 medications can be expensive, it’s important to work with a provider who has access to quality GENERIC compounded medications which drives down the cost significantly.
- Medical Supervision: These medications should ONLY be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions, your doctor will help determine the right dose for you!
- Not a Quick Fix: While effective, GLP-1 medications are NOT a substitute for healthy lifestyle changes. This treatment works best with a healthy low glycemic index diet and exercise.
- Loss of Lean muscle mass: this can be a SERIOUS problem, and typically is an issue for people who do not eat enough protein and do not lift weights while using this medication.
GLP-1 Prescription for Weight Loss
- Yes GLP-1 peptides require a doctor’s prescription
- It is a once weekly injection
- Weight loss expectation/goal will be 2lbs/week
- Dose changes need to be monitored and adjusted by your doctor
We must remember 3 important things:
- Medication helps your body lose fat NOW
- Adequate PROTEIN from diet and exercise will maintain muscle while you lose weight to KEEP IT OFF
3. Resistance exercise will help maintain muscle mass, prevent loss and provide for SUSTAINED weight loss, meaning you can finally KEEP IT OFF!
Who Should Consider GLP-1 Medications?
We typically consider these medications for people who…
- Struggle with Obesity: Those who have a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with other weight related health problems
- Have Difficulty Losing Weight Through Lifestyle Changes Alone: If you’ve tried losing weight with diet and exercise alone and were unsuccessful
- Patients with pain associated with their weight: Pain is a vicious cycle of non movement, weight gain, more pain, and so on. Obesity significantly affects pain and we incorporate this as a treatment option for this reason.
Conclusion
GLP-1 medications are offering hope for those who have struggled with obesity and it’s health related issues. By mimicking the natural effects of this hormone, it boosts our own body’s ability to regulate appetite, improve metabolism and in turn, support healthy sustainable weight loss . These medications are an adjunct (an extra, an add on, an additional thing) to treatment of chronic obesity and weight related syndromes, they are NOT the answer to all of our weight loss needs. Like anything, there are pros and cons, as providers we heavily consider the risk versus benefit and help patients make an informed decision about this treatment option.
GLP-1 medications ARE a game changer, they ARE significantly improving weight loss outcomes, they ARE significantly improving people’s lives, life expectancy, and general wellness…
GLP-1 medications ARE NOT a quick fix, they ARE NOT a “fad diet”, they ARE NOT without risk or potential side effects
We would love to partner with you on your weight loss journey, if that means diet and exercise counseling, supplements, medications, or just someone to stay accountable to, we are here for you!
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GLP-1 Medication Resources and Other Helpful Links
Research: National Library of Medicine
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered personal medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new medication or treatment.
