What Are GLP-1 Medications & Who Should Use Them?

You’ve probably heard the buzz about drugs like Ozempic, as it has grown in popularity over the past few years. GLP-1 agonist drugs have received significant attention, particularly for their role in weight management and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Although these drugs have been around for nearly 20 years to treat diabetes, they have only recently become popular as tools to manage appetite and promote weight loss. Let’s find out exactly what GLP-1 therapeutics are, their potential benefits, risks, and who should (or shouldn’t) consider taking them.

What are GLP-1 drugs?

GLP-1 agonists are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is involved in regulating insulin production and appetite.

“GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone made in the intestines when we eat food. GLP-1 helps the pancreas produce more insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar, and increases appetite. Our own natural GLP-1 is degraded within 1-2 minutes. GLP-1 drugs are designed to not be easily degraded. 1 levels are much higher, meaning better blood sugar and appetite control.” Dr. Spencer Nadolski, DO; Obesity and lipid specialist.

Many people say the benefits of the drug include feeling less hungry, feeling full faster, and having fewer “food noises” and thoughts about food throughout the day.

Different types of GLP-1 drugs

There are several types of GLP-1 drugs available, each with different dosing schedules and forms of administration. The most well-known GLP-1 agonists include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Trulicity. Zepbound is the latest GLP-1 treatment.

Although all of these drugs share a similar mechanism of action, they may differ in certain uses, such as whether they are more often prescribed for diabetes management or weight loss. Here is a list of commonly prescribed GLP-1 drugs:

• saxenda
• Byetta
• Trulicity
• victoza
• Munjaro
• Ozempic
• wegobee
• zep bound

Potential benefits of GLP-1 agonists

GLP-1 drugs offer a variety of potential health benefits, especially for people with type 2 diabetes and people who want to lose weight. The prescriber’s recommendations for weight loss include, “People with a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher and comorbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea should consider taking these medications.” It says “may be done.” Melissa Mitri, MS, RDnutrition writer and owner of Melissa Mitri Nutrition.

It is also useful for people who have repeatedly tried to lose weight with traditional diet and exercise, but continually gain the weight back. This is because GLP-1 agonists help counter the physiological causes of weight gain, Mitri adds, which may help reduce yo-yo weight cycles over time. Masu. However, it is important to note that GLP-1 drugs are intended to supplement, not replace, a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

These drugs help regulate blood sugar and appetite levels by increasing insulin production and decreasing glucose production in the liver. Additionally, it slows down the digestive process, so you feel fuller for longer, ultimately reducing appetite and food intake, supporting weight loss. This combination of blood sugar stabilization and healthy weight management is especially helpful for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Potential risks of GLP-1 agonists

Although GLP-1 drugs are highly effective, they are not without risks. Because gastric emptying is slowed, common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. “Most GLP-1 agonists are used as injections, so other side effects can occur, such as headaches and injection site reactions,” Mitri comments.

Still, more serious risks can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney failure, and increased risk of thyroid tumors, but these risks are relatively rare and these symptoms should be monitored before starting the medication. It is seen in people who have a personal or family history of

“There is a slight increase in the risk of gallstones, which can lead to gallbladder attacks. This may be due to the rapid weight loss caused by the drug,” says Dr. Nadolsky.

However, if prescribed properly, these symptoms are usually mild and tend to improve over time as your body gets used to the medication. It is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor potential risks and side effects and to ensure that the medication is a good fit for your individual lifestyle and health history.

Who should take GLP-1 agonists?

GLP-1 drugs are typically prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes who are struggling to control their blood sugar levels, especially when other treatments have not worked.

These drugs are also beneficial for people who are obese or need help managing their weight due to other health conditions. GLP-1 agonists are effective in suppressing appetite and promoting weight loss, making them an increasingly common prescription for individuals who meet certain weight and health criteria, even if they do not have diabetes. People who may be suitable for GLP-1 treatment include:

• Type 2 diabetic patients People who have trouble managing their blood sugar levels with other treatments.
• obese person Or people who have difficulty managing their weight even with lifestyle changes.
• Patients with weight-related health conditions Patients who may benefit from weight loss support, such as hypertension, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and lipidemia.
• a person who was not successful Use with other medications and treatments for blood sugar and weight management.
• Patients with binge eating You may benefit from these medications. However, this decision should be made in consultation with an eating disorder specialist who understands your unique position, as there is also a risk that a person with bulimia may increase their appetite and suppress the medication.

Consult your health care provider to determine whether a GLP-1 agonist drug is appropriate for your particular health condition.

Who should avoid GLP-1 drugs

Not everyone is a good candidate for a GLP-1 therapeutic. These drugs should usually be avoided by people who have a history of certain medical conditions, such as pancreatitis or thyroid cancer. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding may also want to avoid using these drugs because the safety of GLP-1 agonists during pregnancy is not well established. Always consult your medical team to find out what is best for you. People who want to avoid using GLP-1 drugs include:

• People with a history of pancreatitis or other pancreatic conditions.
• People who have a history of thyroid cancer themselves or in their family or thyroid tumor.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeedingbecause the safety of these drugs during pregnancy has not been established.
• People with severe gastrointestinal disordersDelayed digestion can worsen symptoms such as gastroparesis.
• people who are underweight or malnutrition. This may include older adults, where rapid weight loss and loss of muscle mass can cause serious side effects, and people with known nutritional deficiencies.

Jesse Carpenter, MA, MD, RD, LDOwners of Nutrition Prescription remind us that injections should be taken for a long period of time, as there is a high rate of reversal of their effectiveness if the injections are discontinued. In addition, the potential financial burden of the drug and the possibility of drug shortages, or going without medication for a period of time, must also be considered. “We highly recommend diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, with or without medication,” Carpenter said.

Before starting any new medication, including a GLP-1 agonist, it is important to discuss your complete medical history with your health care provider.

conclusion

GLP-1 drugs are all the rage, but they offer great benefits for people managing type 2 diabetes and those looking to lose weight. Most people experience weight loss without strong hunger cues or “food sounds” because the stomach emptyes more slowly and side effects that signal appetite are reduced.

Although these medications are very effective, it is important to weigh the potential risks and work closely with your health care provider to determine whether these medications are the right choice for you. Whether you are considering GLP-1 agonists for blood sugar management or weight loss, when used appropriately, GLP-1 agonists can be a powerful tool for some people.