GLP-1 medications have become very popular, capturing attention worldwide. Celebrities and social media influencers are promoting them as the latest miracle for weight loss.
But what exactly are these medications? How do they work? Continue reading to discover all the important information regarding GLP-1 drugs.
So what are GLP-1 agonists?
GLP-1 agonists are a category of medications designed to manage type 2 diabetes and, more recently, obesity. They mimic the function of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone produced naturally by your body.
The GLP-1 hormone not only reduces blood sugar levels but also aids in weight loss.
Here’s how this hormone benefits your body:
Boosts insulin. GLP-1 triggers your pancreas to secrete insulin, a hormone that gets glucose out of your blood and into your cells.
Blocks glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone that raises your blood sugar. GLP-1 suppresses glucagon to prevent more glucose from entering your bloodstream.
Slow digestion. GLP-1 makes your stomach empty more slowly. This can slow glucose absorption and lessen blood sugar spikes.
Increases satiety. GLP-1 affects the parts of your brain that help you feel full. This can reduce your appetite.
The GLP-1 hormone quickly breaks down in your body, typically within minutes. However, GLP-1 medications are designed to remain in your bloodstream for days or even weeks.
So what are the risks of GLP-1s?
Nausea is the most common side effect, affecting approximately 50% of users.
Other gastrointestinal issues may include:
Diarrhea
Constipation
Vomiting
Common side effects include rashes at the injection site and headaches. Additionally, some individuals have reported infections, such as upper respiratory infections and urinary tract infections.
The side effects can differ based on the medication and its dosage, but they typically lessen as your body becomes accustomed to the treatment.
There are also a few serious risks that come along with GLP-1 agonists:
Pancreatitis
Thyroid cancer
Gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying)
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Gall bladder disease
Kidney issues
Aside from risks, there are also a few downsides that come with this:
Cost - Most insurance plans don’t pay for weight loss medications. And GLP-1 agonists are expensive. A one-month supply can cost you $1,000 or more without insurance.
You become dependent on it - Some studies indicate that to maintain weight loss, continued use of the medication is necessary; otherwise, weight may be regained. One particular study revealed that a year after discontinuing Ozempic, individuals had regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost.
Could lead to disordered eating - While these drugs do help with weight loss, they don’t change your relationship with food. They actually could make it worse. GLP-1 meds suppress your appetite. Some experts believe taking them could cause people to develop disordered eating patterns. More research is needed, but people with a history of eating disorders should be very careful using this drug.
All in all :
GLP-1 meds may help in the fight against obesity. They lower your blood sugar and suppress your appetite to spur weight loss.
But they’re not a weight loss magic medicine. They come at a high cost and have many risks and potential side effects.
There’s so much hype surrounding these drugs with many people praising them as a weight loss cure-all. But the reality is, there is no quick fix for obesity.
It takes a multi-pronged approach for weight loss to stick.
A well-rounded approach involving a healthy and nutricious diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, effective stress management, and having a healthy relationship with food is essential. Without these factors, any weight loss achieved will most likely be temporary. While GLP-1 medications can be helpful for some in their weight loss journey, true transformation comes from making healthy choices in your daily life consistently.
