GLP-1 = glucagon-like peptide-1
Woah! That's a mouthful! In the early 2000s, this class of medication was first used in the treatment of diabetes. A wonderful effect of the GLP-1s was seen--weight loss! The FDA then approved Saxenda (liraglutide) in 2014 and Wegovy (semaglutide) in 2021 for the treatment of obesity. Soon after, Zepbound (terzipatide) was approved. Other options are also available for off label use in weight loss such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (terzipatide). Mounjaro or Zepbound is a medication that affects GLP-1 and GIP (read below).
how it works
GLP-1s work via 3 main methods:
helps you process carbs
slows your stomach emptying time, so you feel full longer
tells your brain that you're full, so it is easier to stick with a healthy nutrition
how it helps
reduces average sugars over time, thereby improving your HgA1c
reduces cardiovascular risks
improves quality of life
weight loss (greater than 5%)-Yes!
weight maintenance: let's stop yo-yoing after we lose the weight!
GLP1 +GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)
Mounjaro or Zepbound is a medication that affects BOTH GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
reduces food intake
increases insulin sensitivity
greater weight loss
greater decrease in A1c
what to expect
Once you make a decision to start this medication, you will start at a low dose. For example, Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro is administered weekly and is increased monthly based on results. Saxenda starts at 0.6mg daily and will be gradually increased weekly to 3mg a day over a 5 week period. GLP-1s are typically injected. GLP-1s are well tolerated, and persons taking this medication are typically pleased with the results.
Most common side effects (typically resolves and can titrate slowly if necessary):
nausea-30%
vomiting-12% to 16%
Less common side effects:
diarrhea
pancreatitis
who can use this medication?
Anyone with a BMI > or equal to 30
Anyone with a BMI> or equal to 27 with obesity related complications (eg high blood pressure)
***If you are pregnant, attempting pregnancy, or breastfeeding, you cannot use this medication.***
things to know when taking Zepbound, Wegovy, or other GLP-1s
Yep, it is typically an injection. No worries though! The needle is teeny tiny!
One of the hardest parts about weight loss is keeping it off. It becomes a "brain game." Since GLP-1s help you feel satiated and full, it can be helpful not just in weight loss but in keeping the weight off.
Check your insurance for weight loss medication coverage. If not, off label options for GLP-1 (Ozempic) and GLP-1 with GIP (Mounjaro) can be available.
Talk to a weight loss doctor associated with pillarMD today to see if you can get started on your health and wellness journey with the help of these medications.
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