In the world of weight management, new medications, diet plans and treatments emerge often, offering promising results for those trying to lose weight and improve their health. The most recent medications that have gained a lot of attention are GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications originally used for managing type 2 diabetes. These medications were found to not only help with diabetes management, but they also have been shown to help regulate appetite which can benefit weight reduction.
Let’s take a look at how these medications work, their benefits, potential side effects, and whether they might be a good option in your weight loss journey.
What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
GLP-1 receptor agonists, also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are medications that mimic the action of the hormone GLP-1 which naturally occurs in your body. This hormone is produced in the gut and plays an important role in helping to control blood sugar levels, it helps to slow down digestion, and it helps signal the feeling of fullness to your brain.
Some common GLP-1 medications include:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro)
Originally this class of medications was only prescribed for those with Type 2 diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels. What was found is that these medications also helped with weight loss as they assisted in controlling appetite and reducing food intake.
How Do GLP-1 Medications Promote Weight Loss?
- Suppress appetite – these medications help you feel fuller longer by slowing down the rate at which your food empties from your stomach. The slower rate of digestion helps to reduce the amount of food that is eaten, resulting in lower calorie intake and weight loss.
- Decrease food cravings – you may hear this called “quieting food noise” as this medication may influence the brain’s reward system, reducing cravings and the need to feel like you need to choose unhealthy food items or continuously snack and overeat. People who take these medications say that the constant thought of food is quieter when on these medications.
- Improve Blood Sugar Control – By helping to stabilize blood sugar levels, these medications can help to prevent spikes in blood sugars. High blood sugar can lead to reduced energy which often is a cause for overeating. By regulating blood sugars this cycle can be controlled.
- Increase Satiety – These medications signal to the brain that you have had enough to eat, making it easier to control your portions at meals and resist overeating or eating until you feel full and uncomfortable. They can also help prevent excessive snacking between meals for this same reason.
These four reasons are the key to GLP-1 receptor agonists’ weight loss effects and can lead to steady, long-term weight loss but they are not meant to be used alone. They should always be combined with a healthy lifestyle which will include a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine.
Who Should Consider GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss?
To be prescribed one of these medications you will need to meet certain criteria as these medications are not prescribed for just anyone looking to lose weight. The criteria that need to be met is the following:
- Have a BMI of 30 or higher (classified as obese) and have attempted weight loss without success and continue to struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
- Have a BMI of 27 or higher (classified as overweight) and also have been diagnosed with a weight-related health issue such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnea and as above have attempted weight loss without success and continue to struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
Benefits of Using GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss
Many people struggle with being overweight and obese for many years and often there are multiple attempts at weight loss through different diet plans, meal replacement shakes, calorie restriction, other medications, and increased exercise. You may lose weight, but it is often difficult to sustain meaningful weight loss, and you find yourself on a rollercoaster of weight going up and down and back up again. GLP-1 medications may be the next step in helping you reduce your weight and keep it off. The benefits that can be seen are as follows:
- Significant Weight Loss – Studies have shown that people using GLP-1 medications can lose between 5% and 15% of their body weight over a year, depending on the specific medication they are on and the dosage.
- Improved Metabolic Health – Along with improving blood sugar control, GLP-1 medications have also been shown to help with lowering blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Sustainable Results – Unlike diet plans/fad diets, meal replacements, calorie restriction and increased exercise, GLP-1 medications can help you to steadily lose weight and maintain weight loss by promoting healthier eating habits which include portion-controlled intake.
- Lower Risk of Obesity-Related Diseases – By lowering your body weight and improving blood sugar and cardiovascular diseases, GLP-1 medications can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
While GLP-1 receptor agonists can be effective for weight loss, they are not without side effects. Common side effects include:
- Nausea and Vomiting – this is the most common side effect and the reason these medications are started slowly and gradually increased as your body gets used to them.
- Diarrhea or Constipation – these can be mild to severe in some people who take GLP-1 medications. Adjustments in your nutrition and food intake can help with these side effects.
- Fatigue – people often complain of feeling more tired when starting a GLP-1.
- Gallbladder Issues – In rare cases, rapid weight loss with GLP-1 drugs has been associated with gallstones or other gallbladder issues.
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) – this is a rare side effect but because of the potential risk it is important to work closely with your health care provider and to monitor for any adverse events.
Who Should Avoid GLP-1 Medications?
Overall GLP-1 medications are considered safe but there are some people who need to avoid these medications and those include the following:
- People with a history of pancreatitis
- People with a history of thyroid cancer or a family history of thyroid cancer or certain endocrine disorders
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with severe gastrointestinal disorders
Should You Try GLP-1 Medication for Weight Loss?
Deciding whether a GLP-1 medication is the right choice for you, you will take some discussion with your health care team to ensure it is a safe option for you and a medication that is acceptable to take with your health history and current health situation. You will want to look at a few factors and discuss these with your healthcare team. Consider the following:
- Your current health – If you have obesity or weight-related health conditions and have tried different methods of weight loss with little long-term success, GLP-1 medications may offer the extra support you need to lose weight and keep it off.
- Are you committed to lifestyle changes – GLP-1 medications work best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. If you are ready to make long-term changes to your lifestyle, these medications along with lifestyle changes can help you stay on track to gradually reduce weight and improve your health.
- Can you afford these medications – GLP-1 medications can be expensive, especially without insurance coverage. Make sure to explore your insurance options and speak with your health care team and your insurance about the cost before starting treatment.
GLP-1 medications are a promising tool in the fight against obesity in the form of a medication that has been scientifically shown to aid weight loss and improve health. However, they are not magic and need to be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy diet and regular exercise. Working with a registered dietitian while taking these medications can be helpful to ensure you are consuming a healthy nutritious diet and an RD can work through any side effects you may be experiencing, supporting you on your weight loss journey. To sustain healthy weight loss and overall health it is important to use these medications as part of your weight management journey but not as your only tool.