First, most people may not know that GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) is a hormone naturally produced in the small intestines, brain, and pancreas. It’s released after a meal to help the body control blood sugar levels by causing the pancreas to release insulin to prevent blood sugar levels from becoming too high or too low.
It also suppresses another hormone called glucagon to slow down gastric emptying. This process takes a few minutes. If a person’s body is having difficulty regulating these hormones, weight loss can be difficult. This is where the medication comes in as a possible solution.
Medications
Medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, and Victoza are GLP-1 RA (receptor agonists) that can help with weight loss. These medications are a form of synthetic hormones that imitate the functions of the natural hormone GLP-1. These medications also come in a combination of GLP-1 RA along with a GIP RA hormone if a person is being treated for pre-diabetes or diabetes, along with weight loss. Only a medical doctor can determine which type of medication the person will need.
Once injected into a fat section of the body, these receptor agonists bind to and activate the GLP-1 or GIP receptors (if diabetes is being treated) and cause the body to respond to food similarly. There’s one substantial difference.
The Main Difference
Unlike the natural hormones GLP-1 and GIP, which break down in minutes, these manufactured receptor agonists have been designed not to break down for a few days. This allows them to circulate and attach themselves to receptors in cells of different organs involved in digestion.
Since these receptor agonists are designed not to break down for a few days, they slow down the time it takes for solid food to empty into the small intestines. The person taking the medication can feel full and satisfied much quicker during a meal as the brain receives signals that it is no longer hungry and is satisfied.
By being satisfied and feeling full much quicker than without the medication, the person will lose weight quickly during the first few months. The medication can be taken as an injectable pen or an oral tablet. Standard doses are one a day, twice a day, or once weekly.
Not a Magic Solution
All that said, each physical body is different; for some who try this medication specifically for weight loss, sometimes their body will not respond. However, for those whose bodies respond to the medication, the weight will come off as long as they continue to take the prescribed dosage as prescribed by their doctor.
Four Things to Keep in Mind
There are at least four things everyone should keep in mind when thinking of talking to their doctor about taking this medication. First, after the medication stops, if there isn’t a plan for a lifestyle change for the body to adjust to not taking the drug, the weight will begin to come back.
The second thing to remember is what several studies show about the relationship between fat loss and muscle mass. Because of the rapid weight loss, a large portion of the fat loss comes from lean body mass. Losing a large amount of lean muscle is concerning, not just to remain toned for physical appearance, but to ensure the body is burning enough calories when the person is resting, also known as the basal metabolic rate. This is why having enough protein at each meal and strength training prevents the body’s metabolism from slowing down after coming off the medication.
The third thing is the possible side effects. The most common ones are nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Some people have no choice but to stop taking the medication because the side effects interfere with their daily lives.
Fourth, if a person already has digestive issues or discomfort, they must mention them to their doctor during the first visit. The medication may worsen things if the digestive system already has problems. Two of the least common side effects, but they can happen, are gallstones and pancreatitis. This is why it’s essential to have a doctor monitor the medication rather than ordering a form of the medication online.
Although a blood test can show if a person is prediabetic or has diabetes, no lab work is available to test for dysregulation of the body’s natural production of GLP-1 and how it may affect the person’s digestion and ability to lose weight.
However, the body shows signs if this is happening. If you’re interested in reading more, stay tuned for Part II.
Reference: Information in this blog is sourced from resources of the GLP-1 Optimizer Certification by Ashley Koff RD and Keri Glassman MS, RD