What Are GLP-1 Drugs And How Do They Work? 

42% of adults in the U.S. are classified as obese, and traditional methods of weight loss have failed to help. But what if we already have the solution inside of us? GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1. 

It controls hunger, regulates blood sugar, and slows down digestion to lower the bouts of hunger. Studies that were conducted on GLP-1 drugs say that they can help users lose up to 15% of their body weight when the drugs are used with proper diet and regular exercise. But how exactly do they work, and are they the right choice for you? Let’s dive in. 

What Are GLP-1 Drugs  

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) is a hormone naturally produced in the intestines of a human. Its primary function is to regulate the blood sugar levels and to support weight management of the body. GLP-1 drugs mimic the natural hormone to help people suffering from obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions. 

These drugs enhance the effects of GLP-1 in the body. They lead to several benefits such as improving sensitivity to insulin, reducing appetite, and slowing digestion in the body. 

When GLP-1 drugs are injected into the body, they act upon the receptors in the brain and the digestive system, helping to regulate hunger and satiety. 

This helps the user feel full for longer, which ultimately results in the reduction of calorie intake. They also slow the process of the emptying of the stomach, which increases the feeling of fullness to extended periods. These effects together can help lead to weight loss and better control of blood sugar. 

How Do GLP-1 Drugs Work? 

GLP-1 drugs act in a variety of ways that account for their successfulness in weight loss and the management of blood sugar levels: 

1 . Appetite Suppression:

GLP-1 mimics a hormone in the body that tells the brain to reduce the appetite. This is how the feeling of fullness is created, which in turn makes it easier to eat less food and stay full. 

2. Slower Digestion: 

Through the delay of stomach emptying, the GLP-1 drugs give the body more time to absorb food, and people feel full longer and are satisfied between meals. 

3. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: 

These drugs stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas, which helps lower blood sugar levels, especially after eating. 

4. Reduction of Glucagon

GLP-1 also contributes to glucagon suppression, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. This way, by decreasing glucagon levels, these drugs help in the maintenance of blood sugar levels at a stable level. 

Who Qualifies for GLP-1 for Weight Loss? 

GLP-1 drugs for weight loss are prescribed to those who meet certain health criteria, including: 

Those who are Obese or Overweight

GLP-1 drugs may be the answer for those carrying a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 and more who have not been able to lose enough weight during the therapy. At the same time, those who have not lost excessive weight but are dealing with chronic health conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes with the help of accommodated BMI may also be considered as potential candidates to receive the GLP-1 drugs. 

Those having Type 2 Diabetes: 

For patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 drugs can help in both controlling blood sugar and promoting weight loss. 

Those who don’t find Traditional Weight Loss Methods effective:

Those who have undergone typical weight loss strategies by dieting and taking up exercises but have not seen significant changes in their weights may, as a result, may be considered candidates for GLP-1 treatments. 

Common Types of GLP-1 Drugs 

There are a lot of GLP-1 medications available in the market, and each of them have its own unique characteristics. These are the most commonly prescribed GLP-1 drugs for weight loss: 

1) Semaglutide Injections 

Semaglutide is a drug commonly used by many people who want to lose weight. It is known under brands such as Wegovy and Ozempic and is usually taken once a week with an injection. In patient groups with obesity, semaglutide can reduce weight by 15-20%. 

2) Tirzepatide Injections 

Mounjaro, the name under which Tirzepatide is marketed, is a new GLP-1 medicine that has proven to be successful in both diabetes control and weight loss. It targets both GLP-1 ligands and the GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Peptide) which are different from other GLP-1 medicines. Early research revealed that Tirzepatide can lead to a notable decrease of weight, in some cases, greater than semaglutide. 

3) Liraglutide 

Liraglutide is an incredibly popular GLP-1 drug that is marketed as another drug for diabetes management (Victoza) or weight loss (Saxenda). It is inserted under the skin with a needle and has to be taken in every day. Liraglutide has been proven to be incredibly beneficial not only because it results in weight loss but it also helps with blood sugar levels control. It takes longer for the action of this one than semaglutide, resulting in lower weight loss though. 

4) Exenatide 

Exenatide, which is marketed by the drug name Byetta, is another GLP-1 drug being used for weight loss. It is generally injected twice daily and can be a great option for those who have type 2 diabetes. Exenatide does not have the same lasting effect as other GLP-1 drugs, which may be a factor for many when choosing a drug. 

5) Dulaglutide 

Dulaglutide, marketed as Trulicity, is a GLP-1 agonist medication, which means it mimics the body’s hormone to regulate blood glucose levels. The drug is mainly used because it can help cut down on one’s appetite and to lose weight. While losing weight might not be as impressive as it is with semaglutide, even so, it is still successful and has a reasonable side effects profile. 

Which GLP-1 Drug Is Best for Weight Loss? 

Not every GLP-1 medicine can work the same way in all patients. Nonetheless, clinical trials have established semaglutide as the most effective one when it comes to considerable weight loss. It outperforms other GLP-1 drugs by providing better results, which is why it is so popular with most healthcare professionals. 

The best option for overweight people who would like to lose weight and manage their blood sugar at the same time is tirzepatide. This medication inhibits both of these hormones’ receptors by acting on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which has proven to be the most successful way to lose weight in trials. 

Dosage Guide for GLP-1 Drugs 

The dosage of GLP-1 medications can be different depending on the drug and individual health conditions: 

• Semaglutide: It is recommended to begin with a low dose, such as one of 0.25 mg once a week, and then further increase to a 2.4 mg for weight loss. 
• Tirzepatide: At first, 2.5 mg once a week is initiated, and the dose may be increased up to 15 mg depending on the patient’s ability to take the medication. 
• Liraglutide: At first, 0.6 mg of the drug is prescribed to be taken regularly with gradual increases to 3 mg for weight loss. 
• Exenatide: Initially, you should consider starting with 5 mcg doses of exenatide twice daily and then you can increase to 10 mcg if needed. 
• Dulaglutide: Initially taken weekly, the dose can be gradually increased from 0.75 mg up to 1.5 mg. 

Always follow the doctor’s instructions and adjust the dosage as needed under their guidance. 

Pros and Cons of GLP-1 Drugs 

Like all medications, GLP-1 drugs have their positive and negative sides: 

Pros 

• Significant weight loss results. 
• Have been shown to improve blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. 
• Reduced appetite and cravings. 
• Long-term benefits for heart health in some cases. 

Cons 

• Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are quite common during the initial phases of the treatment. 
• It can be expensive, and insurance coverage may vary. 
• Regular injections are a requirement, which may be less preferable for some people. 
• There is a chance of pancreatitis and other severe side effects only in rare cases. 

When to Call the Doctor for GLP-1 Weight Loss 

GLP-1 drugs can be quite effective, however, there are some cases where you should call your doctor right away: 

Severe Side Effects

If you have severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or are experiencing pancreatitis (persistent stomach pain), then you should be in contact with your health professional straight away. 

Allergic Reactions

Any signs of an allergic reaction, for instance, difficulty breathing, inability to swallow, or red covering the face, should seek medical help immediately. 

Sudden Health Changes

If your blood sugar level changes are unexpected or there is another ailment that appears, then a visit to the physician is advisable to make changes and adjustments to your treatment. 

Final Words 

GLP-1 drugs present a new possibility of solving obesity or type 2 diabetes in a revolutionary way. These drugs affect hunger regulation, weight loss, and blood sugar level management. However, any procedure, including these, is associated with their side effects and a need for regularly performed injections. If GLP-1 drugs are the best choice for you, it will depend on your healthcare objectives and personal circumstances. 

Meeting with a healthcare provider is important for the determination of the most appropriate treatment strategy that suits your needs best. However, like any treatment, it has its own set of considerations, including side effects and the need for regular injections, it is not always the best choice for everyone.