Weight loss drugs have revolutionized obesity treatment after gaining increased traction in recent years. Patients have seen significant results after taking these medications, and their demand is surging.
The weight loss drug market is set to reach a value of $82.8 billion by 2032, a massive jump from $1.9 billion in 2022. GLP-1 agonist drugs, in particular, have generated a lot of buzz, with medications like Zepbound and Wegovy being widely discussed for weight loss treatments. Despite the rising awareness, there’s still some confusion on how these medications work.
Here’s what you need to know about GLP-1 agonists for weight loss.
What are GLP-1 drugs?
GLP-1 agonists are medications that help lower blood sugar and can aid in weight loss. Drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound), and liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda) are classified as GLP-1 agonists. They were initially developed for type 2 diabetes management as they help encourage insulin production to combat high glucose levels. However, some have also been approved for obesity treatment and can be prescribed to those who have the chronic disease, indicated by a BMI of 30 or higher. Overweight patients with a BMI of 27 or more can also use them if they have a weight-related health complication, such as hypertension or high cholesterol.
How GLP-1 drugs work for weight loss
GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) hormone. This hormone is released in the gut when you eat, helping boost insulin production to lower blood sugar and telling the brain to signal fullness. It’s a short-acting hormone that lasts about two to three minutes in the body. By acting as your body’s GLP-1, GLP-1 drugs activate your body’s receptors that respond to the hormone. Instead of lasting for a few minutes, the medication lasts for up to 14 hours to make its impact more effective. Using a GLP-1 agonist for weight loss activates receptors in the brain to curb appetite, in the gut to slow stomach emptying, and in the pancreas to regulate insulin and control blood sugar. This keeps you feeling fuller for longer, limits food intake, and reduces cravings and thoughts of food.
The effectiveness and benefits of GLP-1 drugs
GLP-1 agonists have garnered much attention and a soaring demand due to their effectiveness. Patients taking the drug can lose an average of 15% body weight on semaglutide medications such as Wegovy. Other agonist drugs like tirzepatide—sold under Zepbound that’s approved for obesity treatment—can even lead to an average weight loss of around 20%, close to the results of weight loss procedures such as bariatric surgery. By aiding patients in weight loss, they can help improve well-being by reducing the risk of developing or worsening weight-related health conditions. They’ve been found to be beneficial for addressing issues such as high blood pressure, lipid levels, cardiovascular diseases, and more. Patients may see better health outcomes when taking the drug as prescribed.
Safety and side effects
These medications have been approved for patients with type 2 diabetes for almost 20 years, having gained approval for the first time in 2005. GLP-1 agonists have established a track record of safety since then. However, they aren’t without side effects, and common ones include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and abdominal pain. These typically subside after a while once you’re used to the effects of the drug. If you plan to take a GLP-1 medication or are already using one for weight loss, consulting a doctor can help determine which medication will provide the best results for your body and less impactful side effects based on your individual health status and potential risks. Follow-up sessions also ensure you are on the right track for safe weight loss on the GLP-1 agonist you’re using.
They should be paired with a healthy lifestyle
While GLP-1 agonists are effective for weight loss, they must be paired with a healthy lifestyle program to maximize their effects. These medications are one part of a comprehensive obesity treatment plan that also involves a balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise, sleep and stress management, and more. These healthy habits also ensure that patients won’t struggle with consuming nutrients even with a more limited food intake or experience reduced muscle mass due to rapid weight loss. Following this lifestyle also ensures that people are equipped with the routines they need to maintain their weight loss. Many patients who stop taking the medication often struggle with weight regain, so maintaining a balanced diet and an exercise routine can help keep most of the weight off.
Tips for pursuing healthy habits with GLP-1 agonists
1.Seek medical support: If you’re taking a GLP-1 agonist for weight loss, it’s best to see your doctors and other health professionals regularly to ensure the medication is effective and side effects are managed. Professional guidance can also provide patients with a tailored lifestyle plan that is sustainable and adjusted to specific health needs. This can make it easier to stick to a healthy routine to maintain well-being on or off the medication. Medical support is also recommended even after stopping GLP-1 drugs to help you deal with hurdles and challenges. Consulting your care team can help you navigate weight loss drugs and obesity treatment wisely and in a way that suits your needs.
2. Make mindful food choices: Taking GLP-1 agonists significantly affects appetite, so consuming nutritious foods is all the more important to ensure good health. Fruits and vegetables are essential, and eating a wide variety provides you with vital nutrients and vitamins. High-quality protein sources like fish, meat, and eggs and high-fiber complex carbohydrates like whole grains and lentils should also be a priority. Reducing your consumption of processed foods, added sugar, and refined carbohydrates can also ensure more effective weight loss. You can also try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of a few large meals to combat side effects like nausea.
3. Start the day off right: Following a healthy lifestyle can be a struggle when you’re still getting used to new habits and the medication, so starting your day off with a healthy morning routine can set the tone for the rest of the day. After waking up from seven to eight hours of sleep, you can start the day with a glass of water for hydration and a meditation or mindfulness session for mental clarity and emotional well-being that can give you strength for the rest of the day. This also helps reduce stress, which plays a role in weight gain by increasing cravings for high-calorie foods. You can also get moving and do a quick home workout, walk or jog, or do a stretching routine to encourage physical activity.
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