GLP-1 Explained: Is This the Miraculous Weight Loss Drug People Have Been Looking For?
GLP-1 medications are all the rage at the moment, but then, there have been plenty of other weight loss methods that have come and gone – those that have been hyped up but with little real-world results to show, so skeptisism is natural.
You’ve likely heard the terms ‘Ozempic or ‘Mounjaro’ batted about numerous times in the press, but what do they mean? And could GLP-1 really help you on your weight loss journey?
In this article, you’ll get a brief run-down of what GLP-1 is and how it works, so that you can make a more informed decision as to whether or not it’s right for you!
So, What Is GLP-1, Anyway?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It’s actually a naturally occurring hormone in the body, and it functions to help regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and, perhaps most importantly for weight loss efforts, slow the emptying of food from the stomach.
It’s important to understand that when you take a GLP-1 drug, you’re not taking the hormone directly into your body. Instead, you’re being administered with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which are synthetic substances that mimic the hormone's behavior.
How GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Help with Weight Loss
GLP-1 receptor agonists work to augment or ‘boost’ the effects of GLP-1 in the body, which generally means they can slow digestion (meaning you’re fuller for longer), reduce your appetite, and help your body manage large fluctuations in blood sugar by improving your insulin sensitivity (insulin sensitivity is generally lower in people who are overweight).
They’re not a gimmick: there’s hard evidence to support the efficacy of these sorts of drugs in helping people to lose weight.
The Ideal Candidate for GLP-1 Drugs
The FDA has now approved GLP-1 drugs for people who are overweight or obese and have a weight-related health problem, which includes conditions like type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
That is to say, they’re not to be taken lightly. These drugs are prescription only, so if you think this medication may be appropriate for you, your first step is to consult with a qualified healthcare professional; you can be assessed and approved for the drug either at an in-person clinic or via telemedicine (the best online glp-1 program provide detailed, evidence-based treatment plans safely and effectively).
