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Semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide: You might have heard of these type 2 diabetes medications known as GLP-1 drugs. They’ve gained popularity in recent years for their dramatic effects on weight, but should you use a GLP-1 for weight loss, too? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is GLP-1 for Weight Loss?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone released in your intestines in response to eating. GLP-1 stimulates your body to release insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose, or sugar, from your blood into your cells for energy.
GLP-1 medications are called GLP-1 receptor agonists or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone. These medications are often prescribed for type 2 diabetes and help your system make more insulin for better blood sugar control.
Some forms of GLP-1 drugs are also prescribed for weight loss support. The medications slow digestion, regulate energy use and balance, and suppress appetite.
Types of GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications have been around for a few years, but recently gained public interest. You might have heard of a few GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, such as semaglutide or tirzepatide. These typically come in injection form but may also be available as a tablet.
Semaglutide Injections
Semaglutide injections are weekly shots of a GLP-1 receptor agonist. There are two FDA-approved brands, known as Ozempic and Wegovy. Ozempic is approved for blood sugar control and may help lower your risk of complications from heart disease, such as heart attack or stroke.
Some doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label (for a different purpose than its FDA approval) for weight loss. This is an allowable use. However, Wegovy is approved specifically for weight reduction. Semaglutide for weight loss is best used alongside a diet and exercise plan.
Tirzepatide Injections
Tirzepatide is dual-acting on two types of receptors: glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. These injections help control blood sugar and are FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
However, tirzepatide injections show weight loss in clinical trials. Patients who received 5-mg injections lost roughly 12 pounds over 40 weeks, while patients who received 15 mg lost about 23 pounds of body weight. Doctors may prescribe it off-label to treat obesity.
Oral Methods
GLP-1 drugs may also come in oral forms, or medications you take by mouth. One semaglutide tablet called Rybelsus is approved to treat and control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, it’s also prescribed off-label for weight loss support.
So, which GLP-1 is better for weight loss? A research review of 28 trials and 23,000 patients showed that tirzepatide produces slightly more weight loss than semaglutide compared to a placebo. However, semaglutide is still very effective for weight loss. Another review comparing the two drugs shows 11% loss of body weight for tirzepatide and 7% with semaglutide over 36 weeks.
How Does It Work?
GLP-1 medications act like the natural hormone in your body and interact with receptors found mostly in your gut, brain, and pancreas. These interactions reduce your appetite and slow digestion to help support weight loss.
GLP-1 medications delay gastric or stomach emptying, which slows digestion. As food stays in your system longer, you feel fuller for longer and eat less.
GLP-1s also interact with receptors in your brain and brainstem that regulate food intake and energy use. Activating these receptors boosts feelings of fullness, curbs cravings, and lowers hunger sensations.
Additionally, a GLP-1 for weight loss helps reduce glucagon release, a hormone that causes your body to release stored glucose to maintain blood sugar levels. GLP-1s also stimulate insulin release, so with less glucagon and more insulin, your body uses glucose better. Lower glucagon levels also contribute to a lower overall appetite.
What To Expect From GLP-1 Treatment
The first thing to know is that GLP-1 treatment isn’t a magic solution to weight loss, though it is effective. Side effects and risks are possible.
How Effective Is It?
GLP-1 treatment is safe and effective and can help stimulate weight loss in those who are overweight or medically obese. The specific amount of weight loss varies by person, but patients taking these medications typically see about 6% to 11% weight loss.
Some people may lose weight right away, while others may see slower weight loss over weeks or months. This effect is mostly related to the dose, with higher doses generally creating more appetite suppression and weight loss. You’ll likely start with a low dose and slowly increase.
Potential Side Effects
However, there are side effects to keep in mind, especially with the higher doses. The most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Low blood sugar
Severe side effects are also possible, though rare. These include:
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney injury
- Allergic reactions
- Worsening diabetic retinopathy
- Medullary thyroid cancer
These medications may also change how your body absorbs your other medications. Your doctor will monitor your labs and symptoms and adjust as necessary.
Who Is Eligible for GLP-1?
Not everyone should or needs to take GLP-1 for weight loss or health care. Your doctor will consider a few factors before prescribing the medication, including your lifestyle readiness for a weight loss program.
High BMI
Your doctor may prescribe GLP-1 drugs if you have a high body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. However, you may also be eligible if you have a BMI of 27 and another weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure.
History of Type 2 Diabetes or Obesity
You may also be eligible for GLP-1 treatment if you have a medical history of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or both. GLP-1 receptor agonists can lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Contraindications
GLP-1 is not recommended if you have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a history of pancreatitis. It’s also not recommended for use in some conditions, such as:
- Pregnancy
- Gastroparesis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A or 2B
- Suicidal ideation
What To Consider Before Starting
Starting a new medication is a decision best made in partnership with your doctor, and there are factors to consider. For instance, GLP-1 treatment can be expensive, and insurance coverage may be limited.
Additionally, a maintenance dose may be necessary in the long term. Diet and exercise are also essential and will require lifestyle changes to be successful. However, your doctor will help you decide if GLP-1 for weight loss is right for you.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey Safely and Effectively
Reaching a healthy weight is within your reach. Next Level provides GLP-1 medication tailored to your needs with regular check-ins and adjustments. Discover if GLP-1 for weight loss is right for you — get started today.
