When Ozempic first appeared on the market in 2017, weight loss treatment changed forever. Many people regarded it as their way to quick and easy weight loss. Forget exhausting exercise regimens or diets; a simple injection gave them all the benefits of weight loss without the challenges.
Since 2017, the FDA has approved roughly 6 to 7 GLP-1 medications for chronic weight management, and many practitioners have incorporated them into their patient care.
However, with increased use, physicians and patients are also discovering that GLP-1s are not a magic “quick fix” for chronic obesity yet can still prove extremely effective when integrated into a larger health plan.
What Are GLP-1s?
GLP-1 medications are mimics of the natural hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar digestion and appetite. After eating, the body releases GLP-1 hormones to help the body digestion by amplifying the insulin release, lowering blood sugar spikes, acting on receptors in the brain to reduce hunger, and slowing food’s exit from the stomach.
However, people contending with conditions such as obesity or type 2 diabetes often deal with impairments to the GLP-1 system, which can lead to reduced GLP-1 production and diminished responsiveness to GLP-1. Unfortunately, this leads to a reduced insulin boost and greater blood sugar spikes and glucose levels. It also weakens the brain’s satiety cues and increases feelings of hunger, which can lead to overeating and further damage to GLP-1 production and response.
This is when GLP-1 medications such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide come into play. These medications bind to the GLP-1 receptors found in the gut, brain, and other areas of the body and amplify the effects of the natural hormone, allowing the body to regain its ability to regulate insulin production, glucose levels, and satiety cues.
How Effective are GLP-1s for Weight Loss?
GLP-1s have proven highly effective for weight loss, with many patients achieving at least a 5% loss, clinically meaningful for health benefits, with the possibility of reaching over 15%, with overall reduction varying on the medication.
The median use of these medications by patients is between 10 and 11 months, possibly because weight reduction is quite rapid within the first 6 months and tends to plateau at around 18 months.
People often stop GLP-1 use due to cost, “injection fatigue,” or side effects like nausea and diarrhea, though these tend to be mild. Some patients are also concerned about muscle loss and bone damage. However, these side effects are still under investigation and current evidence suggests that this loss can be mitigated through diet and exercise.
However, studies have noted that many people on GLP-1s who choose to get off the medication regain around 60% of the weight within a year, though the amount can vary depending on the medication and length time on the medication. To avoid this, some patients choose to make GLP-1s a permanent part of their health plan.
However, while the primary focus on these medications is concerning weight loss, GLP-1s have provided patients with type 2 diabetes and/or who require chronic weight management a range of additional, lasting benefits. Studies have noted greater glycemic control, with significant and sustained reductions in fasting glucose occurring within the first 12-18 weeks. Additionally, patients across BMI ranges saw a reduction in adverse cardiovascular events and higher kidney protection. Patients also noticed improvements in blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease.
Who Should Consider GLP-1s?
While most practitioners recommend lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise for patients, GLP-1s become an option when those changes have proven insufficient.
The FDA approves GLP-1 treatment for patients with a BMI over thirty or for patients with a BMI over twenty-seven with a comorbidity such as hypertension or chronic kidney disease.
Patients dealing with Type 2 diabetes do not need to meet a specific BMI requirement since GLP-1 can help improve blood sugar control and has a low hypoglycemia risk.
Additionally, physicians may utilize GLP-1s for uses beyond weight loss; for example, Semaglutide was approved to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events, and Tirzepatide was approved to help with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
GLP-1s and Weight Loss at Rockwell Physicians
Many people see the weight regain statistic and understandably feel discouraged, wanting to maintain their weight loss results but unhappy about the notion of prolonged medication use.
However, that is what makes Rockwell Physicians’ weight loss program exceptional. We do not solely on GLP-1s or focus only on weight. Instead, we work with you to develop a personalized nutrition and exercise plan so you can achieve not just lasting weight loss results but improved overall health.
We believe that weight loss is not about quick fixes, but long-term results. Our program goes beyond BMI and fat loss to focus on your overall health and wellness.
Want to learn if GLP-1s are right for you? Call 804- 897-6140 to schedule your consultation today. You are unique. Your weight loss journey should be too! We cannot wait to work with you so you can get the results that you want!