GLP-1 Medications: What They Are and Their Role in Weight Loss

GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, which is a hormone naturally produced in the gut. After eating, GLP-1 is released into the bloodstream, where it helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating the release of insulin, slowing down stomach emptying, and reducing the release of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar).

GLP-1 medications, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are drugs that mimic the action of this natural hormone. They bind to the same receptors in the body and trigger similar effects, making them useful in managing type 2 diabetes and, more recently, in supporting weight loss.

Common GLP-1 medications include:

• Liraglutide (brand name: Saxenda, Victoza)

• Semaglutide (brand name: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

• Dulaglutide (brand name: Trulicity)

• Exenatide (brand name: Byetta, Bydureon)

How Do GLP-1 Medications Benefit Weight Loss?

GLP-1 medications aid weight loss through several mechanisms:

• Appetite reduction: GLP-1 receptor agonists act on areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation, helping reduce hunger and food intake.

• Slowing gastric emptying: These medications slow how quickly food leaves the stomach, leading to a greater feeling of fullness after meals and less frequent hunger.

• Lowering blood sugar: By stimulating insulin release and reducing glucagon secretion, GLP-1 medications help control blood sugar, which is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes and obesity.

Evidence for Weight Loss

Clinical trials have shown that GLP-1 medications can lead to significant weight loss in people with and without diabetes. For example, studies on semaglutide (Wegovy) have demonstrated average body weight reductions of 10-15% in participants, when combined with diet and exercise.

Liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, has also been approved for chronic weight management based on evidence from trials where it outperformed placebo in supporting weight loss.

Other Health Benefits

Beyond weight loss, GLP-1 medications may provide:

• Improved blood sugar control

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

• Potential improvement in blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, GLP-1 receptor agonists can have side effects. Common ones include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Abdominal discomfort

These side effects tend to be mild to moderate and may decrease over time as the body adjusts. Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems.

Who Can Use GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 medications are prescribed for adults with obesity (usually defined as a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher) or overweight individuals (BMI of 27 or higher) with related medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

A healthcare provider can determine whether GLP-1 medication is appropriate, considering an individual’s health history and other medications.

GLP1 Medications and Muscle Loss

There are concerns about muscle loss associated with GLP-1 medications, especially during rapid weight reduction. While these drugs are effective in inducing weight loss, they may also cause a loss of muscle mass and function. This is particularly important to understand as muscle loss can lead to poorer treatment outcomes, reduced basal metabolic rate, decreased strength, and an increased risk of falls.

To preserve muscle mass while using GLP-1 medications, it is essential to prioritize muscle preservation through lifestyle changes, including resistance training and adequate protein intake. Research indicates that during conventional weight loss, 65-80% of the weight loss comes from fat tissue, while 20-35% comes from lean tissue, including muscle.

Conclusion

GLP-1 medications represent a major advance in both diabetes management and obesity treatment. By mimicking a natural hormone, they help regulate blood sugar and, importantly, support significant and sustained weight loss for many individuals. As with any medication, it’s important to use them under medical supervision and as part of a broader approach to healthy living, including diet and physical activity.

Kota Shimada