MEDICAL WEIGHTLOSS

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1 is an FDA-approved weight loss injection

By mimicking a hormone in the body, GLP-1 increases insulin secretion while slowing down how fast your stomach empties food. This suppresses your appetite, so you feel full longer, helping you eat less and lose weight. In addition to causing your pancreas to release insulin, GLP-1 also blocks a hormone that causes your liver to release sugar. Why is this important? Together, these functions can help you feel less hungry, causing you to eat less food and lose more weight!

What are the benefits of GLP-1 weight loss injections?

  • Lower blood sugar without any increase in hypoglycemia

  • Reduced body weight, lipids, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress

  • Suppressed appetite

  • Enhanced insulin synthesis and secretion

  • Reduced glucagon levels in fasting and after eating

  • A promoted sensation of fullness in the brain

  • Slowed gastric emptying in the intestines to help you feel fuller for longer

  • Weight loss

  • More significant improvement in cardiovascular risk factors associated with obesity

Who is a candidate for GLP-1?

The FDA approves using GLP-1 for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. People with a BMI of 27 or greater and comorbidities may also qualify for the drug.

GLP-1 injections are part of a comprehensive weight-loss plan that includes a customized low-calorie, low-fat diet, and exercise program. The injections can also help overweight and obese people control weight-related problems like pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

You are not a good fit if you have a history of:

  • Diabetic retinopathy, a type of damage to the eye from diabetes

  • Disease of the gallbladder

  • Acute inflammation of the pancreas

  • Decreased kidney function

  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2

  • Family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma

What are the side effects of GLP-1 weight loss injections?

Gastrointestinal (or GI) side effects are the most common when taking this medication, especially, after increasing your dose. The most common side effects include the following:

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

  • Vomiting

  • Constipation

  • Stomach Pain

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Indigestion

  • Dizziness

  • Bloating

  • Burping