GLP-1 For Obesity Treatment

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 is a short way of saying “glucagon-like peptide-1.” It is a digestive hormone made naturally by your body when you eat. This hormone helps control your appetite, digestion, and your blood sugar levels.

GLP-1 medications were first developed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. Researchers later found that many patients who were using these medications for blood sugar control also began to lose weight. Now these medications have been approved by the FDA in higher doses for weight management.

GLP-1 for obesity treatments that are FDA-approved include:

• Semaglutide
• Liraglutide
• Tirzepatide

How Do GLP-1 Medications Work?

These medications work by boosting the effectiveness of one or more of your natural digestive hormones. The hormones made and released by your body help you feel hungry when your body needs energy and full when you have consumed the right amount of food, and to keep your metabolism working smoothly so you can maintain a healthy weight.

GLP-1s may help you lose weight by:

• Extending the length of time you feel full between meals.
• Making your stomach empty more slowly.
• Reducing or stopping cravings or “food noise.”
• Burning calories more efficiently rather than storing as fat.
• Better regulating your blood sugar.

• Enhancing the effectiveness of calorie conversion to energy.

Many people say that when they are using GLP-1 medication, they think about food less often and feel satisfied when eating much smaller portions.

Who May Be a Good Candidate for GLP-1 For Obesity?

GLP-1 prescriptions may be a good choice for adults who:

• Have obesity with a BMI of 30 or higher
• Have a BMI of 27+ and also have weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, etc.
• Have not been successful in losing weight with diet and exercise alone.
• Are committed to making permanent lifestyle changes that are needed to keep a stable and healthy weight.

Who Is Not A Candidate?

GLP-1 medications are not a good choice for everyone. It will depend on your personal and familial medical history, your current health, medications you are currently taking, and the weight loss goals you want to achieve. Some conditions that may eliminate you as a candidate for GLP-1 medications include:

• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• A personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers.
• Certain digestive or pancreatic conditions.
• A personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• History of severe allergic reactions to these medications.

Benefits Of GLP-1 For The Treatment Of Obesity

Getting some help from prescription medications to improve your health can have many benefits. Some of the potential benefits include:

• Significant weight loss.
• Better control of your blood sugar.
• Reduction or elimination of some weight-related health conditions.
• Better mobility.
• A boost in your level of energy.
• Heart & kidney health improvements in some patients.
• Boost in self-esteem.

GLP-1 for obesity treatment results vary for each person and will depend on how well they adhere to a consistent medication schedule, their lifestyle habits, the status of their health, and more.

Side Effects And Safety Considerations

GLP-1 treatments for obesity are effective for many people, but because of the way they work, they often cause common side effects while your body is adjusting. The most common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach upset
• Indigestion

More serious but less common risks include issues with the gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, and thyroid. It is important that you speak with your doctor and provide your full medical history before you begin using any GLP-1 medication. Your doctor should be checking on your progress to make sure the medication is working for you like it should, and to help you manage any side effects you may have.

GLP-1 Vs. Other Obesity Treatment Options

Sometimes GLP-1 medications are not the best option for weight loss or they need to be used in tandem with another treatment to get the maximum results. Other types of treatment may include:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Endoscopic weight loss procedures.
• A doctor-supervised medical weight loss program.
• Nutritional guidance.
• Structured physical activity programs.
• Behavior therapy.
• Lifestyle coaching.

Why Lifestyle Changes Are Very Important

GLP-1 medications can be a great tool to help you overcome many of the challenges you face when trying to lose weight, but they cannot magically do all the work for you. They work best when they are used with healthy lifestyle choices, which means that you most likely will need to make changes to your normal behavior.

To get the most from your GLP-1 medication and help maintain your results in the future, you will need to make permanent changes to your lifestyle, which may include:

• Eating a healthy diet that is low in calories and high in protein.
• Avoiding fast food, processed food, sugar-filled beverages, desserts, and other unhealthy choices.
• Drinking enough water.
• Getting daily exercise and using strength training to burn calories and protect your muscle mass.
• Getting enough sleep.
• Managing your stress.

Changing poor behaviors into healthy habits can help keep you on the right track to improve your health and maintain a stable weight.

Where Can I Get Help With GLP-1 Medications?

Dr. Angelina Postoev and her team at IBI Wellness work with each patient to personalize their treatment program. There is no one-size-fits-all weight loss treatment that works for everyone in the same way.

The experienced professionals at IBI Wellness will review your medical history, current health status, weight loss goals, and any existing conditions you may have to determine whether GLP-1 obesity treatment will be safe and effective for you.

If you qualify, your medication can be shipped directly to your home. The IBI Wellness team also provides ongoing support throughout your treatment, which may include monitoring your progress, adjusting your dosage when appropriate, helping manage side effects, and providing guidance on nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits.

If you are looking for a prescription and professional guidance with a GLP-1 obesity program, set up your consultation today to get started.

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