GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide and tirzepatide) are used for diabetes and medical weight loss. They works by prompting the body to produce more insulin which helps to reduce blood sugar. It also helps the part of your brain that signals when you are full and to reduce your appetite. Semaglutide is a once a week injection with a tiny insulin needle under the skin. When used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, it has proven results to decrease body weight.
That's great, but will GLP-1 medical weightloss help me?
Medically supervised weightloss using a GLP-1 can be an amazing addition to your weight loss journey when you just can't get the scale to budge. When on a diet to manage weight, all we can typically think about is food..... What am I going to eat for my next meal? Am I out of calories or points for the day? Today is food day at work and I will be tempted to eat at every turn! I AM STARVING! GLP-1's turns OFF ALL THIS FOOD TALK in your brain and makes it so much easier to walk away, helps shut down cravings and hunger, and makes weight loss doable in our busy lives! Most any diet is effective, but some can be very restrictive and hard to follow long term. With semaglutide or tirzepatide, you can eat normal foods you enjoy... it will just make it easier to eat smaller portions and reduce cravings.
How effective are GLP-1's for medical weight loss?
In studies of GLP-1, half of the participants lost 15% of their body weight and nearly a third lost 20%. In my practice at Js Wellness, I typically see a healthy weight loss average of about 5lbs a month for women and 8lbs a month for men. The more effort put into lifestyle changes, the more weight loss achieved. However, the weight just continues to come off month after month.
What are potential side effect or risks with GLP-1 weight loss?
There is always a long and scary list of potential side effect for every medication. The side effects for GLP-1 are typically mild when monitored closely by your healthcare provider. The most common issues tend to be light nausea, constipation or diarrhea, light headache, or fatigue. Feedback reported from patients are are mild side effects and easily dealt with. Possible side effects can be dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and headache. Patients with a history of medullary thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should not take semaglutide.
I want to start my weight management journey, what do I do next?
Schedule a consultation to have lab work drawn and discuss if a GLP-1 is a good option for you. When labs are back, you will have a return appointment in the office to review lab results, discuss the weight loss program, and complete a body composition scan which shows your weight, percent body fat, and lean muscle mass. Don't delay another day, schedule an appointment today to start your new journey to better health and wellness.
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