How Do GLP-1 Medications Work? The Science Behind GLP-1 Medications and Weight Loss

The Weight Loss Medication Craze

Weight loss medications, especially the ones in a class of medications called Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, are becoming increasingly popular. With the recent surge of discussion surrounding these new medications comes many questions. What are these medications, and how do they work?

What Role Does GLP-1 Normally Have In Our Body?

To understand how GLP-1 agonists work, it is helpful to know how naturally occurring GLP-1 works in our body. GLP-1 is part of a group of hormones called incretins, which increases the release of insulin. Insulin allows our body to use food for energy and lowers the amount of glucose in our blood. GLP-1 also blocks glucagon release, which is a hormone used to raise our blood sugar. In addition, GLP-1 also increases how full we feel after meals. Lastly, it slows our gastric emptying, which leads to less glucose release from food into our bloodstream.

Food is the main stimulator of GLP-1 release. These hormones can be detected 10-15 minutes after eating and can remain elevated for several hours. If a person has too little GLP-1, this may lead to a person eating more during meals or snacking between meals.

How Do GLP-1 Agonists Work?

GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. This means it attaches to the GLP-1 receptors and stimulates the same actions described above. By increasing insulin and controlling blood sugar after meals, while also inhibiting overeating by influencing hormones being sent to the brain, these medications can be very effective. The GLP-1 agonists that are currently approved for weight loss are liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Wegovy).

What About The Newest Weight Loss Medication?

There is also another medication, tirzepatide (brand names: Monjaro and Zepbound), which is a combination of GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonists. After eating, GIP is released with GLP-1. These two hormones work together to release insulin. Tirzepatide was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and may be more effective than GLP-1 agonists for weight loss.

GLP-1 Agonists For Obesity

Weight loss medications are approved for adults with obesity (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more) or overweight (BMI of 27 kg/m2 or more) with a weight-related comorbidity, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is important to note that these medications are approved to be used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications.

If you are interested in learning more about metabolic health and weight loss, please consult us at Dignity Weight Center! We would be honored to meet you, and we take most insurances!

If you are interested in learning more about metabolic health and weight loss, please consult us at Dignity Weight Center. We would be honored to meet you, and we accept most insurances.

https://www.dignityweightcenter.com/book-online

References

• Dungan, Kathleen, and Anthony DeSantis. “Glucagon-Like Peptide 1-Based Therapies for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.” Edited by David M Nathan and Katya Rubinow, UpToDate, Wolters Kluwer, 9 Nov. 2023, www.uptodate.com/contents/glucagon-like-peptide-1-based-therapies-for-the-treatment-of-type-2-diabetes-mellitus/print?search=tirzepatide&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~5&usage_type=default&display_rank=1.
• “FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, 8 Nov. 2023, www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-medication-chronic-weight-management.
• “GLP-1 Agonists.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 3 July 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists.
• “Glucagon-Like Peptide 1.” You and Your Hormones, Society of Endocrinology, July 2021, www.yourhormones.info/hormones/glucagon-like-peptide-1/.
• Perreault, Leigh. “Obesity in Adults: Drug Therapy.” Edited by F Xavier Pi-Sunyer and Sara Swenson, UpToDate, Wolters Kluwer, 21 Dec. 2023, www.uptodate.com/contents/obesity-in-adults-drug-therapy?search=tirzepatide&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~5&usage_type=default&display_rank=2.
• Solan, Matthew. “Understanding New Weight-Loss Drugs.” Harvard Health, Harvard Health Publishing, 1 Nov. 2023, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-new-weight-loss-drugs#:~:text=Two%20of%20these%20GLP%2D1.