How GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs work for weight loss
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a protein of the same name that is made naturally in the intestines when we eat. When used for weight management, these medications pump the brakes on our appetites and the rate at which food exits the stomach. As a result, we eat less because we are thinking less about food, and we are satisfied with smaller portions – even if we weren’t overeating.
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications make the stomach empty slower and signal the brain that you are full, reducing cravings. They can also help improve fatty liver.
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes and were found to cause weight loss while also decreasing the risk of cardiovascular event like heart attacks and strokes in people with diabetes. These medications are not insulin, and you don’t have to monitor your blood sugars unless directed by your healthcare team.
For people with chronic obesity and cardiovascular complications, GLP-1 receptor agonists are preferred to amphetamine-based therapies like phentermine, which can worsen blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia.
While any doctor can prescribe GLP-1 receptor agonists, primary care providers are often not familiar with prescribing these drugs. Starting at too high of a dose or increasing the dose too quickly can lead to symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. You will have better outcomes by working with a team of obesity management experts who can help you use these medications to create new, healthy, and sustainable habits.
“Eat less, move more” is not a long-term weight management solution. But anti-obesity medications like GLP-1 agonists can change a patient’s relationship with food so they can focus on creating healthy, sustainable habits.
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