A Guide to GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss

Weight loss has been the focus of every generation, be it through fitness regimes, weight loss treatments or weight loss medications. As we have just entered the New Year, a ‘viral meme’ talked about New Year Resolutions about fitness and Gym resolutions. And I am sure, everyone must have heard about actors going under the knife to lose that access baggage. Apart from Liposuction, a new medication and treatment has gained importance for weight loss, that is, ‘Glucagon-like Peptide-1’ (GLP-1). GLP-1 medicines assist in weight loss and also control blood sugar levels.

What are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 is a medication that assists in weight loss and lower blood pressure. The GLP-1 medications are often injected. The medication reduces hunger by making the taker feel fuller while keeping the blood sugar level stable. Some of the GLP-1 medications available are:

• Dulaglutide
• Exenatide
• Liragludtide
• Lixisenatide
• Semaglutide
• Tirzepatide

The magnitude of weight loss that these drugs cause depends primarily on the dose and the type of GLP-1 medication taken. Research states that Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are the preferred forms of GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

What are the key benefits of GLP-1 medication?

Weight loss and controlling blood sugar levels are not the only benefits of GLP-1 medications, some of the other benefits are:

1. The medication helps with lipid disorders
2. Assist in fatty liver disease
3. Reduce the chance of Kidney and Heart disease
4. Slower progress of Diabetes-related nephropathy
5. The GLP-1 treatment also motivates healthy lifestyle choices

How do GLP-1 medications work?

After eating, the gastrointestinal tract releases the GLP-1 hormone; these medications copy the effect of the hormone. Once the carbohydrate in the food is broken down into simple sugars, the GLP-1 hormone gets the pancreas to release insulin, which assists in moving the simple sugar from the blood to the cells. Injecting GLP-1 medications further motivates the pancreas to release insulin to control sugar levels in the blood.

The medication controls the release of glucagon; it is a hormone that increases the blood sugar levels in the body. 

At the same time, the medication sends a signal to the brain, making it feel full and delaying the emptying of the stomach. This reduces the feeling of hunger for a longer period.

Are lifestyle changes required for optimal weight loss results?

Though the medications work, they cannot be completely dependent on weight loss. It is advisable to make the right lifestyle choices during the GLP-1 medication treatment to get the most out of the treatment.

1. Adjust food choices. Now that the medication is helping in controlling hunger, it would be better to eat healthy food to assist the body in getting the right nutrients.
2. One of the major reasons behind a lot of health issues is stress. Working towards a stress-free lifestyle could help in maintaining the weight.
3. Family and friends play a huge role in maintaining a positive and energetic outlook. Keep those around who are encouraged to maintain the lifestyle changes required to maintain and reduce weight.

Conclusion

Weight loss is an important topic, which has been discussed for ages. Fitness trainers, health coaches, and dieticians have been providing different ways to reduce and maintain weight. GLP-1 medications have been tested and approved by FDA for controlling blood sugar and weight loss. And as informed, the amount of weight reduced depends on the dose and the medication. With over 15 plus years of experience, Rachel and her team of experts at Restore and Rejuvenate Hydration Spa, have been offering comprehensive weight loss plans that are customized for each person’s weight and health goals.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions feel free to comment below or Book a Call with an expert at Restore & Rejuvenate Hydration Spa!