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What is GLP-1 medication?
GLP-1, short for glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone naturally produced in the body, mainly in the intestines. It plays an important role in regulating appetite and blood sugar levels.
GLP-1 medication is a drug that can mimic the effects of this natural hormone GLP-1 (1). By enhancing the body's own mechanisms for regulating appetite and blood sugar levels, it can be very useful for helping with weight loss.
How does GLP-1 medication work?
GLP-1 medication slows down the emptying of the stomach, which helps you feel full longer after eating and reduces the overall amount of food consumed. It also interacts with receptors in the brain to decrease hunger and food intake (2). Additionally, GLP-1 medication helps to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for those at risk of diabetes (3).
Adjusting nutrition and exercise to complement treatment
When you're on GLP-1 medication, it’s essential to make adjustments to your diet to maximize the results and minimize any potential side effects. Since GLP-1 slows down digestion, you might feel fuller faster and for a longer time. Sticking to a specific nutrition plan will help reduce side effects, and increase comfort and results.
Exercise is also important in complementing the treatment. Regular physical activity enhances weight loss, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts overall well-being. Scientific studies have shown that combining GLP-1 medication with a structured exercise program can lead to more significant weight loss and better metabolic outcomes compared to medication alone (5).
Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial for weight stability after treatment. Reducing GLP-1 medication post-treatment can increase appetite again, but research indicates that consistent healthy eating and physical activity significantly lower the risk of regaining weight (9).
Side effects
Using GLP-1 medication can come with side effects, especially when you first begin treatment. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication. By starting with a low dosage and gradually increasing it, your health professional can help minimize these side effects (7).
The importance of ongoing therapy for sustained benefits
Consistency is key when it comes to GLP-1 medication. Discontinuing treatment or taking incorrect dosages can lead to increased side effects or a return of previous eating habits and potential weight gain. To sustain the benefits, it’s important to continue taking your medication as prescribed and maintain regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider. Don’t increase or decrease your dosage yourself, and try to not miss your ‘injection day’. Your healthcare provider will closely follow your progress and, if necessary, adjust your treatment to help you achieve optimal results with minimal discomfort. After reaching your initial goals, your health professional will help you maintain your progress as you reduce or stop your treatment. Click here if you're looking for a health professional working with Sinque.
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Learn more about GLP-1 medication and nutrition
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Scientific sources used in this article:
Wadden, T. A., & Bailey, T. S. (2021). GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of obesity: A review. Obesity Science & Practice, 7(1), 41-53.
Drucker, D. J. (2018). Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Application of Glucagon-like Peptide-1. Cell Metabolism, 27(4), 740-756.
Nauck, M. A., & Meier, J. J. (2019). Incretin hormones: Their role in health and disease. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 21(S1), 5-21.
Rubino, D., Abrahamsson, N., Davies, M., Hesse, D., Greenway, F. L., Jensen, C., ... & Wadden, T. (2021). Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: The STEP 4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 325(14), 1414-1425.
Wharton, S., Astrup, A., Endahl, L., Le Roux, C. W., & Sjöström, L. (2020). Estimating the potential impact of various interventions on life expectancy of patients with obesity: the role of exercise in the management of obesity with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists. International Journal of Obesity, 44(5), 1048-1058.
Davies, M. J., Bergenstal, R., Bode, B., Kushner, R. F., Lewin, A., Skjøth, T. V., ... & DeFronzo, R. A. (2015). Efficacy of liraglutide for weight loss among patients with type 2 diabetes: the SCALE Diabetes randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 314(7), 687-699.
Kushner, R. F., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Dicker, D., Garvey, W. T., Goldman, B., ... & Wharton, S. (2020). Semaglutide 2.4 mg for the treatment of obesity: Key elements of the STEP trials 1 to 5. Obesity, 28(6), 1050-1061.
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