There’s trending, and then there’s GLP-1. This weight loss treatment hit social media so hard and fast, it felt like the entire world was seeing it unveiled at the same moment.
But as trends do when they rise to prominence so fast and so powerfully, GLP-1 seems to have half the Internet praising its benefits and the other half left in confusion. The name, after all, is nowhere near as self-explanatory as “mini facelift” or “lip filler.”
But even the uninitiated know, thanks to the major buzz surrounding GLP-1, that it is some kind of “magical” weight loss treatment. In order to get the most out of this treatment, it’s important to understand what it is, how it works in the body, who it’s for, and more.
Welcome to your GLP-1 crash course.
What Is GLP-1 and How Does It Work?
Let us first disclaim that there is some technical jargon involved in explaining GLP-1’s mechanism of action, but rest assured, the way this treatment works is simple in the end.
GLP-1 stands for “glucagon-like peptide-1.” If you or someone you know has diabetes, you may be familiar with glucagon, a hormone used by (mostly type 1) diabetics to raise blood sugar if it crashes to a dangerously low level.
However, glucagon-like peptide-1 actually lowers your blood glucose levels in most cases. This is because it stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, which in turn helps the body ferry glucose from the blood into muscle and other tissues.
As such, GLP-1 has been approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes as well as chronic weight management.
In addition to lowering blood glucose levels, GLP-1 suppresses your appetite as well. Think of this hormone your body’s way of telling you, “That’s enough food, let’s slow down and start processing this sugar.” When taking GLP-1, you can send this signal without the usual workup, i.e., eating a sufficient amount of food.
In short, GLP-1 is a hormone that suppresses appetite, slows digestion, and reduces blood sugar. It is used both by diabetics and those looking to manage weight.
Which Products Contain GLP-1?
There are now several medications on the market formulated with GLP-1 as an active ingredient. These include, but are not limited to the following:
- Semaglutide – The ever-popular Ozempic (FDA approved for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (approved specifically for weight loss) are both made with semaglutide. In most cases, these are taken once a week, and can be self-administered. Semaglutide is the frontrunner of the GLP-1 wave for its effectiveness.
- Tirzepatide – Most commonly used in the form of Mounjaro (approved for type 2 diabetes) and, more recently, Zepbound (approved for weight loss), tirzepatide is actually a dual agonist. This means it stimulates both GLP-1 receptors and another type of receptor referred to as GIP, boosting its weight-loss potential.
- Liraglutide – Victoza (diabetes) and Saxenza (weight loss) are the two most common forms of liraglutide. A once-daily injection, liraglutide is not as popular as semaglutide or tirzepatide.
A Closer Look at GLP-1 Results
If we’re honest, GLP-1 has been marketed as a miracle cure-all; that “magical pill” yearned for by multiple generations of late-night infomercials and supplement hawkers. If we’re really honest, those of us old enough to remember wave after wave of magic pill failures have become jaded to this kind of language, and rightfully so.
But the crazy thing is, GLP-1 actually is the closest we’ve come to that elusive magical pill. This doesn’t mean there aren’t any potential side effects (more on this below), or that zero effort on your part is required. But, as study data continues to affirm, GLP-1 does in fact cause significant weight loss.
In the New England Journal of Medicine study referenced above, entitled “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity,” participants treated with semaglutide lost 14.9% of their body weight on average (over a period of 68 weeks), compared to an average loss of 2.4% by the placebo group.
As for the safety profile, the same study shows that gastrointestinal dysfunction (nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting) were the most commonly reported issues. These problems were mild-to-moderate, short-lived, and resolved themselves without requiring cessation of the treatment program.
Your End of the Deal: How to Achieve Optimal GLP-1 Results
First and foremost, never take GLP-1 or any other medications from sources you don’t trust. Consulting with a provider that takes into account your metabolic profile and medical history, like our team at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery and Longevity Center, is crucial for ensuring both optimal results and your personal safety.
Second, it’s important to understand that, though you will be eating less on GLP-1, what you eat is still vital, both to your overall health and your weight loss goals. Empty calories and unhealthy foods will still impact your overall health, and taking in too many high-glycemic carbs at once may work against the effects of the skinny shot.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to have an exit strategy. Though GLP-1 can be taken for long periods of time, it’s true that your appetite will eventually return after ceasing treatment. Preparing a realistic, but effective diet and exercise plan ahead of time can ensure your results last not only for years, but potentially, for the rest of your life.
Ready to Break That Last Plateau?
Weight loss is hard, and no, the magic pill or tonic still eludes us. But with GLP-1, you get the next best thing.
Contact our team at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery and Longevity Center for a GLP-1 consultation today, and watch plateau after plateau crumble as you hit your weight loss goals.