If you’ve been considering medical weight loss options, you might have heard of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a breakthrough class of medications that manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss. These medications aren’t just a trend; they represent a powerful, scientifically-backed approach to achieving meaningful weight loss by helping your body better regulate insulin and hunger. Genesis Lifestyle Medicine offers customized weight loss plans, often incorporating GLP-1 medications, to help you on your journey toward a healthier, more energized life.

In this article, we’ll explain how GLP-1s work, why they’re effective for weight loss, and what you can expect if you decide to include them in your treatment plan.

What is GLP-1?

Glucagon-like peptide 1, or GLP-1, is a naturally occurring hormone that is crucial in regulating blood sugar levels and hunger. When you eat, GLP-1 is released from your intestines and travels to various organs, such as the pancreas, to stimulate insulin production and control blood glucose levels. Additionally, GLP-1 slows the rate at which food leaves your stomach, keeping you full longer. By managing insulin release and food digestion, GLP-1 helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and influences how hungry or full you feel.

When your body’s GLP-1 response is out of balance, it can lead to issues like poor blood sugar control, increased appetite, and weight gain. That’s where GLP-1 medications come in. They mimic the effects of this hormone, amplifying its positive impact on appetite suppression.

How do GLP-1 medications help with weight loss?

GLP-1 medications aid in weight loss through multiple mechanisms that impact hunger, digestion, and energy usage. Here’s a closer look at the science behind these mechanisms:

Reducing Appetite and Curbing Cravings

GLP-1 medications target areas in the brain that regulate hunger, particularly the hypothalamus. By binding to specific receptors, these medications help decrease feelings of hunger and reduce the brain’s response to food-related cues. This can mean fewer cravings for high-calorie foods and less overeating, which arecritical aspects of sustainable weight loss.

Slowing Gastric Emptying

One way GLP-1s help you feel fuller is by slowing the movement of food from your stomach into your intestines, a process called gastric emptying. When food stays in your stomach longer, you will likely feel satisfied with smaller meals. This delay helps manage post-meal blood sugar spikes, giving your body time to adjust insulin levels more effectively.

Enhancing Insulin Sensitivity

GLP-1 medications enhance the body’s insulin sensitivity, which helps cells use glucose more efficiently. This improvement in insulin action stabilizes blood sugar levels and decreases the body’s need to store excess glucose as fat. Enhanced insulin sensitivity reduces the body’s reliance on stored fat, promoting weight loss.

Reducing Liver Glucose Production

GLP-1 medications also reduce the amount of glucose the liver produces when it isn’t needed, further supporting stable blood sugar levels. With lower levels of glucose in the bloodstream, the body can rely more on stored energy, facilitating weight loss.

Examples of GLP-1 weight loss medications:

• Dulaglutide (Trulicity): Trulicity is a once-weekly injection that improves blood sugar levels and supports weight loss. It slows digestion and enhances the body's insulin response, helping users feel fuller for longer and reducing cravings. It is associated with average weight loss of 4-10 pounds, though results may vary.
  
• Exenatide (Byetta and Bydureon): Exenatide comes in two forms: Byetta, which is injected twice daily, and Bydureon, a once-weekly injection. It helps reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve blood sugar control.
  
• Semaglutide (Ozempic and Rybelsus): Available as a weekly injection (Ozempic) and a daily oral tablet (Rybelsus), semaglutide has shown impressive weight loss results when paired with lifestyle changes. Clinical studies indicate an average weight loss of 10-15 pounds over six months with lifestyle adjustments.
  
• Liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda): Liraglutide, injected daily, is approved for both type 2 diabetes (as Victoza) and weight loss (as Saxenda). It promotes weight loss by slowing digestion and enhancing satiety, helping individuals consume fewer calories. Users may see weight loss of 5-7% of their initial body weight, with some individuals achieving up to 10%.
  
• Tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro): Tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for obesity, is a newer once-weekly injectable medication. This dual-acting GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist amplifies the effects of GLP-1 medications, helping reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and boost insulin sensitivity. Clinical trials have shown that patients using tirzepatide can lose up to 20% of their body weight.

Tips to optimize weight loss with GLP-1 medications:

• Focus on nutrient-dense foods that keep you full longer
• Incorporate regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes weekly
• Monitor portion sizes, even with healthier options
• Stay hydrated, as water can help control hunger and support metabolism
• Prioritize quality sleep to enhance energy and reduce stress-driven cravings
• Check in regularly with your provider for adjustments

Achieve your weight loss goals with Genesis Lifestyle Medicine

GLP-1 medications offer a scientifically advanced approach to weight loss, enhancing your body’s natural appetite regulation and energy use. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we’re dedicated to providing you with the guidance, support, and expert knowledge you need to make the most of your weight loss journey. Please schedule a consultation with our experts to learn more about GLP-1 medications and initiate your weight loss plan.