GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone that impacts blood sugar & weight. It manages blood sugar by boosting insulin. It controls appetite by slowing down digestion.
GLP-1 agonists are medications that have been shown to treat blood sugar and promote weight loss. In 2014, The FDA approved Saxenda was approved for weight loss. In 2023, Zepbound was approved for weight loss.
GLP-1 agonists are injectable medication. These are the GLP-1 agonists you can have prescribed: Trulicity (Dulaglutide) - Bydureon, Bydureon BCise, Byetta (Exenatide extended-release) - Victoza, Saxenda (Liraglutide) - Adlyxin (Lixisenatide) - Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy (Semaglutide) - Mounjaro, Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
The FDA currently approves GLP-1 agonists for weight loss if you have obesity with a BMI >30. You may also take GLP-1 agonists with a BMI 27- 29.9 + other health issues. On average, people lose 15% of starting body weight when taking GLP-1 agonists.
GLP-1 agonists help quiet “Food noise” in the brain. Additionally, there are many positive health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and lipids, decreasing risk of heart and kidney disease, slowing the progression of diabetic neuropathy, and improving fatty liver. Women having trouble becoming pregnant have seen this situation improve.
GLP-1 agonists have side effects. The most common are lower appetite, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, constipation, diarrhea, redness and itchiness at the injection site, and malnutrition. Less common side effects are low blood sugar, dizziness, gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, gallstones, tachycardia, infection, and headache. There are severe but uncommon side effects such as allergic reaction, pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, acute kidney injury, multiple endocrine neoplasia, stomach paralysis, and worsening diabetes-related retinopathy.
Lifestyle is a vital part of the treatment of Obesity. Make healthy food choices such as lean protein, heart-healthy fat, high fiber whole grains, plenty of non-starchy veggies, low fat dairy, adequate hydration and portion control. Skipping meals and skimping on servings is not recommended, if needed have smaller portions.
Insurance may cover the cost of GLP-1 agonist. Each plan has different criteria to meet to get coverage. Most require it to be a medical necessity. Check your plan for the guidelines. If paying out of pocket, the cost ranges from $165 – 2000/month.
If you stop taking GLP-1 agonists 2/3 of the weight you lost can be gained back within one year. Regardless of whether you take the medication or not, healthy food choice and consistent physical activity are vital to keeping you healthy.
For more information, contact Jennifer. She sees clients in-person or by phone or video. To make an appointment call (413) 579 – 5450 or by email at jen@jenthedietitian.com
Skipping meals and skimping on servings is not recommended, if needed have smaller portions.