Understanding the power of GLP-1 Medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide For Weight Loss
Exploring the Potential of GLP-1 Medications in Your Weight Loss Journey
You’re probably reading this because you’ve been wondering if medical weight loss is right for you. You’ve seen it work for other people, but is it as good as it sounds? What is the catch? How do the GLP-1 meds actually work? First, let me just say without being overly dramatic, that I think these medications are revolutionizing the way we look at and treat weight, and I think, in a few years, being on one of these medications will be just as common as being on a blood pressure medication—while also decreasing people’s need for those blood pressure medications!!
GLP-1 Medications—How We Got Here
Semaglutide was patented by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk in 2012 and has been available in the United States since the FDA approved it in 2017. It was originally designed as a medication to help people with Type 2 Diabetes manage their blood sugar levels and was released under the name Ozempic. It wasn’t long before people started to notice that patients taking the medication were having moderate weight loss, and Novo Nordisk released a re-branded semaglutide for weight loss under the name Wegovy after FDA approval in 2021.
Tirzepatide is a newer medication and has followed a similar trajectory as semaglutide. It was developed by Eli Lilly and Company and was approved by the FDA in 2021 for managing blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Known commercially as Mounjaro, tirzepatide combines the actions of both GLP-1 and GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide), offering a dual approach to blood sugar regulation and weight management. Its effectiveness in promoting significant weight loss led to Eli Lilly getting it FDA approved for weight loss and it entered the market at the end of 2023 as Zepbound. Despite the recent FDA approval, tirzepatide has been prescribed “off-label” for weight loss since it entered the market in 2021.
Understanding How GLP-1 Medications Work
Semaglutide and tirzepatide work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which is released by the gut after eating. The hormone has several effects in the body, working in your brain and in your gut.
One of the first things you will notice when on one of these medications is that you are not as hungry. That is because GLP-1 decreases your “hunger hormones” and increases your feelings of satisfaction. Your brain is not constantly telling you that you are hungry, which makes it much easier to eat intentionally.
Have you ever found yourself opening the refrigerator door wondering what you can eat? Or maybe you’ve been watching TV and started thinking “hmmm, whats in the pantry to snack on?” even when you aren’t hungry? Personally, I think the “magic” of the GLP-1 medications is their ability to quiet this “food chatter”!!
(Studies are showing that these GLP-1 medications are also decreasing how much people do other impulsive behaviors such as gambling and drinking alcohol! I think we will be seeing even more uses of these medications in the future, but thats a topic for another day.)
More than their effect in the brain, the GLP-1 meds slow gastric emptying, which means that your stomach is literally full for longer. Your food stays in your stomach longer, and moves through your digestive system slower. This makes it so you will likely feel bloated, or uncomfortable if you try to eat beyond your body’s signals of fullness. This is helpful for many people who tend to finish those last few bites even when they know they are full. This also helps teach you how to listen to your body’s signals because it reinforces that “full” message.
Side Effects—Keeping It Real
While these medications are effective, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects, which can include nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. However, don’t let this deter you! During your consultation, we’ll discuss these in detail, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for you.
Are They Safe?
When used correctly, and for appropriate candidates, these medications are safe. They are even safe to use long-term, meaning it is safe to continue taking them once you reach your goal weight in order to maintain your weight loss. Of course, like any medication there are risks, but serious side effects are rare. If you are carrying excess weight your risk of serious health events such as heart attacks or strokes are a real risk of not losing that weight. The GLP-1 medications have been shown to decrease these events independent of weight loss!
The ReVitalize Way
At ReVitalize, we believe in a holistic approach to weight loss that includes nutritional and lifestyle components. While you may have tried diet and exercise in the past without success, pairing them with these medications leads to more optimal weight loss results and supercharges your health benefits! We help you build those good habits for sustained success. Many other online retailers simply send you your medications and then disappear, we are NOT those online “big box” providers! We are here for you, and are always available to discuss you progress or concerns.
Great! We are happy to help you achieve your weight loss goals!
Still Not Sure?
Every person and situation is different. Take a look at our different programs and read through our FAQs, or book a call with me to discuss your specific situation and see if you’d be a good fit for our program.