MEDICALLY MANAGED
WEIGHT LOSS
GLP-1 medications
GLP-1 medications, or GLP-1 receptor agonists, are a class of drugs commonly used to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. They mimic the action of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is produced in the gut and plays a role in glucose regulation and appetite control.
Here’s how GLP-1 medications work
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Increase Insulin Production: GLP-1 drugs stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, but only when blood sugar levels are high. This helps lower blood glucose without causing dangerously low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia.
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Reduce Glucagon Release: Glucagon is a hormone that signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. GLP-1 drugs reduce the release of glucagon, which helps to decrease the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
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Slow Gastric Emptying: GLP-1 medications slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, leading to a slower release of glucose into the bloodstream after meals. This helps prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes.
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Reduce Appetite: These drugs act on the brain to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, which can lead to weight loss. This effect has made GLP-1 medications popular for weight management as well.
Common examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) They are usually administered by injection, though there are some oral formulations available. GLP-1 medications have become an important tool in managing type 2 diabetes and have also shown benefits in weight reduction for people without diabetes.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a medication that targets both GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. By activating both of these incretin receptors, tirzepatide provides a dual mechanism that makes it distinct from traditional GLP-1 agonists.
Here’s how tirzepatide works
1. Dual Incretin Agonist: Tirzepatide is known as a “dual agonist” because it stimulates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. While GLP-1 is already used in diabetes management, GIP is another gut hormone that plays a role in insulin secretion and appetite regulation. Combining GLP-1 and GIP effects has been shown to improve blood sugar control and weight loss more effectively than GLP-1 activation alone.
2. Enhanced Insulin Release: Like GLP-1 agonists, tirzepatide boosts insulin release when blood sugar levels are high, which helps lower blood glucose after meals.
3. Reduced Glucagon Release: By reducing glucagon secretion, tirzepatide helps the body produce less glucose in the liver, contributing to lower blood sugar levels.
4. Appetite Suppression and Weight Loss: Tirzepatide also affects areas in the brain that control appetite, resulting in reduced hunger and greater feelings of fullness. This makes it useful for weight loss in addition to blood sugar control.
Tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Mounjaro, has gained attention for its effectiveness in both managing type 2 diabetes and promoting significant weight loss. The dual incretin mechanism offers an enhanced approach to diabetes and weight management that’s showing promise in clinical studies, sometimes with greater efficacy than GLP-1 agonists alone.
