For many patients struggling with chronic weight issues, the advice to simply “eat less and move more” is not enough. Fortunately, you don’t have to just strive to stick to this mantra. That’s because there is a class of medications that was originally approved for diabetes treatment and is now being offered as an effective solution to weight problems.
Weight Management with the Help of GLP-1 Agonists
Semaglutide, commonly known by brand names such as Wegovy, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that has been approved by the FDA here in the US for weight management in people with obesity or are overweight and have other related health issues, such as high blood pressure. Semaglutide joins another GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide which received FDA approval for weight management a decade ago, in 2014.
GLP-1 Agonist Mechanisms of Action
GLP-1 receptor agonists assist in weight loss through two primary mechanisms:
Slowing of Gastric Emptying
GLP-1 drugs slow down how quickly your stomach empties so you will feel full with smaller food portions. This helps reduce your food intake and create a calorie deficit, which as you know, leads to weight loss.
Appetite Suppression
GLP-1 receptor agonists signal the brain that the stomach is full so your appetite and cravings are reduced. This makes it easier to make consistent and healthier food choices.
Are GLP-1 Agonists Effective for Weight Loss?
In clinical trials of Wegovy, participants experienced an average weight loss of 15% of their body weight. Patients in the UT Southwestern’s Weight Wellness Program often surpass these results. Anti-obesity medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists enable patients to focus on adopting sustainable behaviors that support a healthy weight and lifestyle without being hindered by constant hunger and cravings.
GLP-1 Agonist Weekly Injections for Weight Loss
Many GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are now available as once-weekly injections, including:
Wegovy
Approved for weight loss, Wegovy can be prescribed to adults and children aged 12 and older who have obesity. It is also suitable for some adults with overweight who have weight-related health issues.
Ozempic and Rybelsus
These medications are primarily approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, they have also demonstrated effectiveness in weight loss and in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
Approved for diabetes treatment in 2022, Tirzepatide is currently under fast-track review for weight loss. In clinical trials, it was found that participants lost an average of 20% of their body weight within 18 months of starting the treatment.
The Importance of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Weight Loss
Ironically, in spite of the high prevalence of obesity in the US (affecting over 70% of adults) anti-obesity medications are prescribed to a very small percentage of the population, approximately 4% of individuals. This is due to higher costs, safety concerns, lack of provider training and the stigma surrounding obesity.
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a protein that our intestines naturally produce when we eat. These drugs were initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes and were found to cause weight loss in people with diabetes.
For those with chronic obesity and cardiovascular issues, GLP-1 receptor agonists are preferred over amphetamine-based therapies like phentermine, which can increase blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia.
While any doctor can prescribe GLP-1 receptor agonists, many primary care providers are only recently becoming familiar with these drugs. Increasing the dose too quickly or starting at a high dose can lead to unwanted side effects such as diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting, nausea or constipation. You can achieve better outcomes when you have a team of obesity management experts such as a doctor and a dietitian who can teach you the best ways to use these medications while at the same time develop healthy habits.