My take on GLP-1 Agonists - Part I
GLP-1 agonists, a type of medication that mimics a natural hormone in our body, have been gaining significant attention lately.
You may recognize their brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound. While these specific peptide medications have been available for about a decade, they've recently surged in popularity as a promising tool for weight loss. Let’s dive into GLP-1 agonists and maybe dispel some of the myths we have all been hearing, and uncover the truth as to how these peptides can help support our health.
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1
This is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate digestion, blood sugar, and appetite. After we eat, our body releases GLP-1 in the gastrointestinal tract. Its functions include:
Increasing feelings of fullness
Stimulating insulin release to help move glucose from the bloodstream into our cells
Suppressing the release of glucagon, another hormone that raises blood sugar
When glucagon levels are too high, our cells don't store sugar effectively, leaving excess sugar in the bloodstream. The interplay between these hormones highlights the delicate balance our body maintains to regulate blood sugar levels.
GLP-1 agonists are a synthetic form of what we already make in our in our body. People with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome have lower GLP-1 levels. Supplementing either orally or through subcutaneous injection of GLP-1 agonists mimic the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1.
GLP-1 agonists increase insulin production…
…and help to promote insulin sensitivity which moves blood sugar from the bloodstream into the cells, they reduce how much sugar the liver produces, they slow digestion helping you to feel fuller, longer, and they help reduce appetite and curb cravings. By cutting down on the food noise, you can make healthier choices and cut down on binge eating carbohydrates and ultra processed foods, which is the primary contributing factor to being metabolically unhealthy in our society today.
I think the first step in the GLP-1 journey is finding out if you are a candidate for using a GLP-1 agonist
People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, history of chronic pancreatitis, history of gastroparesis, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or known allergies to the peptides may preclude you from using the medication.
It is important to have a discussion with your healthcare provider so you are properly informed of all of the risks and benefits of starting a GLP-1 agonist. If it is determined that you are a good candidate for starting therapy with a GLP-1 agonist then working with your provider on which peptide to use and dosing should be discussed.
