GLP-1 Medications: Every Bite Matters & Every Rep Counts – An Introduction

Disclaimer 

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. Obesity is a complex, chronic disease1,2,3,4,5,6 influenced by genetics, environment, biology1, and behavior. While GLP-1 medications can be powerful tools in managing weight and health, the decision to use them is personal and should be made between you and your medical provider.

I encourage exploring lifestyle changes such as nutrition, exercise, and holistic wellness alongside any medical treatments. These healthy behaviors support long-term well-being whether or not medications are part of your journey.

What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RA), I will refer to it as GLP-1 for short. You may know them as semaglutides specifically Ozempic which is a lower dose and is approved by the FDA for diabetes and Wegovy which is a higher dose and is approved by the FDA for weiaghtloss7.  

GLP-1 RAs are medications used mimic a hormone the GLP-1 hormone, in fact it is 94 percent identical to the natural hormone produced in your body. Natural GLP-1 typically can only stay in the body for 24 hours before your kidneys secrete it in your urine. The small 6 percent change of the GLP-1 RA allows it to stay in the body longer before the kidneys secrete it from the body8.

GLP-1 is

• Produced in your intestine7 -Slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach

• Produced in the Medulla Oblongata of the Brain Stem7- Signals in your brain to feel fuller sooner and stay fuller longer it stand out

GLP1 produced and released by the intestines and the brain stem affects the pancreas7 -increasing insulin release to regulate blood sugar

In short, this agonist is similar to having an abundant amount of the natural GLP-1 that unlike the natural peptide is able to circulate in your blood for up to 7 days currently unlike the natural form that leaves the body through the kidneys in 24 hours or less8.

Why Does This Matter?

Because GLP-1 medications help reduce appetite and improve blood sugar control, GLP-1 they can be powerful tools for health. However, they are not magic pills. Unwanted side effects include unhealthy rapid weight loss and without proper nutrition and exercise can lead to muscle loss “Skinny Fat”, hair loss, sagging skin especially in the face, and overall poor skin health1.