Understanding GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

We’ve been watching GLP-1 weight loss drugs and semaglutide weight loss drugs for some time now and we’re finally ready to discuss. As a nutritionist and from a big-picture view, it seems these drugs would be helpful. But, they come at a cost — financially and physically. Understanding the pros/cons of taking these medications will hopefully help you make educated decisions, whether you’re simply curious about them or ready to try them.

GLP-1 Drugs Explained

This class of weight loss drugs work by mimicking naturally produced hormone glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1 with the active ingredient of semaglutide) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). GLP-1 hormone assists with appetite and satiety, insulin sensitivity, stomach emptying, blood sugar level hormones, and more. GIP hormone assists with appetite, insulin sensitivity, fat metabolism and storage, blood sugar levels, and stomach acid.

These medications act by binding to GLP-1 receptors resulting in the same effects as GLP-1 and GIP hormones. This class of drug is called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists (yet some of the drugs work on one hormone, and some on both). Initially used to treat type 2 diabetes and, more recently, approved for weight management, medications in this class include liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), and dulaglutide (Trulicity).

Weight Loss Effectiveness

This class of medications has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight. Most people report reduced appetite and fullness for a longer period, slowing gastric emptying. They are generally considered safe when used as prescribed and under medical supervision.

Common Side Effects

As with most medications, there are side effects to taking these drugs.

Reported Common Side Effects – Wegovy

• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• constipation
• stomach (abdomen) pain
• headache
• tiredness (fatigue)
• upset stomach

Reported Common Side Effects – Ozempic 

• nausea
• diarrhea
• stomach (abdominal) pain
• vomiting
• constipation

The POSITIVES for Weight Loss Drug GLP-1

1. Effectiveness: Semaglutide drugs have shown significant efficacy in promoting weight loss. Clinical trials have demonstrated that people using semaglutide drugs for weight management can achieve substantial weight loss compared to those on placebo. It works and it works faster than diet changes alone.
2. Food Control + Chatter: GLP-1 drugs mimic the hormone that regulates appetite, so it does reduce hunger, brain food chatter and cravings, making it easier for individuals to adhere to a diet for weight loss. People think less about food while taking GLP-1 drugs.
3. Metabolic Benefits: In addition to weight loss, GLP-1 drugs sometimes improve blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles. These benefits contribute to better overall health. YAY for that.
4. Cardiovascular Benefits: There is relatively new evidence suggesting that these drugs may have cardiovascular benefits, including a reduction in cardiovascular events like heart disease and stroke.
5. Convenience: Semaglutide is taken one time per week, per shot, which is convenient for individuals who prefer this method of administration over daily oral meds.
6. Safety Profile: Semaglutide has been generally well tolerated in clinical trials. Common side effects are pesky, but not horrible for most and tend to diminish over time.
7. Motivation and Compliance: Weight seems to drop quickly, which is motivating for people to continue taking it at regular increments.
8. Medical Oversight + Guidance: Treatment for weight loss typically involves supervision by doctors who can monitor progress, adjust dosages as needed, and provide support.

The NEGATIVES for Weight Loss Drug GLP-1

1. Downfalls of Stopping: If you stop taking it, it stops working — meaning you regain your weight plus some.
2. Unknown Long Term Effects: We just don’t know a lot about long term impact on the body for this class of drugs. Newer drugs means no long term data on the side effects.
3. Gastrointestinal Side Effects: One of the most common side effects of semaglutide is gastrointestinal symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea + constipation, especially initially or at higher doses.
4. Injection Site Reactions: Semaglutide is administered via subcutaneous injection once weekly. Some individuals may experience injection site reactions such as pain, redness, or itching.
5. Big Costs: GLP-1 drugs are expensive, especially if they are not covered by insurance.
6. Limited Availability: Availability of semaglutide for weight loss may vary by region or country, and access to specialized healthcare providers who can prescribe and monitor its use may be limited.
7. Body/Organ Risks:
   1. Kidney Functioning: Semaglutide, and other GLP-1 receptor agonists, may require monitoring of kidney function, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or risk factors.
   2. Pancreatitis and Gallbladder Issues: There have been concerns about pancreatitis and gallbladder-related issues. 
   3. Other Potential Issues: There may be certain medical conditions or histories, such as personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) where this type of drug is not recommended.

MOST IMPORTANT:

These drugs are NOT substitutes for long term diet + lifestyle changes. While these drugs can aid weight loss, it is most effective when used in conjunction with healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. Relying solely on medication without addressing lifestyle factors is NOT advisable for long term success.

Diet changes are crucial for successful long term weight loss + management. Personalized ongoing changes in overall calorie intake, macronutrient balance, and food variety and seasonality all help with long term weight loss success. Simply taking the GLP-1 drugs will NOT address this very important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Weight Loss Plateaus

We are seeing a good amount of weight loss plateaus from people that are taking GLP-1 drugs. Under supervision of doctors, they are still having metabolic adaptation issues or weight loss plateaus. As you lose weight, your body’s metabolism slows making it harder to continue with regular loss. Watching your calorie and macro split, as well as whole food choices will help prevent weight loss stalls.

Muscle Loss

One of the most common issues that has been identified with these drugs is the composition of pounds lost. Instead of losing fat, people are losing a combination of fat and muscle and typically more muscle than fat. To ensure you’re NOT losing muscle, you need to EAT to maintain your muscle.

The Answer: Long Term Weight Loss Requires Good Eating + Lifestyle Habits

If you don’t have good eating habits to maintain weight loss, you’ll boomerang back to your old weight. It’s that simple. These habits are learned over time and incorporated into your lifestyle. At Healthy Nest Nutrition, we teach you how to eat for your goals, so that you’ll be able to keep your loss and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Food behavior changes are a personalized skill to be tried, practiced and perfected into lifestyle with confidence over time. Owner and holistic nutritionist Robin Hutchinson is here to help you succeed — with or without these new weight loss drugs. Reach out today for a complimentary phone consultation to see if Healthy Nest is right for you.