GLP-1 Weight Loss
GLP-1s are the latest arrival in successful weight loss aids. Recently, they’ve been touted by celebrities for its ability to curb hunger and have taken off on social media, with influencers proudly displaying their before-and-after photos on apps like TikTok and Instagram.
But what makes GLP-1 such a game-changer for weight loss? It’s not often that new fads are backed by research, but this once-weekly injection has been FDA-approved to treat obesity and demonstrated its effectiveness in numerous clinical trials.
Keep reading to learn more about GLP-1 medications and how they can help you achieve your weight loss goals. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call our office at (901) 459-3338. You can also reach our team by completing our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you become your best self!
What Are GLP-1s?
GLP-1 first hit the market as Ozempic, a prescription medication designed to help lower blood sugar in adults with diabetes. However, its ability to help patients shed unwanted pounds quickly became obvious as those using it lost an average of 15% of their body weight without really trying. The symptoms of their diabetes also improved and got easier to manage. As the evidence of the drug’s effectiveness as a weight loss tool grew, doctors began to prescribe GLP-1 off-label to treat obesity that didn’t respond to diet and exercise, recognizing its potential to greatly improve body composition.
GLP-1 was approved by the FDA in 2021 for the treatment of obesity under the brand name Wegovy. It has since skyrocketed in popularity as a weight loss aid due to its stunning results, ushering in a new era of effective treatments. The drug is available as a once-weekly injection and works best when combined with a lower-calorie diet and increased physical activity, but still works to reduce appetite without any significant lifestyle changes. Most patients find it easier to resist food cravings and eat healthier with GLP-1 to help them lose weight.
At De Le Belle, we offer a compounded version of GLP-1, making sustainable weight loss more accessible. Your medication and treatment plan will be tailored to your unique needs so you can achieve your goals without the frustration of yo-yo diets and rebound weight gain.
How Do GLP-1s Work?
The effectiveness of GLP-1s in the fight against obesity has confirmed what many experts have long known: that willpower alone isn’t enough to lose weight. For some people, the body actively resists burning calories, using tricks like slowing down metabolism or releasing hunger-producing hormones to pack on the pounds. GLP-1s directly address some of these underlying factors to help patients reach their weight loss goals.
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is secreted in the gut and acts on a number of key receptors in the body. For example, it aids in weight loss by lowering blood sugar so you can burn fat more efficiently. It also slows down how quickly food leaves the stomach to help you feel fuller for longer after a meal.
However, one of the most important ways that GLP-1 works to promote weight loss is by targeting areas of the brain that regulate appetite and hunger. As a result, it increases satiety and reduces food cravings, making it easier to follow a healthier, reduced-calorie diet.
Am I a Candidate for GLP-1 Weight Loss?
In the U.S., over 40% of adults are considered obese with a BMI over 30. Obesity is considered more than a cosmetic problem as it can increase your risk of numerous health concerns, such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea and more. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to lose weight, you may be a good candidate for GLP-1. This medication is generally recommended for the following patients:
- BMI greater than 30
- BMI greater than 27 with accompanying weight-related problems
- BMI under 30 depending on circumstances and overall health
- No family history of endocrine or thyroid disorders
- Diabetic or pre-diabetic
- High A1C that doesn’t respond to other treatments
Come in for a consultation and our team can help determine if GLP-1 is right for you. Together, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you lose weight and feel your best inside and out with the appropriate medications and lifestyle changes.
What to Expect With GLP-1 Medications
Your GLP-1 medication is injected once weekly in the skin of the abdomen, thighs or upper arm. Our practitioners will teach you how to administer the medication on your own and regularly monitor your progress to ensure you achieve your weight loss goals. Your treatment plan will include a prescription for the drug and a baseline weigh-in that analyzes key benchmarks such as your BMI, body fat percentage, muscle mass and more.
The starting dose is typically 0.25 mg, which increases incrementally every 4 weeks during your weight loss journey. Eventually, a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg will be achieved, but this can be adjusted depending on your individual needs and tolerance.
Throughout treatment, we also provide nutritional and weight loss coaching with our nurse practitioners to ensure an effective treatment plan that helps you reach and maintain your goals.
GLP-1 Results
GLP-1s are some of the most effective weight loss drugs on the market, but you shouldn’t expect to see drastic results overnight. Once starting treatment, most people lose an average of 1-2 pounds per week, but this can vary depending on a number of factors. Combining GLP-1 usage with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise will maximize your results.
If you experience health problems associated with excess body fat, you should see these conditions improve with treatment. Many people report lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels as a result of their weight loss. The majority of patients achieve their weight loss and health goals within a year and have better long-term success in maintaining their results than those who have not taken a GLP-1 medication.
During your consultation, we’ll review the benefits of using GLP-1 for weight loss and help you know what to expect after beginning treatment.
Are There Any Side Effects to Consider?
The side effects of GLP-1s are considered rare and generally mild, but some people may experience nausea, bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea and more as a result of treatment. Less commonly, fatigue, low blood sugar and dizziness may occur. If you experience any side effects that concern you after starting with GLP-1, contact our office. Our team can address any issues you have and adjust your treatment plan, if needed.
Schedule a Consultation
There’s no magic cure for obesity, but GLP-1s are game-changers that come pretty close. If you’re interested in learning more about this breakthrough treatment and how it can transform your life, don’t hesitate to call us today. You can reach our office in Memphis, Tennessee, at (901) 459-3338 or by clicking here to complete our online contact form.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are GLP-1s Safe?
Studies have shown that GLP-1s are safe, effective and well-tolerated by most patients. Side effects are generally minimal and far outweighed by the benefits of the drug. Rarely, GLP-1 can increase the risk of thyroid cancer, so it shouldn’t be used in people with a known family history. GLP-1 medications are also not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Do GLP-1s Get Rid of Belly Fat?
GLP-1s improve body composition by helping patients lose weight and reduce excess fat, including stubborn belly fat. They also increase the proportion of lean body mass. In general, the more weight you lose with a GLP-1, the greater the improvements you’ll see in your overall body composition across all areas.
Will the Weight Come Back After Treatment?
After discontinuing GLP-1, some patients can regain the weight they lost. However, the overall reduction in body fat is better than the baseline they started with. Other patients manage to keep the weight off long-term as they develop healthier eating habits and preferences during treatment. Every individual is different, but our practitioners will help you adopt a more balanced diet so you can maintain your weight loss for years to come.
Are GLP-1 Injections Painful?
GLP-1 injections aren’t generally considered painful. Doses come in pre-filled syringes to make the process easier. You may experience slight discomfort at the injection site, but this quickly subsides within a few minutes. Rotating between the abdomen, thigh and upper arm can help reduce pain and bruising in any one particular area. Our team will teach you how to administer your dose at home, so you feel confident and comfortable with each injection.
What Happens if I Miss a Dose?
GLP-1 injections should be taken at the same time every week, but sometimes mistakes happen or life gets in the way. If you miss a dose and your next scheduled injection is more than 2 days away, take it as soon as possible. Otherwise, wait until your next scheduled day. If you miss more than 2 doses in a row, call our office to discuss if your treatment needs to be restarted or adjusted for the best results.
Are GLP-1s Covered by Insurance?
GLP-1 medications were first developed to help manage type 2 diabetes, so most insurance companies will not cover the prescription for weight loss. However, by working with our team and using the generic form of the drug, we can help make GLP-1 treatments more affordable. Call our office at (901) 459-3338 to learn more.
