Understanding
GLP-1 Therapy for Weight Loss and Diabetes
Over the past few years, GLP-1 inhibitors (more accurately and appropriately called GLP-1 receptor agonists) have been a hot topic when it comes to diabetes and obesity. As with anything found in the media, it’s important to determine what information is accurate and what information is just, well…fluff. Because of this, I felt the need to take a deep dive and present a 3 part blog series on this topic, without all of the confusing medical jargon. As a registered nurse for 20 years, I know that medical professionals can sometimes speak in a foreign language. My hope is that you walk away with a better basic understanding of this therapy and feel more confident in posing questions to your healthcare provider, if warranted.
What This GLP-1 Blog Series Will Cover
In my first blog, we will answer the following questions: How do they work? And are they right for everyone? In my second blog, we will focus on why lifestyle change (and having a health coach) is vital when considering/taking these medications. And finally, in the last blog, Andrew Kohr, of Dreaming Tree Initiative, will walk us through his journey on a GLP-1 agonist.
GLP-1 / GLP-1 Inhibitor / GLP-1RA Explained
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide and is a hormone that our body produces to help manage blood sugar and satiety, which is that full and satisfied feeling telling our bodies to stop eating.
GLP-1RA stands for glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist and is a prescription medication that mimics the GLP-1 hormone. You may also see it as GLP-1 inhibitor in the media. Inhibitor is not the most accurate term. One of the properties of the medication that has caused such a stir is that it enhances the GLP-1 hormone to help control blood glucose levels and satiety. This is why the term “inhibitor” is not the best word to use because the medications do not inhibit (or restrict) the GLP-1 hormone, they stimulate it. Long story short: it is used for better blood sugar control and weight loss. Some of the drug brand names you may see in the media or hear while in your doctor’s office are Wegovy, Ozempic, Trulicity, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, Victoza and Zepbound. To avoid confusing medical jargon, GLP-1 therapy/drug will be used when referring to this medication throughout the blog. And to keep it simple, we will focus on the role of GLP-1 therapy in diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction and obesity care. There are other benefits of this drug, but for the sake of time, we will not address here.
How GLP-1 Medications Are Taken and Possible Side Effects
Most of the GLP-1 drugs are administered via injection weekly. There are a couple that are in pill form. The most common side effects tend to be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and muscle loss. As with all medications, there are other side effects that tend to be less common.
Why GLP-1 Medications Are Getting So Much Attention
So why have these medications made such a big splash in our world today? Well, let’s look at some health stats. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2024 obesity affected more than 1 billion people. WHO also states that the number of people living with diabetes rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. So why is type 2 diabetes and obesity often seen together? Sifting through all of the relevant and accurate data that is out there, the general consensus shows that obesity is a chronic disease and can be a precursor to type 2 diabetes. The general thought is GLP-1 therapy along with lifestyle changes can help overcome obesity and its harmful effects, one of which is type 2 diabetes.
GLP-1 Therapy, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Risk
The FDA has approved this group of drugs for use in those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, obesity, reduction of cardiovascular risk in those with a history of heart disease and stroke. Risk of cardiovascular disease increases in those with diabetes and those who are overweight or obese. The American College of Cardiology recommends GLP-1 drugs for those individuals as a way to reduce cardiac disease risk through weight loss. When weight decreases, you tend to see blood pressure levels and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels decrease, while HDL (good) cholesterol increases.
Is GLP-1 Therapy Right for Everyone?
So while GLP-1 therapy is showing great success, it is only a piece of the puzzle, and is not meant for just anyone. It is important to work with a healthcare provider well versed in GLP-1 drugs to ensure proper use and follow up. In my next blog, I will discuss the importance of health and wellness coaching for those thinking about or are taking GLP-1 drugs.
Important Disclaimer
PLEASE NOTE: This blog is meant to be a simplified explanation of a complex topic. For further questions, please consult your healthcare provider.
