GLP-1 weight-loss medications are big news and big business currently, helping with weight loss and controlling blood sugar levels. The public perception is often one of a quick fix, but these medications can offer lasting weight loss results.
At Bio-X Weight Loss Center in Round Rock and Austin, Texas, we’re ready to assist you with your weight-loss goals with several custom weight-loss approaches, including two that include GLP-1 medications. Contact us to find out more.
Short for glucagon-like peptide-1, GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone that acts on the brain and pancreas by stimulating hormone receptors in each organ.
In the brain, GLP-1 meds reduce appetite, enhance the feeling of fullness, while slowing digestion by prolonging the time it takes for food to leave your stomach. This can make you feel fuller for longer and slow the elevation of blood sugar after eating.
The pancreas reduces glucagon production, a hormone that causes blood sugar to climb, while also stimulating insulin production, which can potentially lower blood sugar.
They also create changes to the way your body uses energy in both glucose and stored body fat. The combination of these effects produce both weight loss and better blood sugar control.
While GLP-1 medications are great for weight loss, you may wonder about weight maintenance. It’s logical that you won’t need as much of these medications if you’ve achieved a healthy body weight, but in most cases, your dosage would remain stable.
Since obesity is a chronic condition, GLP-1 medications are formulated with long-term weight management in mind. Discontinuing the meds often leads to regaining much of the weight you’ve lost, once you lose the benefits that the GLP-1 drugs provide.
In some cases, we may explore lowering dosages to minimize side effects while maintaining the positive benefits. Another approach is less-frequent use. Both of these methods may require close monitoring to ensure you maintain your weight targets.
GLP-1 medications can have side effects that make them difficult to use for some people. Cost may also be a factor. In each of these cases, we can explore the transition to other anti-obesity options to maintain your weight after your body mass index target is met.
There are complications and risks connected with the use of GLP-1 medications, and these must be balanced against the complications and risks presented by chronic obesity.
Contact Bio-X Weight Loss Center, PA Luis Wilmot Jr. and his team to learn more about personalized weight management programs including GLP-1 products. Call or click to book your consultation with our nearest office today.
