Glp-1 Medical Weight LossFriendswood, TX
Glp-1 medical weight loss can help when dieting and exercise have been unsuccessful. Glp-1 medications’ (agonists) intended use is to treat type 2 diabetes through blood sugar management. However, they have been found to have an unintended effect: steady, healthy weight loss through appetite suppression. Elevating your weight loss journey with Glp-1s starts with learning the basics about these medications, common types and options, and how each may fit into your life.
At Reset Medical, we are passionate about helping people reach their weight loss goals. Dr. Hethcox can help you explore whether Glp-1s may help you reach yours faster. Dial 1-281-816-4707 to contact our Friendswood office and schedule a consultation appointment.
An Overview of Glp-1 Medical Weight Loss
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, better known as Glp-1 agonists or simply Glp-1s, first gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as supplementary type 2 diabetes treatment. The FDA recently approved Glp-1s for weight loss, as well. For both uses, it is recommended to combine these medications with diet and exercise to produce long-lasting results.
According to Harvard Medical School, Glp-1s trigger the pancreas to release insulin while suppressing glucagon, lowering blood sugar levels. The brain also receives signals that the stomach is full. This results in appetite suppression and a slower metabolism, which makes it easier to stick to a diet. Combine that with exercise, and patients can see the weight loss they have struggled to achieve with diet and exercise alone.
“The FDA recently approved Glp-1s for weight loss, as well.”
Types of FDA-Approved Glp-1 Agonists
There are several Glp-1 agonists used for medical weight loss. The most well-known is semaglutide, or Ozempic® and Wegovy®, which must be injected underneath the skin (subcutaneously). Semaglutide is currently the only Glp-1 that also has a tablet form. Other Glp-1 weight loss medications include:
- Tirzepatide
- Liraglutide
- Dulaglutide
- Exenatide
These medications must all be administered as a subcutaneous shot. As such, only a healthcare provider can prescribe Glp-1s. For safety reasons, do not purchase counterfeit medications online or over the counter. They are likely not authorized, and the needles included may not be sterile.
“The most well-known is semaglutide, or Ozempic® and Wegovy®, which must be injected underneath the skin (subcutaneously).”
Benefits of Glp-1 Agonists as Weight Loss Drugs
Glp-1 medical weight loss has many benefits. Since these medications were originally designed to help treat type 2 diabetes, they can effectively stabilize blood sugar levels. Semaglutide, in particular, also decreases the risk of cardiac events (e.g., heart attack and stroke) in patients with diabetes. Other key health benefits include:
- Reduced risk of liver and kidney disease
- Improved blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol levels
As for the weight loss benefits, these mediations work steadily. Patients can expect to shed about one to two pounds a week while taking Glp-1s. While it is normal to regain some of this weight upon stopping the medication, continuing a healthy lifestyle can keep most of the weight off.
“Patients can expect to shed about one to two pounds a week while taking Glp-1s”
Eligibility Factors and Other Considerations
Healthcare providers currently prescribe Glp-1 agonists to patients with a BMI (body mass index) within the obese range: 30 or higher. They may prescribe them to patients with a BMI as low as 25 if diagnosed with a condition that could be improved with weight loss, such as cardiovascular disease or type 1 or 2 diabetes. Pregnant patients cannot take these medications.
Patients should also consider the side effects and whether they can tolerate them before starting Glp-1s. The Cleveland Clinic states that common side effects besides appetite loss include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is also normal for the injection site to become mildly inflamed and irritated. More rarely, Glp-1s may cause headaches, infections, and mild tachycardia.
“They may prescribe them to patients with a BMI as low as 25 if diagnosed with a condition that could be improved with weight loss, such as cardiovascular disease or type 1 or 2 diabetes.”
Glp-1 Medical Weight Loss for Preexisting Conditions
A healthcare team may incorporate medical weight loss into a treatment plan for certain preexisting conditions related to weight. Examples include heart disease and high blood pressure. When the condition is type 2 diabetes, it is common for the healthcare team to recommend Glp-1 medical weight loss specifically.
Speak to a healthcare provider to see if Glp-1s could speed up the patient’s medical weight loss treatment plan. Make sure to mention any preexisting conditions and health risks. Some, such as medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia, would make a different medication a safer option.
“A healthcare team may incorporate medical weight loss into a treatment plan for certain preexisting conditions related to weight.”
See What Glp-1 Weight Loss Would Look Like for You
Glp-1 medical weight loss can help patients reach their goal weight steadily. Our Friendswood team can also assist in developing a sustainable diet and exercise plan to boost the efficacy of Glp-1 agonists, increasing the chances of keeping the lost weight off. Want to see what weight loss with Glp-1s may look like for you? Call Reset Medical at 1-281-816-4707 today.
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is Glp-1 medical weight loss?
Q. What are the different Glp-1 agonists?
Q. What are the benefits of Glp-1 medical weight loss?
Q. Who qualifies to take Glp-1s like semaglutide?
Q. Can you take Glp-1 agonists if you have preexisting conditions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How soon can you expect to see results?
A. It varies by patient and the type of Glp-1 agonist. However, most patients will start to lose weight the week of starting Glp-1 medical weight loss. It is critical to note that losing about one to two pounds a week is considered healthy in terms of weight loss. So, while it does not take long to start working, it will take time to reach your goal weight safely.
Q. How many pounds can patients lose with Glp-1 agonists?
A. When combined with healthy lifestyle changes, Glp-1 medical weight loss can help patients lose enough weight to fall into a healthy BMI range. The more weight one is trying to lose, the longer they would need to take the medication and the more severe the lifestyle changes may seem at first. Consult a healthcare provider to see if taking Glp-1s long-term would be a good option for you.
Q. What is Ozempic face?
A. Ozempic face is the colloquial term for a wrinkled, sagging face as a result of rapid weight loss. The eyes may appear sunken, and the jowls more noticeable around the jaw. However, these changes have always been a potential side effect of rapid weight loss. They are not unique to Glp-1 agonists. Patients can reduce their risk of developing so-called Ozempic face by losing weight slowly, over a longer period of time. Alternatively, they may consider cosmetic surgery.
Q. Will insurance cover Glp-1s for medical weight loss?
A. Insurance providers typically only cover procedures and medications that are medically necessary. Therefore, insurance may not cover Glp-1 medical weight loss unless it also helps treat a preexisting condition, such as type 2 diabetes. All insurance plans are different, however. Call the patient’s insurance provider for more details on coverage.
Q. How do Glp-1 agonists cause weight loss?
A. Glp-1 agonists lower blood sugar levels and slow metabolism. Together, this staves off hunger in the body, helping patients lose weight along with diet and exercise. Although this was not the first intended use, Glp-1 medical weight loss was born out of these medications' ability to help patients lose weight safely and effectively.
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