.jpg)
Learn how GLP-1 agonists Wegovy and Zepbound can help with weight loss. Discover how this medication can positively impact your metabolism, weight loss goals, & overall health.
For many people, losing weight is hard. While lifestyle changes like following a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise are important for weight loss, new medications are now available to help those for whom lifestyle changes alone are not enough to lose weight. FDA-approved weight loss medications include two GLP-1 agonist medications. Curious to find out about how GLP-1 agonists work in the body, and which GLP-1 agonist medication is best for weight loss?
What Is a GLP-1 Agonist Medication for Weight Loss?
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that is naturally produced in the gut after eating. It stimulates insulin release, suppresses your appetite, and makes you feel fuller longer. GLP-1 agonist medications like semaglutide, which is sold under the brand name Wegovy®, mimic this hormone to help regulate blood sugar, cravings, and fullness. GLP-1 agonist medications were initially used to treat type 2 diabetes, but they have also been shown to be effective in weight loss.
How GLP-1 Agonists like Wegovy and Zepbound Contribute to Weight Loss?
GLP-1 agonists act in many tissues of the body, including the gut and brain, to help decrease hunger and thus food intake. This hormone works by slowing down the emptying of your stomach, so food stays in your stomach longer which leads to longer feelings of fullness. It also sends signals to the brain that the stomach is full which reduces the
amount of food you eat. Additionally, GLP-1 agonists increase insulin release in response to eating and regulate blood sugar, which can reduce cravings for high-calorie foods. GLP-1 agonist medications mimic all of these mechanisms, which combined with lifestyle changes can lead to weight loss.
The use of FDA-approved weight loss medications such as GLP-1 agonists can be an appropriate weight loss tool when used along with lifestyle changes like healthy nutrition, increased physical activity, and mindset shifts. A healthcare provider can review your medical history to determine if a weight loss medication like a GLP-1 agonist is right for you as part of a comprehensive medical approach to weight loss.
Which GLP-1s Are Best for Weight Loss?
While there are several types of GLP-1 agonists used off-label for weight loss, there are currently two GLP-1 agonists approved by the FDA for weight loss: Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) and Wegovy® (semaglutide). Both medications have been found to be effective in promoting weight loss when combined with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Zepbound
Zepbound, which contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, is a once-weekly injectable medication produced by Lilly. Zepbound was approved by the FDA to treat obesity in 2023. It contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro®, an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy
Wegovy is a once-weekly GLP-1 agonist injectable that was approved by the FDA for weight loss in 2021. It contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic®, which is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but is prescribed at a higher dose.
Who Can Take GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss?
Wegovy and Zepbound are available by prescription. Like any medication, it is important to be aware of potential side effects. The most common side effects of Wegovy and Tirzepatide include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and fatigue.
Other less common but serious side effects include gallbladder problems, such as gallstones, acute kidney injury, and pancreatitis. There are also warnings on both medications about a rare thyroid cancer seen mainly in animal studies. Patients taking these medications should be monitored regularly by their healthcare provider.
At InShapeMD, we have help thousands of patients lose weight over the past decade. All our programs involve an MD and are based on science not fads.
Schedule a complimentary consultation today to learn more about these new and exciting weight loss options. 704-817-9833 or book at www.inshapemclt.com