GLP-1 Medications
FDA-approved solutions for reaching a healthy weight.
GLP-1s for Weight Loss
GLP-1s are different from older classes of prescription weight loss medications (like phentermine) because they work on key underlying metabolic pathways to support sustained weight loss. A Sound Mind and Body medical staff prescribe a variety of GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide and liraglutide, which you may know under brand names like Wegovy®, Saxenda®, Ozempic®, or Mounjaro® .
Long-term weight loss is about more than willpower. Calorie-counting, lifestyle interventions, and regular exercise will only get you so far.
It’s about understanding the science behind obesity, including the science behind the dreaded weight loss plateau.
Prescribed GLP-1 medications can help put an end to yo-yo dieting by kick-starting your metabolic health. You can lose weight and keep it off, safely and effectively.
What are GLP-1 Medications?
Glucagon-like peptide-1s, or GLP-1s, are naturally occurring hormones that regulate glucose levels in the pancreas. GLP-1 medications are commonly used with diet and exercise to manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
These medications have also been linked to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease in recent clinical trials. GLP-1s are also clinically proven to reduce inflammation in the body, which may reduce the risk for some chronic diseases.
That’s great news for patients at risk for cardiovascular conditions, but it’s what they do for metabolic health that excites patients struggling with weight management.
These medications boast proven results in weight reduction as a treatment of obesity.
Does GLP-1 help with weight loss?
GLP-1 medications do help with weight loss, and are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as weight loss medications with proven results.
How do GLP-1 medications help weight loss?
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and liraglutide mimic the effect of natural hormones in the body. That’s the reason they’re so effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In the case of weight management, they help regulate your body’s metabolism.
The medications work by activating receptors in the brain to help curve cravings, making you feel full faster, and increasing energy expenditure. This is great news if you’re one of many patients who report feeling hungry all the time.
They also work to reset your set point.
Your body’s “set point” is the weight your body settles into. Genetics, biology, and your environment are at play here. It can be hard, even impossible for some, to fight back against their set point with diet and exercise alone. GLP-1 medications can shift that set point to a healthier weight.
Finally, GLP-1 medications improve your digestion and delay gastric emptying. Any food you eat stays in your stomach longer before moving along to the small intestine.
You’ll feel fuller for longer and still get all of the important nutrients you need.
Which GLP-1 is best for weight loss? The GLP-1 that is best for weight loss depends on a patient’s existing health profile and individualized treatment plan. Most are injectable medications, but there is an option in tablet form.
Recommended dosage depends on the type of medication prescribed and where you are in your weight loss journey.
At A Sound Mind and Body, we prescribe a combination of GLP-1 weight-related medications tailored to your needs, medical history, and goals. We prescribe a variety of GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide and liraglutide, which you may know under brand names like Wegovy®, Saxenda®, Ozempic®, or Mounjaro®.
How much do these medications cost?
The cost of GLP-1 medications varies by retailer and is based on a patient’s unique treatment plan. At A Sound Mind and Body, part of the process is working with patients to get their GLP-1 medication covered by insurance.
Long-term weight loss doesn’t have to be out of reach.
The average cost of a semaglutide like Ozempic from Novo Nordisk, for example, is about $730 per month. Wegovey, a similar medication in higher doses, can cost up to $1,500. With most insurance providers, your costs can be as little as $25 per month.
We work with you to get your GLP-1 medications down to as little as $25 after your deductible has been met.
GLP-1 medication can be an effective part of an overall weight loss program.
Your body is capable of all kinds of incredible things, but it can be near impossible to fight back against your genetics and biology.
That doesn’t mean managing your body weight has to feel impossible.
In combination with the right coaching and FDA-approved GLP-1 medication, you can set yourself up for long-term weight loss and improved overall health.
At A Sound Mind and Body, we expect most patients to reach 10% weight loss by month 6 on the program, with sustained results and the potential for more weight reduction after that mark.
We know a healthier, more fulfilling life is possible with the right approach.
Side Effects
The vast majority of patients tolerate GLP-1 medication remarkably well, and they’re a much safer course of treatment for obesity than bariatric surgery or other invasive procedures. The more common side effects often go away after a few weeks on the medications.
What is the most common side effect of GLP-1? The most common side effects of GLP-1 medications are gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.
These side effects will usually subside within a few weeks of therapy. Our staff will work with you to mitigate side effects and maximize your results.
Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or individuals with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 are not eligible for treatment with GLP-1 medications.
Sources
- Holst JJ. The physiology of glucagon-like peptide 1. Physiol Rev. 2007 Oct;87(4):1409-39. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17928588/
- Collins L, Costello RA. Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists. [Updated 2022 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/
- Del Olmo-Garcia MI, Merino-Torres JF. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. J Diabetes Res. 2018 Apr 2;2018:4020492. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5902002/
- Perez-Montes DE Oca A, Pellitero S, Puig-Domingo M. Obesity and GLP-1. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino). 2021 Jun;46(2):168-176. doi: 10.23736/S2724-6507.20.03369-6. Epub 2020 Nov 19. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33213122/
- Filippatos TD, Panagiotopoulou TV, Elisaf MS. Adverse Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Rev Diabet Stud. 2014 Fall-Winter;11(3-4):202-30. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5397288/
