Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, usually referred to as GLP-1, promote weight reduction by making you’re feeling fuller sooner and for longer. They have been first used to deal with sort 2 diabetes, and prescriptions elevated by greater than 700% between 2019 and 2023.
GLP-1 is presently accessible for weight reduction, however many misconceptions exist about how finest to make use of these medication.
1. Delusion: GLP-1 is a “easy resolution” for weight reduction
You may take into account taking GLP-1 and watching the quantity on the size go down with out making another adjustments. Nevertheless, these drugs work finest when mixed with a nutritious diet and common train.
“Dimension is necessary, however what makes up that quantity is way more necessary,” says Matthew Forman, M.D., a bariatric surgeon who practices in Columbus, Ohio. “These drugs aren’t an alternative to correct diet and train as a part of a wholesome life-style.”
Once you take GLP-1, a nutritious diet, bodily exercise, sufficient high quality sleep, and stress administration work collectively to supply long-lasting outcomes, says Bronwyn Holmes, M.D., a girls’s well being doctor with a follow in California’s Silicon Valley. Dr. Holmes advises healthcare suppliers about therapies akin to GLP-1. “As soon as a affected person stops taking the drug, weight reduction is momentary as a result of the affected person lacks the elements needed for weight administration,” she says.
2. Delusion: Most individuals have unwanted side effects.
“One of many greatest misconceptions individuals hear about GLP-1 is that most individuals have unwanted side effects,” says Holly Lofton, M.D., an weight problems drugs skilled at NYU Langone Well being in New York Metropolis. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the commonest unwanted side effects of GLP-1, however these signs aren’t inevitable.
One analysis assessment seemed on the unwanted side effects of GLP-1 and located that solely about 12 % of people that took these medication skilled unwanted side effects. Nevertheless, unwanted side effects fluctuate relying on the GLP-1 ingested and their severity varies.
For instance, two research discovered that semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) triggered extra gastrointestinal signs akin to nausea than different varieties, whereas liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) triggered extra issues within the gallbladder and pancreas.
These unwanted side effects mostly happen once you first begin taking GLP-1 or when the dose is elevated, however they usually enhance with continued use, Dr. Lofton says.
3. Delusion: You possibly can eat something whereas taking GLP-1.
Holmes mentioned some individuals consider that GLP-1 medication enable them to simply accept any meals they select. “Nevertheless, GLP-1 medication have the most effective outcomes when sufferers devour a nutritious protein-based weight loss plan whereas sustaining common hydration,” she says.
The decreased urge for food related to GLP-1 might stop some individuals from consuming sufficient protein, resulting in muscle loss. “Sufficient protein consumption is crucial to sustaining good physique composition,” says Holmes. Even within the best-case state of affairs of enough protein consumption, some weight reduction will happen because of lean physique mass (muscle and bone).
The precise really helpful quantity of protein when taking GLP-1 is dependent upon your gender, weight, and day by day calorie targets. Nevertheless, specialists advocate that you simply attempt to devour 80 to 120 grams (g) of protein (16 to 24 % of energy) per day.
4. Delusion: Docs don’t know if GLP-1 is protected.
In the event you assume GLP-1 is just too good to be true, you are not alone. And a few individuals fear in regards to the security of those medication. However Lofton says she has no qualms about prescribing them. “These medication have been examined for security and efficacy in medical trials for years earlier than they hit the market,” she says.
Intensive analysis has proven that not solely is GLP-1 protected, but it surely truly extends your general lifespan by addressing different well being issues akin to diabetes and coronary heart illness. Lofton says some weight-loss medication are not accessible because of unwanted side effects, “(however) GLP-1 remains to be available on the market and is taken into account protected and efficient.”
Nevertheless, some firms and pharmacies create their very own GLP-1 mixtures. These aren’t regulated by the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) and will not be as protected as choices prescribed by your well being care supplier.Additionally, specialists don’t advocate GLP-1 throughout being pregnant.
5. Delusion: You possibly can at all times take a better dose in case your weight stays the identical.
Healthcare suppliers usually begin GLP-1 at a low dose and improve it each 4 weeks till the goal dose is reached. However doses can’t be elevated indefinitely, Dr. Forman says. Some clinicians improve the dose extra slowly than each 4 weeks, with the objective of lowering unwanted side effects and creating sustainable life-style adjustments.
“Managing every affected person requires a level of nuance and intelligence,” Forman says. “Plateaus do happen, however continued will increase in dosage in a constant method can improve the frequency of issues.”
Additionally, most individuals don’t take GLP-1 long-term, and research have solely noticed individuals taking it for a most of three to 4 years. Some individuals cease taking GLP-1 medication due to unwanted side effects. Some individuals might cease taking the drug because of excessive co-pays, lack of insurance coverage protection, or adjustments in insurance coverage protection.
takeout
GLP-1 has helped hundreds of individuals shed pounds by suppressing urge for food, however myths nonetheless exist about these fashionable medication.
As a result of GLP-1 could cause fast weight reduction, some individuals consider that they’ll eat no matter they need, skip train, and improve their consumption as usually as wanted.
When taking GLP-1, you want extra protein in your weight loss plan, common train, high quality sleep, and stress administration for finest and long-lasting outcomes.
