GLP-1 medications are a big topic of conversation these days. Whatever you’ve heard, we’re here to set the record straight about what they are, their relationship to weight loss, and how to access them.
What are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications are a class of drugs used primarily for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but have also proven to work wonders with weight loss. GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, a hormone which helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion in response to meals and suppressing glucagon (another hormone that raises blood sugar levels).
How do GLP-1 Medications Work?
These medications mimic the action of GLP-1s. They can help lower blood sugar levels and assist with weight loss in several ways:
- Boost Insulin: GLP-1 medications help our pancreas make more insulin when our blood sugar is high. Insulin helps sugar (glucose) get into our cells where it’s needed for energy.
- Lower Glucagon: They reduce another hormone called glucagon, which usually tells our liver to release extra sugar into the bloodstream. By lowering glucagon, these medications help keep our blood sugar from getting too high.
- Slow Digestion: GLP-1 medications slow down how fast our stomach empties after we eat. This helps to keep our blood sugar levels more stable after meals.
- Less Hunger: They signal our brain to feel less hungry and more full, which can help with weight management and controlling blood sugar.
GLP-1 medications are typically administered by injection, either once daily, once weekly, or once monthly, depending on the specific drug. They are associated with potential benefits for cardiovascular health and weight loss.
Overall, these effects combine to make it easier for people using GLP-1 medications to manage their weight and can help induce weight loss to reach personal goals.
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How to Access GLP-1 Medications
Accessing GLP-1 medications for weight loss is made simple and straightforward through ShedRx with the following steps.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Get started by booking your Initial Consultation. There, you’ll meet with a ShedRx healthcare provider to discuss your health status, questions you might have, and get paired up with the proper weight-loss medication. If you don’t want to meet face-to-face, you can also schedule an asynchronous appointment for your info to be reviewed. Your medication will arrive on your doorstep typically within 5-10 business days.
- The Prescription: Your prescription will arrive with the necessary information, tools, and medication you need. Carefully read the instructions provided and follow them closely for your self-administration. If you should have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the ShedRx Care Team.
- Health Help: Once you begin your weight-loss journey, we’re there for you throughout the entire process. Losing weight isn’t the only aim, though. In addition to medication, we offer ShedRx supplements and coaching, so you feel supported to lose the weight and keep it off, with health habits that can last.
- Invite Others: Share the opportunity with others and you’ll benefit too. Through the ShedRx Referral Program, you’ll be able to earn money when others sign up, so you get to help others and help yourself. In other words, it’s a win-win.
GLP-1 medications work by suppressing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. It’s important to use these medications exactly as prescribed to achieve the best results and minimize the risk of side effects.
GLP-1 Medications Available through ShedRx
Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, and Compounded Semaglutide are GLP-1 medications which can help with weight loss.
- Tirzepatide: Tirzepatide is a newer GLP-1 receptor agonist that has shown promise in clinical trials for both type 2 diabetes and obesity. It works by mimicking the action of GLP-1 to enhance insulin secretion in response to meals, suppress glucagon secretion (which helps lower blood sugar levels), and reduce appetite. Tirzepatide is being investigated for its potential to promote weight loss and improve glycemic control in people with obesity.
- Semaglutide: Semaglutide is another GLP-1 receptor agonist which has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It is available in a higher-dose weekly injection specifically for weight management. Semaglutide works similarly to other GLP-1 medications by reducing appetite, delaying gastric emptying, and improving insulin sensitivity, all of which contribute to weight loss.
Both Tirzepatide and Semaglutide exemplify the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications in managing both diabetes and obesity, offering new options for individuals seeking weight loss treatments that also address underlying metabolic issues.
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Why are GLP-1 Medications such a Big Deal?
GLP-1 medications have gained attention for weight loss due to several reasons:
- Appetite Regulation: GLP-1 medications mimic or enhance GLP-1 activity can help reduce appetite, leading to decreased food intake and, consequently, weight loss.
- Delaying Gastric Emptying: GLP-1 agonists slow down the rate at which the stomach empties, which helps people feel fuller for longer after eating. This effect contributes to reduced calorie intake and can aid in weight loss.
- Improving Glycemic Control: Many GLP-1 medications were originally developed for managing diabetes, because they enhance insulin secretion in response to meals and suppress glucagon secretion. Better control of blood sugar levels can indirectly support weight-loss efforts by reducing cravings and stabilizing energy levels.
- Weight-Loss Efficacy: Clinical trials have demonstrated that GLP-1 agonists can lead to significant weight loss in people with or without diabetes. This effectiveness has made them a valuable option in the treatment of obesity.
- Cardiovascular Benefits: Some GLP-1 agonists have been shown to provide cardiovascular benefits beyond weight loss, such as reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This dual benefit makes them especially attractive for individuals with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors.
- Safety Profile: Compared to some other weight-loss medications, GLP-1 agonists generally have a favorable safety profile, although they may cause gastrointestinal side effects in some people.
- Due to these factors, GLP-1 medications are considered a significant advancement in the treatment of obesity, offering a multifaceted approach to weight management through appetite control, metabolic regulation, and potential cardiovascular benefits.
GLP-1 medications are pivotal for weight loss due to their multifaceted effects. By stimulating GLP-1 receptors, these drugs help reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness, leading to decreased food intake and ultimately weight loss.
GLP-1 medications represent a significant advancement in weight-loss treatment by addressing multiple aspects of obesity, including appetite control, metabolic regulation, and cardiovascular health, thereby offering a comprehensive approach to managing weight and improving overall well-being.
Whether you’ve considered GLP-1 medications for weight loss in the past, are considering them now, or are just struggling with weight loss in general, find out if you qualify for help. Schedule an Initial Consultation with a ShedRx healthcare provider and see if GLP-1 medications can help you reach your weight-loss goals.
Plus, ShedRx offers supplements and one-on-one Health Coaching, so you can receive the guidance and support you need to achieve a healthier, happier you. Don’t wish you’d started today, 2 months from now. Get started and get to losing with ShedRx, because health is for every body.