HOW IT WORKS

Weight management is a struggle for many. It is estimated that approximately 70% of Americans are overweight. In 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a class of medications that are changing the way the weight-loss industry solves the obesity problem that plagues many people.

The medications, known as Glucagon-like Peptide -1 (GLP-1) were originally used to treat type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 is a hormone found in the intestines that is released after eating. GLP-1 increases insulin production, which keeps blood sugar levels low. GLP-1s have a major side effect – weight loss.

HOW? GLP-1 medications promote weight loss by making the stomach empty more slowly and calming or regulating the brain’s hunger signals, as well as reducing appetite and increasing insulin production. Eventually, clients will feel fuller longer and lose weight.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are two widely used long-acting GLP-1s. Both require a prescription and both must be injected. Your health care professional at our center will guide you through this process.

While GLP-1 medications promote weight loss and can improve A1C levels, they can also cause dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Such drugs are not a good fit if you have certain
gastrointestinal, endocrine, pancreatic and thyroid troubles. These should be thoroughly discussed with our medical professionals.

After you have reached your weight-loss goal, a maintenance plan will start so that you can keep the weight off and continue your healthy lifestyle, which will include diet, exercise and other behavioral changes.