Losing weight can be a significant challenge for most individuals no matter how dedicated they have been to following a healthy diet and exercise program. Sometimes a form of medical intervention can provide that little extra element needed to overcome barriers to weight loss.

You may have heard about the fairly new GLP-1 weight loss medications that have become available to provide that little extra help. If you are unfamiliar with these prescription drugs, keep reading as we provide an overview of what they are, how they work, and where you can get them.

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What Are GLP-1 Drugs For Weight Loss?

The body naturally produces and releases hormones that help reduce the appetite and release insulin. These hormones are called glucagon-like peptides and are mainly produced by the small intestine. They are released in response to food and help optimize nutrient absorption and digestion by triggering insulin secretion from the pancreas.

GLP 1 drugs for weight loss mimic the actions of our natural hormones and prompt the body to produce more insulin which not only helps lower blood sugar levels but also promotes weight loss.

How Do GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Work For Weight Loss?

The GLP -1 hormones our body produces work rather rapidly digesting our food and then dissipating. The GLP-1 weight loss drugs last longer in the patient’s system, slow the emptying of the stomach, increase satiety, and also reduce the patient’s appetite which helps to promote weight loss.

What GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Are Available For Weight Loss?

Wegovy^™ Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a prescription drug that mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone and is the same drug that was approved in 2017 by the FDA under the name Ozempic to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy^® is the brand name of this same medication offered in higher doses and FDA- approved in June 2021 for the treatment of obesity.

Wegovy^™ is the most recent GLP-1 weight loss medication to hit the market and quickly has become popular because these once-weekly injections have helped patients with appetite control, increased metabolism, satiety, and proven weight loss results.

Wegovy^™ is meant to be used in tandem with lifestyle changes that promote weight loss in overweight or obese individuals.

Mounjaro^™ Tirzepatide

Recently FDA approves Lilly’s once-weekly Mounjaro^™ Tirzepatide injection, the first and only GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. This medication also can be used for weight loss, although not currently approved by FDA for weight loss.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are hormones involved in blood sugar control. Mounjaro^™ is a first-in-class medicine that activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which leads to improved blood sugar control.

Mounjaro^™ is administered by injection under the skin once weekly, with the dose adjusted as tolerated to meet blood sugar goals.

Combining GLP-1 Drugs For Weight Loss With Non-Surgical Weight Loss Procedures

Non-surgical weight loss procedures provide patients with the opportunity to lose weight and keep it off long-term. Using GLP-1 weight loss drugs in tandem with the Orbera Gastric Balloon or Suture Sculpt endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty can boost weight loss and provide optimal results.

Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Centers offer Wegovy^® and Mounjaro^™ weight loss medications to help patients lose weight and keep it off.

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