The Future of Weight Loss: How GLP-1 Agonist Drugs Are Changing the Game

Long ago, having too little to eat and being underweight was one of the biggest problems that humans faced — and many still do in underdeveloped countries. For people living in developed countries such as the United States, the opposite is true — people are more in danger of being overweight than carrying too few pounds.

Nearly one in three people in the US is overweight, and two out of five have obesity. And the outcomes of these excess pounds aren’t good — from diabetes to cardiovascular disease, the collective weight problem is wreaking havoc on America’s health. 

Thankfully, there’s a new class of drugs that’s changing people’s lives for the better: GLP-1 agonists. These drugs may hold the much-sought-after key to weight loss, and Dr. Sean P. Nikravan is pleased to make them a core part of our weight management services. 

Let’s take a look at why GLP-1 agonist drugs are the future of weight loss.

GLP-1 agonist medications mimic your natural hormones

The reason why GLP-1 agonist drugs are taking the weight loss world by storm is that they're the first drugs that really work with your body to balance hormones and promote weight loss. The drugs help regulate appetite and glucose metabolism.

The term “agonist” refers to a man-made substance that interacts with your body in the same way that a naturally occurring substance does. In the case of GLP-1 agonists, which stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, we’re introducing a substance that mimics you GLP-1 hormones, which are responsible for:

• Signaling your pancreas to produce insulin, the hormone that ferries glucose out of your bloodstream
• Slowing digestion
• Blocking the secretion of glucagon, which raises your blood sugar levels
• Signaling your brain that you’re full or satisfied

Due to their ability to regulate the level of blood sugar in your system, GLP-1 agonists were first introduced to combat diabetes. And it’s doing a fantastic job in that arena by improving glycemic control, but doctors have expanded its use to address weight loss, for good reason.

Studies have found that people who took GLP-1 agonists in the form of semaglutide and who made key lifestyle changes lost 33.7 pounds versus only 5.7 pounds in those who didn't take GLP-1 agonists.

GLP-1 agonists give you a critical leg up in your weight loss 

When you’re overweight or have obesity, losing weight can be challenging, to say the least. The process requires patience and hard work and doesn’t take into account physical, emotional, and mental challenges that interfere with weight loss. For example, perhaps you’re a stress eater, or maybe you have a physical issue that prevents you from exercising.

Whatever challenges you’re facing, our GLP-1 agonist medications can give you that leg up you need to lose weight.

Not only do GLP-1 agonist medications help you lose weight, but they can also help you sustain the weight loss over time and prevent the rebound weight gain that’s common with other weight loss methods.

That said, we don’t want you to consider these medications a magic bullet. It’s important that you make some lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthier diet and getting more exercise in your daily regimen.

As well, there are side effects that are associated with these medications, such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. 

For many of our patients, the good far outweighs the bad when it comes to GLP-1 agonists, and they’re thrilled to finally get the upper hand when it comes to their weight.

To explore whether GLP-1 agonist medications are right for your goals, please contact Sean P. Nikravan, MD, in Newport Beach, California, today to schedule an appointment.