Weight Loss with GLP-1 Agonists
Weight Loss with GLP-1 Agonists
You may have heard of Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, which are a few brand names for a class of drugs called GLP-1 Agonists. The generic names are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. These drugs started out as treatments for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus but since then, have been approved for weight loss. They have shown remarkable efficacy with few side effects for most. Patients using GLP-1 agonists are losing weight and finding freedom from “the food noise.” They feel more satisfaction with a simple healthy meal and don’t desire to snack all day long. The reduction in cravings has even extended to alcohol and most patients find they drink much less than before. Other benefits of these drugs seem to be a reduction in body/joint pain and inflammation, clearer cognition, better sleep, and better cardiovascular health. This all leads to improved healthspan and lifespan.
Safety
Compared to other iterations of weight loss drugs, GLP-1 Agonists are relatively safe for most people. The most common side effects are nausea, GI upset, and constipation, which are usually temporary and mitigated by titrating up slowly in dose. GLP-1 Agonists are contraindicated for people with a family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A and 2B, or a personal history of chronic pancreatitis or gastroparesis.
Who is a candidate?
GLP-1 Agonists can cause dramatic weight loss but you don’t need to be dramatically overweight to use them. They can be used to lose smaller amounts of weight, such as weight gained in mid-life due to hormone changes, sedentary lifestyles, or lack of self care. Losing excess fat off the body decreases inflammation and contributes to more mobility, confidence, and energy.
How does this treatment work?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) is a hormone that our small intestine makes, which has several crucial functions like triggering insulin release, blocking hunger signals, slowing digestion, and increasing the satiety feeling after eating. GLP-1 Agonists work by mimicking our natural GLP-1 hormone that declines with age and other lifestyle related factors. There is not a full scientific understanding yet of why these drugs are also helping people with pain, inflammation, brain fog, and addiction.
Protocol
While using Semaglutide or Tirzepatide to lose weight, Dr. Mazzola strongly encourages all patients to treat the underlying cause of their weight gain. This requires a holistic look into balancing hormones, learning or returning to exercise and movement, making healthy food choices, reducing stress, improving sleep, or addressing chronic conditions like fatigue and toxicity. Dr. Mazzola will individualize care for every patient on a GLP-1 Agonists so that their full health is addressed. This will increase the success of losing weight and keeping it off.
Cost
What to expect
You can expect to feel less hungry throughout the day, feel full and satisfied eating smaller portions, fewer cravings, or less “food-focused” thoughts—or any combination of these. Some people experience changes in food preferences and say that certain foods or alcohol don’t appeal to them like they used to. Hunger levels will vary from person to person. The goal of the medication is to reduce your appetite to a more manageable level - not to completely eliminate your hunger.
If you decide to use weight loss medication, it is important to pair it with a healthy diet and physical activity. If you and your health care provider think a GLP-1 drug is right for you, to optimize the benefits of these medications, it is critical to pair them with lifestyle changes by incorporating healthy habits related nutrition, fitness, mental health, and sleep.
Interested in beginning this treatment?
If you are not an established patient with Dr. Mazzola, schedule a New Patient Appointment. For Established patients, book a Follow Up. For those who would like additional information prior to committing to becoming a new patient, you may book a complimentary Discovery Call with Dr. Mazzola.