Could a semaglutide work for you? Learn the how it works, who it works best for, and how to decide if it's for you.
These days everyone and their mother seems to be using weight loss medications. In many circles, these medications are regarded as a "quick fix" option because they do work pretty effectively. But how exactly do they work? Are they safe? Do the results last? Would these meds work for you?
These are all questions I’ve been getting from clients and friends so I’m here to deliver the answers you’ve been looking for.
(Psst...not getting results from dieting? This article will tell you why and this article can help you start to see results faster and easier).
Medications such as Ozempic and Trulicity are part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists and have shown promising results in helping certain individuals achieve weight loss.
However, these medications are not a one-size-fits-all solution and to be truly effective, they must always be used in conjunction with weight loss coaching and sustainable lifestyle changes.
Unfortunately, stopping the medication does not guarantee that the weight loss will be maintained.
The nerdy details of weight loss medications
GLP-1 agonists were originally designed to help those with type 2 diabetes regulate blood sugar. They work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.
By binding to GLP-1 receptors in the body, these medications increase insulin secretion, slow down gastric emptying, and decrease glucagon production.
The not so nerdy details
This class of weight loss medications generally cause delayed emptying of the stomach, which naturally makes you feel less hungry. It also stimulates more insulin production, which lowers blood sugar.
Are semaglutide medications safe?
These drugs have been shown to be generally safe and well-tolerated by patients, with few serious (albeit rare) side effects reported.
However, as with any medication, there are some potential risks to consider. One of the main concerns with GLP-1 agonists is the potential for pancreatitis, a rare but serious inflammation of the pancreas.
Additionally, there have been reports of thyroid tumors in animal studies, although these have not been observed in humans.
As with any medication, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Not everyone who takes GLP-1 agonists will experience weight loss.
Studies have shown that these medications may be more effective in individuals who have insulin resistance or a history of type 2 diabetes because of the hormone-specific impacts.
Some individuals with higher BMIs also experience abnormalities in their hunger and satiety hormones, making it difficult to determine when their bodies are actually hungry or satisfied. These individuals may also benefit from GLP-1 agonist medications.
In fact, for certain obese individuals who experience hormone abnormalities (either related to blood sugar or hunger/satiety signals), weight loss medications should be encouraged because the benefits far outweigh any risk.
It’s important to note however that the long-term effectiveness of these medications is largely impacted by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.
Theoretically, a person can take GLP-1 agonists alone and lose weight, but without making changes to diet and exercise at the same time, he or she will have to take the medications forever to maintain the results.
The meds must be paired with sustainable changes and coaching to be effective.
The honest truth: in order to achieve lasting results, a person must address the underlying factors that contributed to their weight gain in the first place.
Weight loss coaching through a reputable expert is the best way to do this.
A coach provides guidance to help you develop an active, balanced lifestyle. She or he also helps you understand and fix things that will, if not properly addressed, continue to hold you back. Things like emotional eating, lack of motivation, and sugar addiction.
Bottom line: GLP-1 agonists are a useful tool, but can't be relied upon forever.
While GLP-1 agonists can help jumpstart weight loss in certain individuals, specifically by controlling appetite, they should not be relied upon as a long-term solution.
Studies have shown that individuals who stop taking GLP-1 agonists may experience weight regain if they do not continue with lifestyle modifications.
The real factors that ultimately result in lasting weight loss are in fact, those lifestyle changes such as healthy eating habits, stress reduction, adequate sleep, hydration, and regular physical activity.
How to achieve lasting results
The only way to really lose weight and keep it off is to make lasting lifestyle changes, with or without the medications. The best way to do that is by working with an expert who can give you guidance, help you overcome bad habits, and holds you accountable.
If lasting results is what you want, schedule a complimentary consultation to see if I can help you achieve the results you want. If I'm 100% confident I can help you, I'll tell you what that will look like. If not, I'll steer you elsewhere to resources that will. Either way, you'll get massive clarity and value from speaking with an expert.
Talk to you soon!
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