What to Know About GLP-1s
Originally approved by the FDA to treat diabetes, GLP-1 medications have since revolutionized the treatment of obesity, which affects an estimated 41.9% of the adult U.S. population.
By Carol McPhail
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GLP-1 medications are becoming an increasingly popular option for weight loss, prompting healthcare providers to educate patients about how the treatments work, who may benefit and what potential risks to consider.
Kelley Day, CRNP, a nurse practitioner at the USA Health Center for Comprehensive Weight Loss in Mobile, said the two most common brand-name GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight loss are Wegovy, taken as a daily pill or weekly injection, and Zepbound, a weekly injection.
These medications belong to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking hormones that regulate hunger and satiety. Originally approved by the FDA to treat diabetes, they have since revolutionized the treatment of obesity, which affects an estimated 41.9% of the adult U.S. population.
“Obesity is no longer considered a cosmetic issue that is caused by overeating and a lack of self-control,” Day said. “The World Health Organization, along with national and international medical and scientific societies, now recognizes obesity as a chronic, progressive disease resulting from multiple environmental and genetic factors. The disease of obesity is characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat.”
Who is a candidate?
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher may be candidates for GLP-1 medications, Day said. Individuals who are overweight and also have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease or pre-diabetes, may also qualify.
Day said GLP-1 medications can provide significant health benefits when combined with lifestyle changes. “GLP-1 medications, combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, can reduce body weight, lower blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol, as well as decrease joint pain,” she said.
Side effects
It’s important to know that GLP-1 treatments may come with side effects. Day said the most common issues are gastrointestinal in nature. “Some patients experience GI-related side effects such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, hair thinning and acute gallbladder disease,” she said.
Healthcare providers discuss all side effects and precautions when meeting with patients to determine if they are candidates for the medications, Day said.
Insurance coverage for GLP-1s can vary widely, she said, though some pharmaceutical companies offer assistance programs to help uninsured patients obtain the medications at a discount.
GLP-1s in the future
The use for GLP-1s continues to evolve, Day said. “Now that GLP-1 drugs have revolutionized how millions of Americans treat obesity and Type 2 diabetes, clinical trials have shown benefits of using the drugs for a host of other chronic diseases — many with few treatment options — such as heart failure, chronic liver disease, and obstructive sleep apnea,” she said.
For those interested in learning more, Day recommends speaking with a primary care provider or scheduling an appointment at the Center for Comprehensive Weight Loss in west Mobile by calling 251-660-3506.
