GLP-1 as a treatment for weight loss seems to have become all the rage these days. It is prescribed to patients with diabetes. However, it also has a positive effect on obesity. GLP-1, generally short for GLP1-RA, which is a class or type of diabetes medication, stands for Glucagon- Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist. The name comes from a naturally occurring hormone (Glucagon- Like Peptide 1) made in our small intestines. An agonist, in medical terms, is a manufactured substance that attaches to a cell receptor and causes the same action as the hormone.
This GLP-1 hormone has many roles in our bodies:
- It triggers the pancreas to release insulin which is needed to move sugar from your blood steam to the muscles and tissues where it is utilized.
- It blocks glucagon, the hormone that triggers the body to release sugar into the bloodstream (glucagon is the opposite action of insulin and will put sugar in the bloodstream when necessary).
- It slows stomach emptying which leads to a slower flow of sugar from the bloodstream to your stomach, ultimately reducing the risk of a blood sugar spike.
- It stimulates the sensation of satiety, suppressing hunger. The hormone affects areas in your brain that process your appetite.
The GLP- 1 agonist (medication) works by mimicking the hormone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the higher the dose of the GLP-1 agonist, the more extreme the effects. There are different generic and name-brand medications that fall under this category.
The actions of the hormone (and the medication) can help to improve blood sugar (stimulates insulin secretion), stop glucagon action (blocks stored sugar from going into the bloodstream), reduce blood sugar spikes (slows digestion/stomach emptying), and lead to eating less (promotes satiety).
With these actions come reactions, or side effects:
- Hypoglycemia can occur if too much sugar leaves the bloodstream and glucagon action is blocked.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation can all be caused by slowed gastric emptying.
- According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH- department of the HHS), there is concern for acute pancreatitis and long-term consequences on the thyroid gland with usage of the GLP-1 RA medication.
There are always pros and cons to treatment. It’s important to consider the risks and benefits of both long-term and short-term outcomes. Always consult your doctor or medical care provider if you are considering any kind of treatment for diabetes and/or weight loss.
RESOURCES:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.