Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound® - what you should know, when to use, how we can help.
These medicines are all ‘GLP-1 Receptor Agonists’
Your body makes a hormone that makes you feel full and slows digestion.
Naturally, this hormone lasts for minutes.
With this medication, you should feel FULL and have SLOW digestion at all times.
The good: It reduces cravings, short-term results are strong
The bad: Those cravings return as soon as the medication stops. For example, research shows even users with 68 weeks of constant use, 2/3rds of users gain the weight back (source)
From the Dr. We’ve used GLP-1 RAs in our clinical settings for many years, we were in fact one of the first in Australia. Our viewpoint is users must have a strong nutritional knowledge, or work with a nutritionist. Its very easy to undereat, especially in protien, and have much of the weight loss in muscle mass. This is a huge issue for women 35+ as gaining back that muscle is very very difficult” Dr Jason Maani
They are not magic, and you need a plan whilst on the medication and how to stop using the medication
Should I have concerns with the use of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
Our position is that they are a tool, part of a larger plan.
Factors that should be strongly weighed are
If your BMI exceeds 35 and you have a ‘co-morbidity’ (a co-morbidity refers to a medical condition or disease that occurs alongside obesity)
If you have already used GLP-1RAs to lose weight and have gained it back
Your age, mobility, and capacity to change lifestyle and weight
You can think of these medicines as a ‘helping hand’ - that may get you in a better position to exercise and change your lifestyle. We often use these medicines in our clinic in conjunction with other changes.
We STRONGLY advise working with a nutritionist or dietitian - the loss of appetite may lead to selective eating that does not include sufficient protein or fats necessary for optimal human function (that can cause large muscle loss)
Who should use GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
There is little research on its use beyond two years.
The research states ongoing treatment is required to maintain improvements in weight and health.
Emerging research suggests that combining Ozempic with intensive lifestyle interventions (diet, exercise, behavioral therapy) may improve long-term weight maintenance. You may need to stay on the medicine long term - and be aware of continuing side effects.
Some users have AMAZING results! Some have issues -this is common for all medications, especially emerging medications like these.
“We are health first. If you are having side effects, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or headache, there are other options
Of the patients we see for surgical intervention, many are a "refractory patient". This is someone whose illness has not improved despite receiving standard therapies. In our case, the use of GLP1A’s over several years has not improved the wellness of the person - whether its fatigue of injection, constant side effects or overwhelming hunger even when using the medication.”
Learn, Plan, Take Action.
The rise of medications has been amazing for most users. If you have genetic, environmental or financial constraints, the use of these medications ‘adds up’ in many ways.
The best strategy is to test tools, and to make informed decisions of feeling healthy (not just losing weight).
If you feel unwell - reach out - lets make a new plan
The Science
GLP-1RAs take a natural hormonal response and make it last much much longer (only whilst you are using the medication)
You feel full longer: Since the food stays in your stomach longer, you don't get hungry as quickly.
Your body has more time to use the food: This helps keep your blood sugar from going too high.
GLP-1RAs also tell your brain: "Hey, we're full! No need for more food right now." This helps you to not overeat.
So basically, GLP-1RAs help you feel full and satisfied with less food, which can help you lose weight and keep your blood sugar at healthy levels.
Terminology
GLP-1RAs, or Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists
“Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1-s)” occurs naturally in the body (source). The effect of GLP-1s is increased insulin release, slowed gastric emptying, and reduced appetite.
Taking medication is an agonist to the receptor for GLP1-s (ie, it activates it in your body)
The Science
An agonist is a substance that binds to a specific receptor in the body and activates it, triggering a biological response.
You take a drug to mimic a natural hormone, ie when the medication binds to the receptor, it activates it, leading to effects.
GLP1’s within a human body breaks down very quickly. It's only active for a couple of minutes before enzymes in our blood deactivate it. This means it doesn't have enough time to have a significant impact on blood sugar or appetite.
Boosting and prolonging the effect: GLP-1 RA medications are designed to be more resistant to those enzymes, so they stay active in the body for much longer. This allows them to have a stronger and more sustained effect on blood sugar control, appetite, and weight loss. (source)
Mimicking and enhancing: The medications act like a "super GLP-1," mimicking the natural hormone's actions but with a more potent and long-lasting effect.
Common names for GLP-1s are
semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
dulaglutide (Trulicity)
tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)