GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication
What is GLP-1 Semaglutide?
Semaglutide-based drugs are approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for managing type 2 diabetes. It operates as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which regulates blood sugar levels by decelerating the digestive process.
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​GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) weight loss treatments are named after the hormone receptor they stimulate. When injected or taken orally, GLP-1s increase insulin production and reduce your feeling of hunger.
How Do GLP-1 Semaglutide Weight Loss Medications Work?
GLP-1 medications mimic a hormone in your body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is released when you eat. By activating your GLP-1 receptors, these medications help reduce your appetite, minimize cravings, and slow down the emptying of your stomach, which can help you feel full for longer periods.
Expected Weight Loss with GLP-1 Semaglutide Medications
The amount of weight loss achieved with GLP-1 semaglutide can vary among users. Research indicates a dose-dependent effect on weight reduction:
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A weekly dose of 0.5 mg results in an average weight loss of about 8 pounds.
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Increasing the dose to 1 mg per week, the average weight loss rises to about 10 pounds.
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At a dosage of 2 mg per week, the average weight loss reaches approximately 14 pounds. Over a period of 30 to 56 weeks, users can generally anticipate an average weight loss of around 14 pounds using GLP-1 semaglutide.
What Happens After You Stop Using GLP-1 Medications?
Studies have shown that people using GLP-1 medications can lose up to 20% of their body weight within a year. However, to maintain this weight loss, it is crucial to make sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes. After the final injection, it takes about two weeks for the medication to leave your system. If you haven't addressed unhealthy eating or lifestyle habits, you might regain the lost weight.
What’s It Really Like to Use Weight Loss Medications?
Every individual’s experience with these medications is unique. For example, one of our clients began Semaglutide to manage gradual weight gain due to aging and other medical treatments. Despite initial fears about self-injection, they found the medication manageable, experiencing occasional nausea and reduced appetite.
They continued exercising and followed a balanced diet to maintain proper nutrition. The medication provided the extra push needed to start their weight loss journey, but it was not the sole solution. Their plan was to use it until achieving a healthy BMI, then maintain their weight through a healthy Mediterranean-style diet, intermittent fasting, and regular physical activity.
At Life is Beautiful MD Weight Loss, we recognize that medications can be a useful tool, but true success comes from adopting healthy, sustainable habits.