GLP-1s – A Wonder Tool for Weight Loss

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: September 1, 2022

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Glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, otherwise know as GLP-1s, have gained a lot of attention lately. Not only are they increasingly being prescribed for the treatment of Type II diabetes, but they have also recently gained a lot of popularity in the world of obesity treatment and long-term weight management. These medications are given as an injection, either daily or once a week. They work by mimicking the action of the hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1, that is produced and secreted from the L cells found in the distal ileum. The effect of this hormone is multi-faceted, but used as a tool for weight toss, its main mechanisms of action are:

Sending a signal to the brain that satiety has been reached, which then reduces the hunger signal and can heip lead to overall reduced food intake.
GLP-1 also slows down the passing of food through the stomach, which can lead to the sensation of fullness that lasts for a longer period of time.

What are the GLP-1 medication options currently available on the market?

There are a few GLP-1s being marketed exclusively as anti-obesity medications.

Liraglutide, brand name Saxenda®, which comes in multiple doses and is administered once a day as an injection,
Semaglutide, brand name Wegovy©, also an injection also but administered weekly.

Both medications come in multiple dosing options but are always started at the lowest dose and then titrated up as needed. As noted above, GLP-1s are also a powerful tool in diabetes management. The GLP-1s that were originally marketed as a diabetes treatment include semaglutide, brand name Ozempic®, liraglutide, brand name Victoza®, dulaglutide, brand name Trulicity©, and the latest GLP-1 to the market, tirzepitide, brand name Mounjaro©, which is a combination GIP/GLP-1. These GLP-1s can also safely be used “off label” for weight loss. They often cost less than their weight loss counterparts and can be just as effective in assisting with weight loss and long-term weight management. In conjunction with a reduced calorie diet and exercise, any of these GLP-1s can serve as a powerful tool to help you achieve your weight loss goals. References Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org NovoNordisk, www.talkGLP-1.com

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"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

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Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

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Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

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Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

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Lost 101 lbs

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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC.

I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time.

6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
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