Weight loss management can be a challenge for even the most committed individuals. One of the newest additions to comprehensive weight loss is GLP-1. The experts at Scottsdale Weight Loss Center give you a comprehensive rundown of GLP-1 and why you should add it to your weight loss plan.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor medication. Its job is to mimic the GLP-1 hormone in the body. This hormone is released in response to eating food. When this hormone is released in the gut, it does a couple of things. It prompts the body to produce insulin to reduce glucose in the blood. This is why GLP-1 was originally utilized to manage diabetes in patients.
More importantly, GLP-1 can positively interact with the brain in high amounts. It will work to suppress your appetite and make you feel as if you’re full. When exercise and dieting are utilized in combination with GLP-1, it can result in significant weight loss for individuals.
The Science Behind GLP-1 and Weight Loss Detailed
GLP-1, known on the market as Wegovy, is typically prescribed in dosages of 2.4 milligrams. It’s administered via subcutaneous self-injections every week. One study on GLP-1 was performed on nearly 2,000 obese individuals, all of whom changed their diet and exercise programs. Half of these participants were given GLP-1 to help with their weight management.
After 68 weeks, the study revealed that around half of the participants taking GLP-1 lost 15 percent of their total body weight. One-third of the GLP-1 participants showed weight loss of 20 percent of their total body weight. The participants who weren’t given GLP-1 lost an average of 2.4 percent of their total body weight.
There’s no doubt that GLP-1 is effective at helping people lose weight.
Integrating GLP-1 into a Weight Loss Plan
Those who are serious about losing a significant amount of weight will need to commit to a complete holistic weight loss program. While GLP-1 is a great tool to help aid in releasing excess body weight, it shouldn’t be used on its own. Adding in regular exercise and eating healthier are absolute necessities to maintaining your weight loss results.
Managing Expectations and Side Effects
As with any change in your regular diet and exercise routine, we will oversee your GLP-1 process as there are known side effects. If you’re considering incorporating this weight loss aid into your weight loss plan, you might experience the following:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Stomach Issues
- Gastrointestinal Issues
Patients have found that if they start with lower dosages and step up from there, they experience fewer side effects from this weight loss treatment.
Long-Term Weight Management
As with any weight loss program, it’s imperative to understand how long you can stay on the prescribed medication. Typically, patients who don’t show any significant side effects to GLP-1 may utilize these self-injections for up to 68 weeks–but discuss this with us to get a more concrete timeline. Our patients usually end their GLP-1 use in less than a year.
After ending your GLP-1 treatment, there are various strategies that you can utilize to stop rebound weight gain. First and foremost, you need to make sleep a priority. Multiple studies have shown that lack of sleep leads to unwanted weight gain and increased hunger and can even mess with your body’s ability to control your blood sugar.
Another must-have priority in your life to maintain your GLP-1 weight loss results is movement. You need to make a plan to move more throughout your day. Scheduled exercise sessions, walks, sporting activities, and so forth are all great ways to prioritize moving around.
GLP-1 is a valuable tool in weight loss management for those who are obese. By understanding how it works and what you can do to amplify and maintain your results, this prescription injection can be a great asset to your overall health.
Let’s talk more about your weight loss goals
At Scottsdale Weight Loss Center, with practices in Phoenix, Chandler, and Glendale, we are committed to assisting you in integrating GLP-1 into your comprehensive weight loss regimen. Our team of certified physicians is poised to guide you with tailored treatment plans and deliver ongoing support and monitoring.
Schedule a consultation with us, and discover firsthand how GLP-1 can contribute to your enduring success in weight management.
