What are GLP-1s?

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Sally-Anne Turner

With all the noise about game-changing weight loss medications sweeping across the UK and making headlines in major health publications, the term 'GLP-1' has been thrown about frequently in medical discussions, news articles, and social media conversations. But what are GLP-1s, and what have they got to do with successful weight loss? More importantly, how can understanding these naturally occurring hormones help you make informed decisions about your own weight management journey?

If you've been struggling to lose weight through traditional diet and exercise alone, or if you've heard friends and family members discussing their success with new weight loss injections, you're likely curious about what GLP-1 medications are and whether they might be suitable for you. At Bodyline Clinic, we've been at the forefront of medical weight loss treatments for over 18 years, supporting more than 100,000 patients across the UK with safe, effective, and clinically supervised weight management programmes. Our experienced team of specialist doctors and nurse prescribers understand that weight loss is rarely straightforward and that many factors beyond simple willpower can affect your ability to lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone produced naturally in our guts, specifically in specialised cells within the lining of our small intestine. It is released by the intestines in response to food intake, particularly carbohydrates and fats. When you eat a meal, your body triggers the release of GLP-1 as part of a complex system of hormonal signals that help regulate your metabolism, blood sugar levels, and feelings of hunger and fullness. It has many purposes in our body; the main functions are:

1. Stimulating insulin secretion, a hormone that prevents blood sugar levels from getting too high by helping glucose move from your bloodstream into your cells, where it can be used for energy
2. Inhibiting glucagon secretion, a hormone that prevents blood sugar levels from going too low by telling your liver when to release stored glucose
3. Acts as a physiological regulator of appetite and food intake by sending satiety signals to your brain
4. Slowing gastric emptying, which means food stays in your stomach longer, helping you feel fuller for extended periods after eating
5. Supporting healthy pancreatic function by promoting the growth and survival of insulin-producing beta cells

GLP-1 plays a crucial role in the body regulating blood sugar levels, controlling appetite, and aiding in insulin production. It is a natural hormone that helps to slow down digestion, increase satiety, and reduce food intake. For most people, this system works relatively well to maintain a healthy balance between energy intake and expenditure. However, for individuals struggling with obesity or significant weight gain, this natural regulatory system may not function as effectively as it should. Some people produce insufficient amounts of GLP-1, while others may have developed resistance to its effects, meaning their bodies don't respond as strongly to the hormone's signals. This is where GLP-1 receptor agonist medications come into play, offering a way to enhance or restore this natural appetite regulation system.

Understanding how GLP-1 works in your body is essential for appreciating why GLP-1 medications have become such a significant breakthrough in obesity treatment. Unlike older weight loss medications that simply suppressed appetite through stimulant effects, GLP-1 medications work with your body's natural systems to help restore normal appetite regulation. This makes them not only more effective but also generally safer and better tolerated than many previous weight loss treatments. At Bodyline Clinic, our clinical team takes time to explain exactly how these medications work, ensuring you understand what to expect and how to get the best results from your treatment programme.

Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.

What are GLP-1 receptor agonists?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic the effects of GLP-1 in the body. They bind to GLP-1 receptors and activate them, resulting in similar physiological responses as the natural hormone. These medications are sometimes called GLP-1 analogues or incretin mimetics, and they represent one of the most significant advances in weight management and diabetes treatment in recent decades. The development of these medications has transformed how healthcare professionals approach obesity treatment, moving away from viewing weight problems as simply a matter of willpower and recognising them as complex metabolic conditions that often require medical intervention.

GLP-1 receptor agonists were formulated in medications to help those struggling with type-2 diabetes due to the hormone's insulin-stimulating properties, helping regulate blood sugar levels. The initial development of these medications focused entirely on improving glycaemic control in diabetic patients who were struggling to manage their condition with other treatments. However, during clinical trials clinicians saw that the agonists also reduce appetite and promote incredible weight loss as what was initially considered a beneficial side effect.

This unexpected discovery led pharmaceutical companies and researchers to investigate whether these medications could be used specifically for weight management in people without diabetes. The results have been remarkable, with clinical trials demonstrating weight loss results that far exceed what was previously achievable with medication alone. Further research is also showing the promising effects of GLP-1 agonists on reducing the risk of strokes and other cardiovascular events, suggesting that these medications may offer broader health benefits beyond weight loss and blood sugar control.

As a result, some GLP-1 receptor agonist medications have been remarketed as treatments for obesity and weight health, and the regulatory medical body National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved some of them for use in treating obesity in the UK. This approval process involved rigorous evaluation of clinical trial data, safety profiles, and cost-effectiveness analyses to ensure these medications represent a valuable addition to the weight management treatment options available through the NHS and private healthcare providers like Bodyline Clinic.

What makes GLP-1 receptor agonists particularly effective for weight loss is their multi-faceted approach to appetite regulation. Unlike simple appetite suppressants that just make you feel less hungry, GLP-1 medications work through several different mechanisms simultaneously. They slow down how quickly food moves through your digestive system, which helps you feel fuller for longer after eating. They reduce the rewarding feelings you get from eating high-calorie foods, which can help break patterns of emotional eating or food cravings. They also help stabilise blood sugar levels, which reduces the energy crashes and subsequent hunger spikes that can lead to overeating or snacking on sugary foods.

At Bodyline Clinic, we've seen firsthand how effective these medications can be when used as part of a comprehensive, medically supervised weight loss programme. Our patients often report that for the first time in years, they feel in control of their eating habits rather than constantly fighting against overwhelming hunger or food obsessions. This makes it much easier to stick to a healthy eating plan and develop the sustainable lifestyle changes needed for long-term weight management. However, it's crucial to understand that these medications are not magic solutions that work without any effort on your part. They are powerful tools that make weight loss significantly easier, but they work best when combined with nutritional guidance, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing clinical support.

What are the GLP-1 medications available in the UK?

There are several GLP-1 medications around the world that have been approved for either diabetes management or weight loss treatment, and the availability of these medications continues to expand as new formulations are developed and approved by regulatory authorities. In the UK, the medications that are currently available and approved for weight management include:

1. Tirzepatide (injectable pens branded as Mounjaro) - the newest and most effective option currently available
2. Semaglutide (injectable pens branded as WeGovy or Ozempic and an oral pill branded as Rybelsus) – widely prescribed and well-established
3. Dulaglutide (injectable pens branded as Trulicity) – primarily used for diabetes management but with weight loss benefits
4. Liraglutide (injectable pens branded as Saxenda) - one of the first GLP-1 medications approved specifically for weight loss

They can only be prescribed to those with a BMI of 30 and over, which classifies them as living with obesity, or those with a BMI of over 27 who are struggling with weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnoea. These eligibility criteria are set by medical regulatory bodies to ensure that these powerful medications are used appropriately for people who will benefit most from them and to prevent misuse by individuals who don't have a clinical need for medical weight loss treatment.

It's important to note that they should only be prescribed by qualified, regulated, and fully medically supportive weight loss clinics who can base prescriptions on your medical history, other medications you're taking, and lifestyle factors that might affect your treatment. At Bodyline Clinic, every patient undergoes a thorough medical assessment before any weight loss medication is prescribed. Our CQC-regulated clinics ensure that all prescribing practices meet the highest standards of patient safety and clinical excellence. We consider your complete medical history, any existing health conditions, medications you're currently taking, and your individual weight loss goals to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Websites and online sellers who claim to sell GLP-1 weight loss medications should be met with extreme caution due to instances of illnesses and severe reactions from counterfeit or improperly stored medications. There has been a worrying increase in black market sales of weight loss injections, with some individuals experiencing serious adverse effects from fake medications that contain unknown substances or incorrect dosages. The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) has issued multiple warnings about purchasing prescription medications online without proper medical supervision.

Let's explore each of the main GLP-1 medications available in the UK in more detail, so you can understand the differences between them and how they might fit into your weight loss journey:

1. Semaglutide (Ozempic rebranded as WeGovy):

Semaglutide is an injectable medication self-administered once weekly and has been approved for both type 2 diabetes and obesity treatment. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies specialising in diabetes and obesity treatments, Ozempic was originally marketed as a diabetes treatment, but due to the significant weight loss effects demonstrated in clinical trials, they began producing a remarketed version, WeGovy, specifically to treat obesity. The key difference between Ozempic and WeGovy is the dosage - WeGovy uses higher doses of semaglutide that are optimised for weight loss rather than blood sugar control.

Users have seen an average 15% body weight reduction in studies over a 68-week period when used alongside diet and exercise, with some individuals achieving even greater weight loss. The medication is administered using a pre-filled injection pen that makes self-administration straightforward and relatively painless. Most patients find that any initial side effects, such as mild nausea, settle down after the first few weeks as their body adjusts to the medication. At Bodyline Clinic, we provide comprehensive guidance on how to use your injection pen correctly, manage any side effects, and optimise your results through dietary and lifestyle modifications that complement your medication.

1. Liraglutide (Saxenda):

Liraglutide is also an injectable medication approved for the treatment of obesity but is self-administered once a day rather than once weekly. It helps reduce appetite and promotes weight loss when used as part of a comprehensive weight loss programme that includes dietary changes and increased physical activity. While the daily injection schedule requires more frequent administration than weekly medications like semaglutide, some patients prefer this approach as it allows for more flexibility in adjusting doses and managing any side effects.

Here at Bodyline, we have been prescribing Saxenda as part of our medical weight loss treatment plans for almost 10 years, helping clients lose 5-10% of their body weight on average safely and effectively. Our extensive experience with this medication means we understand exactly how to optimise dosing schedules, manage side effects, and support patients through their treatment journey. Many of our patients have achieved life-changing results with Saxenda, not just in terms of weight loss but also improvements in related health conditions such as high blood pressure, joint pain, and sleep quality.

1. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro):

Mounjaro is a new injectable medication, that has JUST been approved for obesity treatment by MHRA as of November 2023, making it the newest option available to patients in the UK. Tirzepatide has shown groundbreaking results in promoting weight loss and controlling blood sugar levels, with many experts considering it the most effective weight loss medication currently available. What makes Mounjaro unique is that it's actually a dual agonist - it mimics not just GLP-1 but also another hormone called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which may explain its superior effectiveness compared to GLP-1-only medications.

Clinical trials saw that over 85% of users saw a loss of between 5-20% of their body weight, far surpassing the effectiveness of other GLP-1 injectable medications available. Some participants in clinical trials achieved weight loss results comparable to what might be expected from bariatric surgery, but without the risks and recovery time associated with surgical procedures. At Bodyline Clinic, we're excited to now offer Mounjaro as part of our treatment options, and we're already seeing impressive results in our patients who have started this medication. Book a consultation at Bodyline Clinic to discuss whether Mounjaro might be the right choice for your weight loss goals.

GLP-1s as part of Bodyline's medical weight loss treatments

At Bodyline, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide (Ozempic, WeGovy) and Liraglutide (Saxenda) are integral components of our medical weight loss treatments, forming part of our comprehensive approach to helping patients achieve sustainable, long-term weight loss. Alongside our popular oral pills such as Phentermine and Diethylpropion, these medications can help individuals achieve their weight loss goals more effectively when used within our personalised and fully supported medical weight loss programmes. What sets Bodyline apart from other weight loss services is our commitment to providing ongoing clinical support, regular monitoring, and expert guidance throughout your entire weight loss journey.

The addition of GLP-1 receptor agonists in our treatments offers several benefits beyond simple weight loss. By regulating blood sugar levels, GLP-1s help improve insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control. This can be particularly beneficial for those at risk of developing diabetes or those who already have prediabetes and want to prevent progression to full type 2 diabetes. Many of our patients have seen significant improvements in their HbA1c levels (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) after starting GLP-1 medications, with some individuals who were on the verge of needing diabetes medication being able to avoid this through weight loss achieved with our programmes.

Furthermore, GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to reduce appetite and increase satiety, making it easier for individuals to adhere to their dietary plans without feeling constantly hungry or deprived. This can lead to better weight loss outcomes and improved long-term weight management, as patients develop healthier eating habits that they can maintain even after completing their medication course. Unlike crash diets that leave you feeling miserable and hungry, treatment with GLP-1 medications allows you to reduce your calorie intake comfortably and sustainably. Many of our patients report that for the first time in their lives, they feel in control around food rather than food controlling them.

At Bodyline, our experienced healthcare professionals closely monitor the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists as part of a comprehensive weight loss program. They ensure proper dosing, monitor for any potential side effects, and make necessary adjustments to optimize treatment outcomes. We don't simply prescribe medication and send you on your way - we provide regular follow-up appointments, weight monitoring, blood pressure checks, and ongoing nutritional counselling to ensure you're getting the best possible results from your treatment. Our team is always available to answer questions, address concerns, or adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Our medical weight loss programmes combine GLP-1 medications with evidence-based nutritional guidance, exercise recommendations tailored to your current fitness level, and behavioural support to help you develop the lifestyle changes needed for long-term success. We understand that everyone's weight loss journey is different, which is why we take a personalised approach to every patient's care. Whether you're looking to lose a stone or several stone, whether you have diabetes or other health conditions, or whether you've struggled with weight loss in the past, our team has the expertise and experience to help you succeed.

We also recognise that cost is an important consideration for many patients. While GLP-1 medications represent an investment in your health, we strive to make our treatments as accessible as possible through flexible payment options and competitive pricing. When you consider the long-term health benefits of successful weight loss - reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other obesity-related conditions, improved quality of life, increased energy and mobility - many patients find that medical weight loss treatment represents excellent value for money compared to the cumulative costs of failed diet attempts or the future healthcare costs associated with obesity-related diseases.

If you're struggling with weight management and are interested in learning more about GLP-1s and how they can be incorporated into your weight loss journey, contact Bodyline today. Our dedicated weight loss specialists are here to provide the guidance and support you need for successful and sustainable weight loss. We have clinics across the Northwest of England, including locations in Birkenhead, Liverpool, Manchester, St Helens, Stockport, Stoke-on-Trent, and Warrington, making it convenient for patients throughout the region to access our services. For patients outside the Northwest, we also offer online consultations via secure video link, allowing you to receive expert medical weight loss support from the comfort of your own home.

Call on 0800 995 6036 to speak with our friendly customer service team who can answer your questions and help you book your initial consultation, or fill in our online contact form for a call back at a time that suits you. During your first consultation, one of our specialist nurses or doctors will conduct a thorough medical assessment, discuss your weight loss goals and any previous attempts at weight loss, explain the different treatment options available, and work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that fits your individual needs and circumstances.

Don't let another year go by struggling with your weight. With the right medical support and the latest evidence-based treatments, sustainable weight loss is achievable. Book a consultation at Bodyline Clinic to discuss how GLP-1 medications could transform your weight loss journey and help you achieve the healthier, happier life you deserve. Our team has helped over 100,000 patients across the UK achieve their weight loss goals, and we're ready to help you become our next success story.