With all the noise about game-changing weight loss medications, the term ‘GLP-1’ has been thrown about, but what are GLP-1s and what have they got to do with successful weight loss?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone produced naturally in our guts. It is released by the intestines in response to food intake, particularly carbohydrates. It has many purposes in our body, the main functions are:
- Stimulating insulin secretion, a hormone that prevents blood sugar levels getting too high
- Inhibiting glucagon secretion, a hormone that prevents blood sugar levels going too low
- Acts as physiological regulator of appetite and food intake
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.
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.
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, but during clinical trials clinicians saw that the agonists also reduce appetite and promote incredible weight loss.
Further research is also showing the promising effects of GLP-1 agonists on reducing the risk of strokes and other cardiovascular events.
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.
What are the GLP-1 medications available in the UK?
There are several GLP-1 medications around the world, they include:
- Tirzepatide (injectable pens branded as Mounjaro)
- Semaglutide (injectable pens branded as WeGovy or Ozempic, and an oral pill branded as Rybelsus)
- Dulaglutide (injectable pens branded as Trulicity)
- Liraglutide (injectable pens branded as Saxenda)
They can only be prescribed to those with a BMI of 30 and over or those with a BMI of over 27 struggling with weight related health problems.
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, and lifestyle. 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.
- 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, 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.
Users have seen an average 15% body weight reduction in studies over a 68-week period when used alongside diet and exercise.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda):
Liraglutide is also an injectable medication approved for the treatment of obesity but is self-administered once a day. It helps reduce appetite and promotes weight loss when used as part of a comprehensive weight loss programme.
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.
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro):
Mounjaro is a new injectable medication, that has JUST been approved for obesity treatment by MHRA as of November 2023. Tirzepatide has shown groundbreaking results in promoting weight loss and controlling blood sugar levels. 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.
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. Alongside our popular oral pills, these medications can help individuals achieve their weight loss goals more effectively when used within our personalised and fully supported medical weight loss programmes.
The addition of GLP-1 receptor agonists in our treatments offers several benefits. 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.
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. This can lead to better weight loss outcomes and improved long-term weight management.
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.
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.Call on 0800 995 6036 or fill in our online contact form for a call back.
