Weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Moujaro and Wegovy have taken center-stage for weight loss and for good reason. Â These drugs mimic your own production of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1), a hormone that plays a key role in glucose metabolism and appetite regulation. When paired with a healthy diet and strength training, metabolic and body composition changes are remarkable. Â But, it's not just weight loss that makes this class of drugs so powerful, it's the other metabolic and preventative health benefits as well.Â
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1. Blood Sugar Control
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Lower Blood Glucose: GLP-1 stimulates insulin release from the pancreas when blood glucose is high, helping to lower blood sugar levels.
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Reduces Glucagon Secretion: It reduces glucagon secretion, which prevents the liver from producing too much glucose.
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Improved A1C Levels: For individuals with higher HbA1c, pre diabetes and type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications can significantly improve hemoglobin A1C levels.
2. Cardiovascular Benefits
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Reduced Risk of Heart Disease: Some GLP-1 medications have been shown to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.
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Blood Pressure Reduction: GLP-1 can modestly reduce blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health.
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Cholesterol Improvement: GLP-1 use can be associated with a slight reduction in LDL cholesterol levels.
3. Reduced Inflammation
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GLP-1 has anti-inflammatory effects, which may benefit people with conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.
4. Potential Neuroprotective Effects
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Some studies suggest that GLP-1 might have neuroprotective properties, which could be beneficial in preventing conditions like dementia, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Â
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One study suggests potential benefits including "synaptic protection, improvements in cognition, learning and motor function, amyloid pathology-ameliorating properties, the suppression of Ca2+ deregulation and ER stress, potent anti-inflammatory effects, the blockage of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis pathways, enhancements in the neuronal insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism, functional improvements in autophagy and mitophagy, elevated BDNF and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) synthesis as well as neurogenesis."
5. Improved Liver Health
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GLP-1 may reduce liver fat accumulation, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
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6. Weight Loss
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Appetite Suppression: GLP-1 reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake.
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Delayed Gastric Emptying: It slows down the emptying of the stomach, which prolongs satiety and reduces meal sizes, contributing to weight loss.
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These benefits make GLP-1 therapies a versatile tool for managing metabolic health and designing thoughtful and personalized prevention programs. Â Learn more about our GLP-1 services here.Â
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Disclosure: As with all prescription medications, providers must use their discretion to decide if this class of medications is safe and appropriate for each unique patient. This medication is most effective when paired with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and comprehensive medical support.