What Is GLP-1’s & GLP/GIP (Semaglutide & Tirzepatide)?
GLP-1 (Semaglutide), (GLP-1(Glucagon Like Peptide) receptor agonist) works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and food intake. This can help you eat less, which can lead to weight loss.
GLP-1 (Semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (excess weight) (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems, to help them lose weight and keep it off. GLP-1 (Semaglutide) should be used with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
Doctors do know that GLP-1s appear to help curb hunger. These medications also slow the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine. As a result, you may feel full faster and longer, resulting in you eating less.
Along with helping to control blood sugar and boost weight loss, GLP-1s seem to have other major benefits. Research has found that some GLP-I’s may lower the risk of heart disease, such as heart failure, stroke and kidney disease. People taking GLP-1’s have also seen their blood pressure and cholesterol levels improve. But it's not clear whether these benefits are from the medication or the weight loss...either way it’s a win win!
• GLP-1 (Semaglutide) contains GLP-1 (Semaglutide) and should not be used with other GLP-1 (Semaglutide) -containing products or other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines.
• It is not known if GLP-1 (Semaglutide) is safe and effective when taken with over the counter, or herbal weight-loss products.
• It is not known if GLP-1 (Semaglutide) can be used safely in people with a history of pancreatitis
Is the medication safe?
GLP-1 (Semaglutide) medications are FDA-approved and safe. They have been widely used since 2005 and are commonly used by patients with minimal side effects. GLP-1 (Semaglutide) is one of the GLP-1 medications approved, and clinically tested by the FDA, which is also stimulant-free, and non-habit forming.
Does it interact with other medications?
A full medical evaluation will be performed, including blood work if needed, before customizing your treatment plan and prescribing GLP-1 (Semaglutide). It can be safely taken with other common prescription medications, including blood pressure, thyroid, and diabetes medications. We will determine the best medication option for you.
How much weight have people lost taking How much weight have people lost taking GLP-1 (Semaglutide)?
In a 68-week medical study of 1,961 adults living with obesity or excess weight with a related medical problem, adults lost ~35 lbs (or ~15% body weight). People taking placebo in the study (not on medicine) lost an average of 6 lb (or ~2.5% body weight). The average starting weight for both groups was ~232 lbs.
Results are from a 68-week medical study of adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) and adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also had weight-related medical problems including high blood pressure or high cholesterol. People with type 2 diabetes were excluded. Both groups were instructed to take the medication while adhering to a reduced-calorie meal plan along with increased physical activity. 7% of people taking Wegovy® (GLP-1 (Semaglutide) (92 people) left the medical study due to side effects, compared to 3.1% of people taking placebo (20 people).
• 83% of adults taking GLP-1 (Semaglutide) lost 5% or more weight, compared to 31% taking placebo
• 66% of adults taking GLP-1 (Semaglutide) lost 10% or more weight, compared to 12% taking placebo
• 48% of adults taking GLP-1 (Semaglutide) lost 15% or more weight, compared to 5% taking placebo.
About 1 in 3 adults lost 46 lb or more (20% weight loss). This was calculated from ~232 lb starting weight.
In addition to a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity, people in this study taking GLP-1 (Semaglutide) lost more weight vs placebo.
*In a supportive measure, at week 68, at least 20% weight loss was seen in 30% of people taking GLP-1 (Semaglutide) versus 2% of people taking placebo.
Does it interact with other medications?
A full medical evaluation will be performed, including blood work if needed, before customizing your treatment plan and prescribing GLP-1 (Semaglutide). It can be safely taken with other common prescription medications, including blood pressure, thyroid, and diabetes medications. We will determine the best medication option for you.
What are the most common side effects of GLP-1 (Semaglutide)?
The most common side effects of GLP-1 (Semaglutide) may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, and heartburn.
These side effects are very mild especially starting at a low dose and gradually increasing the dosage when your provider feels it is time to do so.
Most of these side effect can be treated with over-the-counter remedies like Antacids, Pepto bismol, anti-diarrhea medicines, Tylenol, Gas-Ex, Dulcolax (for constipation) or other fiber remedies for constipation. Our B-Vitamin shots given on the same day as your GLP-1 (Semaglutide) injection can help to combat nausea.
Again, most of these side effects are very mild and will quickly subside as your body gets used to GLP-1 (Semaglutide).
Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
Can I travel with GLP-1 (Semaglutide)?
It is possible to travel with your GLP-1 (Semaglutide): When traveling by air, keep your GLP-1 (Semaglutide) in your carry-on, as it may freeze in the baggage compartment. Be sure to check with the airline to see if they have any specific baggage rules. If needed, GLP-1 (Semaglutide) may be stored between 46°F and 86°F in the syringe for up to 28 days. If you are not able to come in for your injection, please let us know in advance so that we can arrange to educate you on self-administering the injection.
How is it taken/given?
GLP-1 (Semaglutide) is administered by our medical staff as a subcutaneous injection with a very small gauge needle (insulin Syringe) in the lower abdomen/flank/inner or outer thigh.
How often do I get the injection?
It is administered once per week by our medical staff and is best done on a consistent day of the week. We will set you up with an appointment to weigh-in and get the GLP-1 (Semaglutide) injection at the same time. This helps with accountability and to get you in and out of the clinic quickly.
How long do I take GLP-1 (Semaglutide)?
As mentioned earlier in this handout the studies were done on a 68-week trial. It can be taken long term (years) if needed for weight loss and maintenance if required.
What is the cost of the GLP-1 (Semaglutide)?
GLP-1 (Semaglutide) costs can be very expensive when purchased outright, the weight loss dose can be >$1,000 per month. Most insurance companies will not cover the cost of the injections. We at Physician’s Plan Weight Management Medical Clinics will do our very best to keep the price as low as possible but it depends on weight patient status and the dosage you are receiving and the available supply. Please ask one of our Practitioners for more information.
GLP-1/GLP (Tirzepatide)
GLP-1/GLP (Tirzepatide) is a weekly injection that can help lower blood glucose(sugar) for people with Type 2 diabetes. Along with diet and exercise, GLP-1/GLP (Tirzepatide) can lead to significant weight loss---an average of 15% to 20%. It’s FDA approved for chronic weight management in adults with or without diabetes, but there are certain requirements recommended by the manufacturer and certain BMI criteria.
GLP-1/GLP (Tirzepatide) is unique because it’s the first combination of two classes of medications: a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. Therefore, GLP-1/GLP (Tirzepatide) is known as a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. GLP-1 and GIP are both incretin hormones, which are hormones that are released after eating. GLP-1/GLP (Tirzepatide) works mimicking their effects. This includes telling the pancreas to release insulin after eating and signaling the liver to lower the amount of glucose it’s making. These effects help lower blood glucose, as well as signals your brain that you’re full and slows down digestion.
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Is the medication safe?
GLP-1/GIP (Tirzepatide) medications are FDA-approved for chronic weight loss.
Does it interact with other medications?
A full medical evaluation will be performed, including blood work if needed, before customizing your treatment plan and prescribing GLP-1/GLP (Tirzepatide). GLP-1/GLP (Tirzepatide) can interact with other medications, be sure to review your medications with your healthcare provider.
What are the most common side effects of GLP-1/GLP (Tirzepatide)?
The most common side effects of GLP-1/GLP (Tirzepatide) can be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, constipation, and upset stomach. These seem to be most bothersome when first starting it or after raising the dose. Most side effects are mild and resolve with time.
How is it taken/given?
GLP-1/GLP (Tirzepatide) is administered by our medical staff as a subcutaneous injection with a very small gauge needle (insulin Syringe) in the lower abdomen/flank/inner or outer thigh.
How often do I get the injection?
It is administered once per week by our medical staff and is best done on a consistent day of the week. We will set you up with an appointment to weigh-in and get the GLP-1/GLP (Tirzepatide) injection at the same time. This helps with accountability and to get you in and out of the clinic quickly.