GLP-1s
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how do GLP-1s work?
When you take a GLP-1 medication, your body responds in multiple ways.
The drug slows gastric emptying, which means that food moves more slowly from your stomach into your intestine. Scientists believe this gives your body more time to process and absorb nutrients from a meal. But it also helps you feel full for longer.
The pancreas releases insulin, the hormone that tells the body to absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream. In people with diabetes, insulin isn’t released when it should be, and blood sugar can spike. GLP-1s help promote insulin release and lower blood sugar levels.
GLP-1s also act on satiety centers in the brain, telling it that you’re full. This not only reduces hunger, but also what many patients describe as “food noise” — the persistent mental preoccupation with eating.
The result of all these changes, for most patients, is that they eat less.
other uses for GLP-1s
GLP-1 medications were initially developed for Type 2 diabetes, and clinicians soon noticed their profound impacts on appetite and weight. But their effects on the body have turned out to be broader than anyone expected, and the list of approved uses keeps growing.
Heart disease. In patients with established cardiovascular disease — people who have already had a heart attack, stroke or coronary or peripheral artery disease — semaglutide is now FDA-approved to reduce the risk of another heart attack or stroke or death from heart disease.
Fatty liver disease. Semaglutide is also approved for metabolic-associated steatohepatitis, a progressive form of liver disease that’s closely tied to obesity. Weight loss drives much of the benefit, but the drugs also appear to act directly on liver inflammation.
Sleep apnea. Tirzepatide is approved for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. Again, this link is mostly driven by weight — people with obesity are far more likely to have sleep apnea, and losing weight is linked to an improvement in symptoms.
PMOS (previously known as PCOS). Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome isn’t yet an official FDA indication for any GLP-1 medications, but clinicians are increasingly using the drugs for women with the condition, which is closely tied to insulin resistance and weight.
Prediabetes. People with prediabetes — who have higher than usual but not yet diabetic blood sugar levels — can technically qualify for a GLP-1 prescription under current FDA guidelines.
Addiction and substance use. GLP-1 receptors are present in brain regions involved in rewards and craving. Early studies suggest the drugs may reduce not only the pull of food, but other addictive substances as well.
GLP FAQs
What are GLP-1 and GIP weight management treatments & what is their purpose?
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are once-weekly injection dual Glucagon Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Tirzepatide is also a Glucose Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. They work by increasing insulin (a hormone that lowers blood sugar level) production and lowering glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar) secretion. They also target areas in the brain that regulate appetite and food intake, triggering sensations of fullness, and appetite reduction.
What should I expect during treatment?
Your treatment provider will begin with a consultation that includes review of your health and medication history to ensure you are a good candidate for weight loss injections. If you have not had a physical with general health labs within 6 months, you may need to complete lab testing prior to treatment. You will be counseled on nutrition and exercise recommendations to be used along with your medication. injections for chronic weight management, including reducing calories and increasing physical activity. You will be taught how to perform these injections at home just below the surface of the skin (subcutaneously) and will be prescribed a dosage that is adjusted for your individual needs, and in accordance with your treatment plan.
During your treatment, you will be able to contact us for questions, and will be regularly checked on. Follow up visits will be done ever 3 months, or more often at the discretion of your provider.
How does medical weight loss work?
Medical weight loss is a supervised, personalized program that combines FDA-approved medication, tailored nutrition, lifestyle changes, and behavioral counseling to achieve sustainable weight loss. It addresses the root causes of weight gain—such as metabolic issues or hunger signals—using tools like GLP-1 agonists to reduce appetite and improve metabolic health.
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