Medication
Understanding different types of weight loss medications
GLP-1
GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the action of a natural hormone in your body called Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1).
This natural hormone is released in your gut after you eat, and the medication essentially amplifies its effects across multiple systems to manage blood sugar and appetite.
The Science Behind
Helps reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness
Activates both GLP-1 and GIP hormone pathways
Clinically shown to aid significant weight reduction when combined with lifestyle changes
Supports improved blood sugar control
GLP-1 vs GIP
Stimulates Insulin
Also triggers insulin release in a glucose-dependent manner.
Acts on Fat Cells
May have direct effects on fat metabolism and energy balance that are complementary to GLP-1.
Synergistic Effect
The combination of GIP and GLP-1 activation in tirzepatide is thought to be more powerful for blood sugar control and weight loss than GLP-1 activation alone.
Stimulates Insulin
Triggers the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high.
Suppresses Glucagon
Reduces the amount of sugar the liver makes.
Slows Digestion
Delays how quickly food leaves the stomach (gastric emptying)
Curbs Appetite
Acts on the brain to increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger.
GLP-1 vs GIP
GLP-1
Stimulates Insulin
Also triggers insulin release in a glucose-dependent manner.
Acts on Fat Cells
May have direct effects on fat metabolism and energy balance that are complementary to GLP-1.
Synergistic Effect
The combination of GIP and GLP-1 activation in tirzepatide is thought to be more powerful for blood sugar control and weight loss than GLP-1 activation alone.
GIP
Stimulates Insulin
Triggers the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high.
Suppresses Glucagon
Reduces the amount of sugar the liver makes.
Slows Digestion
Delays how quickly food leaves the stomach (gastric emptying)
Curbs Appetite
Acts on the brain to increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
Drug Class
Hormones Mimicked
Pathways Activated
Percentage of Weight Lost
Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Two hormones: GIP and GLP-1
Activates the receptors for both Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1).
18-21% (with higher doses, depending on patient profile)
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
One hormone: GLP-1
Activates only the receptor for Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1).
15–18% (with standard high dose, over ~1-2 years)
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
Drug Class
Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Hormones Mimicked
Two hormones: GIP and GLP-1
Pathways Activated
Activates the receptors for both Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1).
Percentage of Weight Lost
18-21% (with higher doses, depending on patient profile)
Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
Drug Class
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Hormones Mimicked
One hormone: GLP-1
Pathways Activated
Activates only the receptor for Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1).
Percentage of Weight Lost
15–18% (with standard high dose, over ~1-2 years)
What is the criteria to be prescribed GLP-1 agonists?
Have a BMI of 30 or higher
Or
Liraglutide: BMI ≥ 27.5,
Semaglutide: BMI ≥ 27.5,
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