Let’s get straight to the answer to the burning question…
Q: Do weight loss drugs work?
A: Yes, some weight loss drugs work very well– but some do not.
If you search the internet for “the best weight loss drug,” you are going to be bombarded with everything from medical weight loss drugs to diet pills, herbs, supplements, and more.
The weight loss space is no doubt saturated. Marketdata estimates that the U.S. weight loss market reached a record $89.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow by another 4.3%, reaching at least $93.8 billion in 2024. It can get confusing trying to figure out what weight loss drugs work and which ones a waste of money.
We aren’t going to get into the long list of herbs and supplements that some claim reduce appetite and melt fat. For this article, we will stick to medical weight loss drugs, such as GLP-1 injections, that are FDA-approved, backed by science, and have plenty of raving reviews from people who have had great success using them.
What is GLP-1?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a natural hormone in the small intestine that is released in response to eating. GLP-1 has several important functions that are crucial aspects of weight loss, including:
- Appetite Regulation: When you eat, GLP-1 signals to your brain that you are full. Another way it controls appetite is by slowing down and regulating the digestive process, prolonging the feeling of fullness after meals.
- Helps Maintain Stable Blood Sugar Levels: GLP-1 helps the pancreas release insulin in response to meals, which lowers blood glucose levels. It also inhibits the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels by promoting glucose production in the liver.
- Controls Gastric Emptying: GLP-1 regulates how quickly food leaves the stomach and enters the intestines. Controlled emptying ensures that glucose is released into the bloodstream at a steady pace. This is important for preventing sudden increases in blood sugar levels. The slower gastric emptying also prolongs the sensation of fullness, helping with appetite control.
Everyone makes the GLP-1 hormone, but like the many other hormones in the body, everyone doesn’t produce the same amount. In people with obesity or metabolic disorders, GLP-1 function may be impaired or less effective.
They might have normal or even elevated levels of GLP-1, but their bodies may not respond to it as effectively. This could result in difficulties regulating appetite and maintaining healthy and stable blood sugar levels– two of the most important factors in weight loss.
What are GLP-1 Injections?
GLP-1 injections are a type of medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, often referred to as simply GLP-1 agonists. They mimic the actions of the natural hormone GLP-1 in the body, as described above.
GLP-1 injections are often prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes or those who are overweight or obese and need to improve their blood sugar control and/or lose weight. There are several commonly prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists on the market, with Semaglutide being one of the most popular in 2024.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has gained significant attention as an effective weight loss medication. It is the active ingredient in well-known drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are well known for aiding weight loss and improving blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes or obesity.
Semaglutide is both a standalone prescription and the active ingredient in the above-mentioned brand-name drugs. Essentially, Semaglutide is marketed under different brand names for specific uses. While both medications contain the same active ingredient, the difference lies in their FDA-approved uses, dosages, and branding.
If you want to learn more about Semaglutide– read “Semaglutide: Everything You Need to Know.”
GLP-1 weight loss injections such as Semaglutide are available by prescription only. If you believe you could benefit from a weight loss injection, a qualified health professional will evaluate your medical history, current health status, and specific needs. They might also want to do some bloodwork to ensure other weight-regulating hormones (such as testosterone) are balanced and in an ideal range.
Typically, GLP-1 injections are administered once a week. The length of your GLP-1 treatment plan varies based on several factors, including your response to the medication, weight loss goals, overall health condition, and any side effects you might experience.
Your medical weight loss drug provider will tailor the treatment plan to your unique needs, adjusting the dosage and duration as necessary to lower the risk of side effects and achieve the best results.
Health Benefits of GLP-1 Injections
There are many myths about medical weight loss drugs. However, it is widely known that GLP-1 injections can help control diabetes and contribute to weight loss. Studies show they can also improve overall health and are more than just a weight loss drug.
GLP-1 injections can contribute to better overall health in several ways:
Combat Obesity
Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. Currently, 73% of U.S. adults are overweight, and 39% are diagnosed as obese.
While many people who are overweight have not fully committed to a consistent diet and exercise regime, many have tried for years and need more help besides “try harder.” Considering obesity increases the risk of hundreds of health conditions, including two of the most deadly–heart disease and cancer– GLP-1 injections could be life-savers for some.
Improve Blood Sugar Control
GLP-1 injections help maintain more stable blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon release. This is crucial for people with diabetes and for those struggling with weight loss.
Stable blood sugar levels help prevent the spikes and crashes that can increase hunger and cravings. When blood sugar levels are steady, it is easier to manage appetite and avoid overeating, making weight loss efforts more effective.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Some GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes.
Have Potential Neuroprotective Effects
Emerging research suggests GLP-1 may have protective effects on brain cells, which could be beneficial for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, though more research is needed.
How GLP-1 Injections Work to Promote Weight Loss
GLP-1 injections mimic the action of natural GLP-1, which, as stated above, is a natural hormone crucial for several functions that play vital roles in your ability to lose weight.
First, and possibly the most important way GLP-1 promotes weight loss is that GLP-1 regulates appetite signals in the brain, promoting a feeling of fullness. This appetite suppression ultimately helps people consume fewer calories, which is vital in losing weight.
Additionally, GLP-1 injections delay stomach emptying. This delay means you will feel fuller for longer, reducing the urge to snack between meals and the frequency of eating, further contributing to calorie reduction and weight loss over time.
Last but not least, GLP-1 injections stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas in response to food intake. This enhances the body’s ability to utilize glucose efficiently. Why is this important? By efficiently using glucose, your body is less likely to store it as fat. The result? Less accumulation of excess fat and better metabolic health.
There are multiple ways, many of which overlap, that make GLP-1 injections effective for weight loss. Collectively, these benefits help many people lose weight when all other attempts have failed in the past.
How to Achieve Sustainable Results From GLP-1 Injections
Weight loss drugs such as Semaglutide have a proven track record. They have helped many people lose weight, often drastic amounts.
Because GLP-1 injections suppress appetite, which is one of (if not the most) important factor in weight loss, is it possible to lose weight using Semaglutide without adhering to exercise or a healthy diet? Sure! But this approach is not recommended for long-term success and overall health.
The ultimate goal is to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Building a solid health foundation will not only speed up results while on weight-loss drugs but also help create habits that are crucial for keeping the weight off.
For results of GLP-1 injections to be maximized and sustainable, you should not rely solely on GLP-1 injections. Here are the four health pillars you should focus on while taking weight-loss drugs to ensure optimal results and long-term success:
1: A Healthy Diet
While GLP-1 injections are known to drastically suppress appetite, the foods you choose still matter. Opting for lean protein and complex carbohydrates over high-calorie processed foods like pizza and fries is not only crucial for overall health. Developing healthy eating habits ensures that once you stop taking GLP-1 injections, you will be more likely to continue choosing healthy foods.
This is important because while you will have trained your body to eat smaller portions and have better control over your hunger cues, your appetite will likely not be as suppressed once you come off of GLP-1 injections. If you are in the habit of eating high-calorie junk food, this will continue once you stop the injections, leading you to overeat these high-calorie foods and regain the weight you lost.
2: Cardio + Resistance Training
The exercise piece of the puzzle is also very important. Cardio improves heart health and aids in fat loss, while resistance training builds lean muscle mass, which boosts your metabolism and enhances calorie burning. Incorporating both types of exercise maximizes the benefits of GLP-1 injections and creates a healthy habit that will help you keep the weight off after you stop treatment.
Developing the habit of consistently exercising is important, particularly resistance training, because it builds muscle. Lean muscle is crucial for a healthy metabolism. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, contributing to ongoing calorie expenditure even when you aren’t exercising!
Also, if you don’t incorporate resistance training, not only will you not see the best results from your dieting efforts, but you will simply become a smaller version of your larger self. Resistance training builds muscle, which changes the shape and feel of your body—that is what most people ultimately want to achieve! Remember, you don’t only want to lower the number on the scale.
3: Sleep/Rest
Most people do not realize how important rest days and sleep are for weight loss. Taking rest days from physical activity is just as important as the time you spend in the gym. This is when your body recovers, repairs muscle tissue, and builds strength.
Quality sleep is also crucial. Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating hormones that control appetite and metabolism. Lack of sleep can also cause you to retain water and not have enough energy to exercise.
Everyone requires a different amount of sleep. You will need to figure out how much sleep you need for your body to thrive. Typically, this is at least 7 hours of quality sleep per night.
But the number of hours you sleep is only one aspect of healthy sleep patterns. You need to have a consistent sleep schedule, aiming to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Maintaining consistency in your sleep and wake times helps regulate your body’s internal clock, improving sleep quality and overall health.
Additionally, your sleep needs to be quality. Tossing and turning for 7 hours isn’t quality sleep. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, minimizing screen time before bed, and ensuring your sleep environment is comfortable can all contribute to better sleep quality.
4: Stress Management
Stress is another overlooked element of weight loss. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a stress hormone that can affect how your body stores fat, particularly around the abdominal area, making weight loss more challenging.
Stress can also influence hunger hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin. High levels of stress can disrupt the balance of these hormones, leading to increased appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods.
If you struggle with stress, get in the habit of incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.
Where to get GLP-1 Injections
GLP-1 agonists such as Semaglutide injections are available only by prescription and should only be prescribed and administered by trained and reputable weight-loss specialists.
You should be very cautious of online pharmacies selling weight loss drugs that do not require a thorough well-check beforehand and consistent monitoring once treatment begins. While Semaglutide is typically well-tolerated and considered safe for most people, some do experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
These side effects can occur even when following prescribed guidelines but typically happen when the dosage is initially increased and as the body adjusts to the medication. The dose you take should be closely monitored, and you should schedule and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the medication is effective and any side effects are managed promptly.
At Relive Health, we offer many services that promote whole-body health and wellness, including medical weight loss injections. Check out our clinic locator to find a Relive Health clinic near you to get prescribed a personalized GLP-1 injection treatment plan– typically on the same day as your first visit.
