Achieve your body transformation goals: GLP-1 medications for weight loss

Starting a weight loss and body transformation journey can be anything but straightforward — it’s often challenging, especially if past attempts haven’t worked out. However, GLP-1 medications offer real promise for men facing obesity or being overweight, thanks to their proven effectiveness in aiding weight loss.

If you want to understand what GLP-1 is and how it can help you lose weight, this guide has all the answers you need.

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1, short for glucagon-like peptide 1, is a hormone produced in the gut that helps regulate insulin release after you eat [1]. It also slows down how quickly the stomach empties and plays a key role in making you feel full [1][2].

This important hormone has been mimicked in certain medications now used to treat diabetes and obesity, offering promising results.

Curious about how these medications work? Let’s explore further.

What are GLP-1 medications and how do they work?

GLP-1 agonists are a type of medication often prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes alongside proper diet and exercise, without requiring insulin [3]. These drugs work by lowering blood sugar levels, making it easier to control the condition.

Beyond managing diabetes, GLP-1 medications are highly effective for weight loss by mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone your body produces during meals. This hormone stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, reducing blood sugar levels, while slowing the release of glucagon-like peptides. By doing so, these medications help reset the body's "set point" for weight control.

They also play a significant role in curbing appetite, helping you feel full and satisfied after meals, which can reduce the urge to overeat. For lasting health improvements, it's essential to pair GLP-1 medications with positive lifestyle habits, such as quality sleep, regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and emotional well-being.

It’s important to note that GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda need to be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their effectiveness.

What medications are GLP-1?

You might recognise several GLP-1 medications by their well-known brand names, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda. Let's explore each medication and its uses.

Ozempic

Ozempic is an easy-to-use, once-weekly injection that contains semaglutide as its active ingredient. It was originally developed to assist individuals with type 2 diabetes in managing their blood sugar levels and continues to be used for this purpose in the UK.

Wegovy

Wegovy is a weekly injectable medication that includes semaglutide, an active ingredient often used to regulate blood sugar levels. In the UK, Wegovy is utilised for weight loss and obesity treatment [4].

It has undergone studies and trials as a weight management drug and can effectively support weight loss when combined with a calorie deficit and regular exercise.

Saxenda

Saxenda is another self-injectable medication that is used as a weight loss solution. Similar to Wegovy, it is available in a prefilled pen for injection. However, unlike Wegovy's once-weekly dosage, Saxenda requires daily injections.

Instead of semaglutide, Saxenda's primary active ingredient is liraglutide. It functions similarly by mimicking the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, helping to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels, which can result in reduced calorie intake and weight loss.

Rybelsus

Rybelsus is a daily prescription medication with the same active ingredient as Wegovy and Ozempic —semaglutide. Primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes alongside a healthy diet and exercise, research indicates that Rybelsus can also aid in weight loss.

Unlike the other injectable medications, Rybelsus is available as a tablet, offering a more convenient and easy-to-take daily option.

How are GLP-1 medications taken?

As mentioned, GLP-1 medications are typically administered through injections, with each brand having its own regimen. Some require daily injections, while others are weekly.

Self-administering injections might seem daunting, but your healthcare provider will guide you on how to do this properly.

Healthcare professionals will also advise you on the frequency and duration of the medication, tailored to your personal or family history and any other medications you may be taking.

It's important to understand that these medications are not intended as a quick fix for weight loss or blood sugar control; they are designed to be effective over a longer period.

What are the benefits of using GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 medications offer several benefits, with significant advantages in how they affect the brain and gut. These drugs can impact the receptors in the gut and brain that are linked to the hormone responsible for satiety [5].

Beyond their impressive ability to improve blood glucose levels and aid in weight loss, these medications can also contribute to other health benefits.

These include reducing the risk of heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease, preserving beta-cell function, enhancing insulin sensitivity, maintaining cholesterol levels, and lowering the risk of thyroid tumours [6][7].

Additionally, numerous other benefits aren't directly tied to these medications but result from weight loss achieved through GLP-1 medications. For instance, reducing body weight can positively affect blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

How effective are GLP-1 drugs for weight loss?

Due to various factors, including individual responses to medication and the range of available options, each person's weight loss journey will yield unique results.

To provide some insight into potential outcomes, let's consider the clinical study mentioned earlier, which evaluated nearly 2,000 overweight individuals from 16 countries after 68 weeks of taking 2.4mg of semaglutide [8].

By the study's conclusion, the average weight loss was 14.9%, with about half of the participants losing more than 15% of their body weight, and 1 in 3 losing at least 20%.

Embarking on a body transformation journey

We’re dedicated to helping you live better, for longer.

Compound combines medical treatments, diagnostics, prescriber support, and personalised nutrition and exercise plans for an effective programme that helps men unlock body transformation.

• Up to 15% weight loss with clinically-backed treatments
• Lose fat and gain muscle with customised diet and movement plans
• Track metrics and progress within the Compound app

We’re in the middle of building something special for UK men. In the meantime, register your interest and we’ll keep you updated.

What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications?

The most frequent side effects of GLP-1 medications are gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting [5]. Some individuals might also experience reactions at the injection site or headaches. If these side effects become overwhelming, it's important to discuss them with your doctor.

Additionally, it's worth noting that this medication is safe and effective for adults with a BMI over 30 who have a co-morbid condition.

Who shouldn't take GLP-1 medications?

Like all medications, GLP-1 drugs aren't suitable for everyone. Individuals who should avoid these medications include those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer.

Avoid using GLP-1 receptor agonists if you or any family members have had MTC, or if you have a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

People who should exercise caution when using these medications include those with diabetic retinopathy, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney issues, and stomach or intestinal disorders, such as gastroparesis and digestion problems.