What are GLP-1 “Peptides”?!?

• Reduces Appetite: GLP-1 interacts with the brain to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
• Stimulates Insulin Secretion: GLP-1 signals your pancreas to produce more insulin, especially after meals to assist with digestion. Insulin is a hormone that helps lower blood sugar by moving glucose (sugar) from the blood into your cells, where it can be used for energy. (See Post for more info on Insulin)
• Reduces Glucagon Secretion: GLP-1 also reduces the secretion of glucagon, another hormone produced by the pancreas. Glucagon works in the opposite way of insulin—it raises blood sugar levels by signaling the liver to release stored glucose. By lowering glucagon levels, GLP-1 helps keep blood sugar from getting too high.
• Slows Gastric Emptying: Another job of GLP-1 is to slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach and enters your small intestine. This process is called gastric emptying. When gastric emptying is slower, it helps you feel full longer after eating, which can reduce your appetite and thus lead to weight loss.

What are GLP-1 “Agonists”?!?

GLP-1 “agonists” are peptide medications that work by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the body. These receptors are found in the pancreas, brain, and digestive system. By activating these receptors, GLP-1 agonists help to:

1. Increases Insulin Production: Like the natural GLP-1 hormone, these medications help the pancreas produce more insulin in response to meals. This increase in insulin helps lower blood sugar levels, especially after eating.
2. Decreases Glucagon Production: GLP-1 agonists reduce the amount of glucagon your pancreas produces, which helps prevent your liver from releasing too much glucose into the bloodstream. This keeps blood sugar levels more stable.
3. Slows Down Digestion: By slowing gastric emptying, GLP-1 agonists make you feel fuller for longer periods. This can help reduce how much you eat, making it easier to manage and lose weight.
4. Reduces Appetite: These medications also send signals to the brain to decrease hunger, which helps in weight loss efforts. This is particularly helpful for people with obesity or those who need to lose weight as part of managing type 2 diabetes.

What GLP1 Medications are currently on the market?

1. Semaglutide is the generic name for common GLP1 medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus. These medications are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and support weight loss, and they’ve become increasingly popular for their effectiveness in managing blood sugar and reducing appetite. They are also FDA approved.

What are the side effects of Semaglutide?

⚠️ Common Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications

1. Nausea – The most frequently reported side effect, due to slowed digestion
2. Vomiting – Often linked to overeating or rapid dose escalation
3. Diarrhea – Can occur as the digestive system adjusts
4. Constipation – Slowed gastric emptying may reduce bowel movements
5. Stomach pain or bloating – Related to changes in gut motility
6. Fatigue – May result from reduced calorie intake or metabolic shifts
7. Appetite changes – Suppressed hunger is expected, can feel extreme
8. Indigestion or reflux – Due to delayed stomach emptying
9. Headache or dizziness – Occasionally reported during early use

🚨 Rare but Serious Side Effects

These are less common but require medical attention:

• Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas; symptoms include severe abdominal pain
• Gallbladder issues – Such as gallstones or inflammation
• Gastroparesis – Delayed stomach emptying that can become chronic
• Kidney damage – Rare but possible, especially with dehydration
• Thyroid tumors – Very rare; some GLP-1 drugs carry a warning for this risk