The Health Benefits Of GLP 1 Weight Loss Medications

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Even with a doctor's help, weight loss can be a challenge. Unfortunately, there's still a lot of judgment and misinformation around obesity-and around the drugs used to treat it.

Despite the rise in popularity of injectable weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic®, many patients are hesitant to turn to medications to help them achieve their weight-loss goals. But for people struggling to maintain a healthy weight, there are reasons to consider these drugs, known as GLP-1s, says Suki K. Singh, M.D., a family and obesity medicine physician at Henry Ford Health.

"These medications aren't just about losing weight," Dr. Singh says. "By treating the disease of obesity, they can help prevent and treat a variety of weight-related diseases before they get out of control."

What are GLP-1s?

GLP-1s, short for glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, are prescription medications originally approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Soon after, they were approved as weight-loss treatments for people without diabetes. These drugs include semaglutide (sold under the brand names Ozempic® and Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro® and Zepbound®).

GLP-1s treat obesity in a couple of ways. They slow down digestion so you can feel full from smaller portions of food. They also reduce appetite and food cravings in the brain.

The medications have surged in popularity in recent years, but not all the attention has been positive. On social media and in the news, a lot of the emphasis has been on the cosmetic effects of weight loss. Tabloids point fingers at celebrities who may or may not have lost weight with help from the medications, adding to the stigma.

Meanwhile, many people who could benefit from the drugs feel embarrassed to ask about them-or believe they "should" be able to lose weight on their own. The fact is, for many people, the drugs can be one effective tool for losing weight, Dr. Singh says. "Obesity is a disease. Just as we use medications to treat cancer or heart disease, we shouldn't be afraid to consider medications to treat obesity," she adds.

GLP-1 Benefits

In addition to helping people achieve a healthier weight, GLP-1s provide a variety of health benefits:

1. Type 2 diabetes: GLP-1s are used to treat type 2 diabetes. But they can also help prevent the disease in people who have insulin resistance or prediabetes.
2. Heart health: Weight loss can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check reduces the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
3. Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that causes the airways to become blocked during sleep, and it's more common in people with overweight and obesity. Recently, a GLP-1 was approved to treat obstructive sleep apnea. "This is the first medication approved for sleep apnea, and it's a big breakthrough," Dr. Singh says.
4. Kidney disease: People with type 2 diabetes and obesity are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. By treating both of those conditions, GLP-1s also reduce the risk of kidney problems.
5. Dementia: Obesity is what's known as a pro-inflammatory disease: It can lead to chronic inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation is thought to play a role in many serious diseases, including cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Emerging research suggests GLP-1 medications may lower dementia risk.
6. Joint pain: Carrying extra weight can lead to pain in the knees and other joints, and also increases the risk of problems such as plantar fasciitis, which causes foot pain. Losing weight can help ease those painful conditions.
7. Substance use: There isn't much research yet to show whether GLP-1 medications help reduce the use of addictive substances like alcohol and tobacco. But anecdotally, many patients who use the weight-loss medications report they have fewer cravings for things like drinks and cigarettes, Dr. Singh says. "GLP-1 hormones are active not only in the gastrointestinal tract, but also in the brain," she points out.
8. Food noise: "Food noise" isn't a medical term, and it means different things to different people. But many people use the phrase to describe frequent cravings and all the brainpower they spend thinking (and stressing) about food. GLP-1s turn down that chatter in the brain.

Are Injectable Weight-Loss Drugs Right for You?

Weight-loss medications aren't right for everyone. They're not a quick fix for losing a few pounds, and you may regain weight if you stop taking them.

"This isn't a magic pill or magic shot. They need to be combined with the right habits," Dr. Singh says. But when combined with lifestyle changes, they can be a helpful tool for losing weight and improving health.

If you think you might benefit from GLP-1s, talk to your primary care doctor, Dr. Singh recommends. "Be transparent as you talk to your doctor about your history of weight loss and weight gain. What has worked to help you lose weight? When have you regained? What are your health goals?" she says.

By talking openly with your healthcare providers, you can find the right tool to help you manage your weight and your health, she adds. "It's not just about appearance. There's a medical reason to have that conversation."

Reviewed by Suki K. Singh, M.D., a family and obesity medicine physician who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center - Plymouth.

Categories : FeelWell

Tags : Primary Care, Suki Singh, Weight Management, Weight Loss