Are GLP-1 medications right for you?
Juggling weight management and blood sugar control can feel like a double-edged sword.
But there’s a new class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists that might be able to help with both.
As someone suffering from weight gain and insulin resistance due to PCOS, GLP-1 meds are something I am considering with my doctor during this struggle…
My Health Status – PCOS, Weight Gain, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Hypothyroidism
Due to the work-from-home arrangements during the pandemic, meshed with the additional stress of raising two young children, not having the time or energy to continue to exercise, renovating a home and then returning to my long commute to work, my weight has ballooned; from 155 pounds in 2021 up to 185 pounds currently.
While I have successfully lost weight with PCOS in the past using the guidance of a dietitian (before I had kids), I’ve had little success in the last three years in losing this weight. Even worse, my weight continued to rise during this period, as each weight loss failure made me more and more depressed, leading to even more poor food and lifestyle choices. I also suffer from high cholesterol and high blood pressure (unfortunately, it runs in my family), which are negatively impacted by excess weight.
The discussion with my doctor to consider taking a GLP-1 medication to stimulate weight loss has been ongoing since 2023. My doctor encouraged me to continue to try to lose weight before we considered any medical intervention, but I’ve recently found out that my weight gain and PCOS complications have now put me into the pre-diabetic category and I DO NOT want to get diabetes.
This change in my medical situation prompted me to look into GLP-1 meds more closely.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and this article does not constitute medical advice! Please consult your doctor to determine whether a GLP-1 medication is right for you.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, a natural hormone in your body that helps you feel full and regulates blood sugar. GLP-1 receptor agonists are like tiny mimics of this hormone, activating the same receptors to achieve similar effects.
Available GLP-1 Meds (US and/or Canada):
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity®): This is a once-weekly injection.
- Liraglutide (Victoza®): This comes as a daily injection.
- Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Rybelsus®): Ozempic is an injectable version (once-weekly), while Rybelsus is a new once-daily oral pill.
- Exenatide (Byetta®): This medication is injected twice daily. (US only)
- Exenatide extended-release (Bydureon®): This is a once-weekly option for Exenatide. (US only)
- Lixisenatide (Adlyxin®): This is another once-daily injection.
Important to Remember: These medications are available by prescription only and should be used under a doctor’s supervision. They might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions.
How Do These Medications Work For Weight Loss?
Feeling Fuller for Longer: GLP-1 meds slow down how fast your stomach empties, keeping you feeling satisfied for a longer period. This can help you eat less and reduce calorie intake.
Curbing Cravings: GLP-1 meds not only affect your gut but also chat with your brain. They interact with areas in your brain that control appetite and satiety (feeling full). This communication helps reduce cravings and that persistent “gotta-have-something-to-eat” feeling. Many people struggling to lose weight have issues with controlling cravings and making good food choices (myself included!). Personally, the continued failure to lose weight has led to a lot of cravings in response to feeling more and more defeated in my weight loss struggle.
Studies found people using semaglutide and making lifestyle changes lost about 33.7 pounds (15.3 kilograms) versus 5.7 pounds (2.6 kilograms) in those who didn’t use the drug.
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How Do GLP-1 Medications Manage Blood Sugar?
Insulin Boost: GLP-1 meds encourage your pancreas to release more insulin, the hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy.
Increased Insulin Sensitivity: GLP-1 meds also improve how your body responds to insulin, a hormone that helps your cells absorb sugar from the bloodstream. When your body uses sugar efficiently, it doesn’t have to store it as fat, potentially leading to weight loss. People with PCOS, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes suffer from insulin resistance, which is the body’s inability to properly metabolize sugar (which is the opposite of insulin sensitivity).
Glucagon Control: GLP-1 meds can also help regulate glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. By keeping insulin and glucagon in balance, they can help control blood sugar levels.
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Other Benefits Of GLP-1 Medications
Potential Cholesterol Reduction: While not directly targeting cholesterol, GLP-1 meds can lead to weight loss, which can indirectly improve cholesterol levels. When you lose weight, especially belly fat, your body tends to have lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and higher levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.
Potential Blood Pressure Reduction: Similar to Cholesterol: Like with cholesterol, weight loss is a key factor. GLP-1 meds that promote weight loss may also lead to lower blood pressure. Mixed Evidence: Some studies show a decrease in blood pressure with GLP-1 meds, while others haven’t found a clear link. More research is needed to understand the full picture.
The research on GLP-1 meds and their impact on cholesterol and blood pressure is promising, but still evolving. There’s promising evidence that GLP-1 meds might play a role in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, but it’s not a guaranteed effect for everyone. If these are concerns for you, talk to your doctor. They can assess your individual situation and determine if GLP-1 meds could be beneficial, considering other medications you might be taking and your overall health goals.
Potential Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications
Potential side effects include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation are common, especially when you first start taking the medication. These usually lessen over time.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you’re also taking insulin.
- Gallbladder problems are a rare but potential side effect.
Note: This list isn’t exhaustive, and there could be other side effects. Always talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience.
Everyone reacts differently to medications. Your doctor can help you understand the risks and benefits specific to you.
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Stigmas Surrounding Use of GLP-1 Meds
GLP-1 meds, like Ozempic, offer a powerful tool for weight management and blood sugar control, but their rise in popularity has also brought about some social stigmas. I can’t tell you how many posts I’ve seen on social media where people who have had long term issues with obesity, PCOS or diabetes and experience weight loss with GLP-1 meds are then attacked in the comments by people who claim they took the cheater’s way out to lose weight.
Just in discussing my thoughts on taking a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic in the future, I’ve immediately received negative feedback like “that will make you feel so sick!” or “you don’t want to get stuck on that drug” and “you’ll just gain the weight back if you stop it!”. While people are entitled to their own opinions, I am also entitled to put my health and well-being first to ensure I stay healthy for myself and my family and avoid diabetes and all the complications that can come with it.
Here’s a breakdown of why some people might feel hesitant about using GLP-1 meds due to current stigmas attached to these medications:
The “Easy Way Out” Myth: There’s a misconception that GLP-1 meds are a magic bullet for weight loss, requiring no effort. The reality is, these medications work best when combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine. They can help you feel fuller and reduce cravings, but they don’t replace healthy lifestyle changes.
Weight Bias and “Thin Ideal”: Society often equates weight loss with willpower and links thinness with success. This can lead to judgment towards people using GLP-1 meds, suggesting they lack discipline or are taking a shortcut. It’s important to remember that weight management is complex, and these medications can be a valuable tool for many people struggling with weight-related health issues.
Focus on Appearance over Health: The media often portrays weight loss as purely about aesthetics. This can downplay the real health benefits of GLP-1 meds, like improved blood sugar control and reduced risk of heart disease, which can be especially important for people with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Fear of Unnatural Solutions or “Big Pharma”: Some people might be hesitant about using any medication, especially one that mimics a natural hormone. It’s important to have an open conversation with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of GLP-1 meds to make an informed decision. The conspiracy theorists also love to remind you that “big pharma” is out to get you and make money off giving you bad meds.
Remember:
Using GLP-1 meds is a personal health decision. There’s no shame in seeking medical help to manage your weight and improve your health. You have to take care of yourself first!
Focus on the health benefits, not just the numbers on the scale.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding GLP-1 meds and weight loss in general. They can help you navigate your options and create a personalized plan for your well-being.
Weight Gain/Insulin Resistance After Stopping GLP-1 Meds
Another important piece to note, much weight loss and blood sugar benefits from GLP-1 programs can subside after you stop taking the medication. This means that weight can be regained and the health issues you experienced before can return.
It’s important to make healthy lifestyle and food choices and maintain those choices beyond the use of GLP-1 meds to see continued benefit.
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GLP-1 medications can be a powerful tool for weight management and blood sugar control, but they’re not without potential side effects.
Open communication with your doctor is key to weighing the risks and benefits and finding the best course of action for your health.
