Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists or GLP-1 agonists are a type of medication used to treat both diabetes and obesity. These medications mimic the effects of the hormone GLP-1, a hormone released in the digestive tract in response to eating. GLP-1 agonists can lower blood sugar levels and help patients manage their metabolism. These medications have the effect of reducing appetite and stimulating weight loss.
There are many different types of GLP-1 agonists for you to choose from if you decide that this is the right weight loss treatment for you. Here at Uptown Medical Wellness & Anti-Aging Center, we’re proud to offer Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus) and Tirzepatide to our patients. While Tirzepatide is only available in injection form, Semaglutide can be taken as a pill. Both types of treatment have their own advantages. Your med spa clinician can help you decide the right treatment for you.
The team here at Uptown loves GLP-1 agonist treatments because of their many potential benefits. Some of the awesome advantages of GLP-1 agonists include:
GLP-1 agonists can be a powerful weight loss tool, but they aren’t right for everyone. There are a few things that you’ll want to discuss with your clinician before deciding on treatment. GLP-1 agonists should only be taken if your body mass index is high enough, and they are generally only recommended if you have a weight-related health condition.
GLP-1 agonists might not be right for you if you have a history of:
GLP-1 agonists can be administered either via pill or injection. With consistent treatment, you can expect to see weight loss over time, along with a reduction in cravings. However, you should also be aware of the potential side effects of GLP-1 agonists. Some common side effects of these treatments include:
In addition to the common side effects above, GLP-1 agonists can sometimes cause more rare and serious effects, including shaking, dizziness, weakness, and difficulty concentrating.