Not Everyone a Candidate for Weight Loss
GLP-1 medications can support weight management by regulating appetite, but safe use requires medical supervision alongside proper nutrition, regular exercise and sustainable lifestyle changes.
GLP-1 has become one of the biggest buzzwords in weight loss, but the hormone is something the human body already produces.
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It is released in the gut after eating and helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.
“We normally produce it when we eat food and the intestine detects the food. We will release GLP naturally,” says Dr. Ariel Torres, medical director at Marie France.
Medications that mimic the effects of GLP-1 can help a person feel full sooner and reduce appetite
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Some GLP-1 medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes, while certain drugs are approved specifically for chronic weight management.
That does not mean they are suitable for everyone.
Doctors consider factors such as BMI, medical history and weight-related health problems before prescribing medication.
Torres also cautions against using another person’s prescription or following a dosing schedule based simply on what worked for a friend.
GLP-1 medications are generally introduced gradually, with the dosage adjusted depending on the drug, the patient’s response and possible side effects.
The medication may help control appetite, but it does not replace the basics of weight management: proper nutrition, regular physical activity and sustainable lifestyle changes.