Glucagon-like Peptid-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) such as Semaglutide (Ozepic) have recently gained popularity globally, not only for type 2 diabetes management, but also because of their benefits for weight loss. This increase in popularity is largely due to the famous approval and the power of social media platforms. According to a letter of research published in August 2024, between January 2021 and December 2023, the number of semaglutidi fills increased by 442%. Ozepic accounted for over 70% of those fillings.
Beyond type 2 diabetes and weight loss, GLP-1 agonists can also help lower blood pressure, improve lipid disorders, reduce inflammation and improve heart health. With such advantages, demand for GLP-1 agonists continues to grow, making them one of the most talked about treatments today.
What are GLP-1 agonists?
GLP-1 agonists, also known as incretin mimetics, are a class of medicines that are mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, overweight.
“Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) is a hormone that naturally occurs in the small intestine that causes insulin release from the pancreas. This process helps regulate blood sugar levels,” said Angela Haynes-Ferrere, Associate Professor at Emory School of Nurses in Atlanta. “The GLP-1 agonist imitates the action of this hormone that occurs of course. After eating, blood sugars will increase, and these medicines make the pancreas release more insulin that helps lower blood sugar.”
In addition to helping people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar, this medicine reduces one’s appetite. It also slows down the digestive process so that patients report to feel full with less food consumption. This results in weight loss for many users, but changes based on many individualized factors, Haynes-Ferrere said.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, most GLP-1 agonists are available as liquid medicines that need to be injected under the skin, except what is available in the form of a tablet (rybelsus).
Some generic names and brands of GLP-1 agonists, according to Johns Hopkins patient patients for diabetes, include:
- Dulaglutide, traded as trealicity
- Exenatide Extended release, traded as bydureon
- Exenatide, traded as Byetta
- Lixisenatide, traded as Adlyxin
- Liraglutide, traded as victosis
- Semaglutide, traded as ozepic
- Oral semaglutide, traded as rybelsus
Eachdo brand has its own recommended dose and frequency of taking. Some can be taken once a day, while others are used every week. You should consult your doctor to understand what dosage and frequency suit you best.
Possible benefits of agonist GLP-1
“In addition to controlling blood sugar and reduced overweight, these medicines have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risks, improve kidney function and reduce the incidence of certain types of cancer,” Haynes-Ferrere said. Anecdotally, individuals are reporting to reduce smoking, gambling, alcohol intake and drug use, noted.
“Studies have shown benefits in deteriorating kidney disease, heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea in patients with overweight,” says Leon JonS, MD, a weight management specialist and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine-Endocrinology and Metabolism in Carver College of Medicine in Iowa.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, other benefits of GLP-1 agonists may include:
- Reduce blood pressure
- Improving lipid disorders
- Reducing systemic inflammation
- Delay of progressing diabetes -related nephropathy or kidney disease associated with diabetes (DKD)
These benefits not only make GLP-1 agonists effective for managing type 2 diabetes, but also contribute to better cardiovascular health. However, the effect of GLP-1 agonists varies from person to person. Always talk to your doctor to understand how GLP-1 agonists can benefit from your specific condition.
Side effects of GLP-1 agonist and risks to consider
For some patients, the speed of weight loss can lead to the unwanted cosmetic effect of a weak face (called koloqui “ozempic face”), especially in patients with less elasticity of the skin, said Haynes-Ferrere. She added that regular exercise with weight training can help maintain muscle mass and maintain a healthy look.
The side effects of the medication are mainly related to the gastrointestinal system – for example, nausea, constipation, diarrhea or belching. For most patients, these effects are soft and are resolved over time. For some, the side effects can be severe, and patients will need to stop the medication, Jons said.
Other common side effects of GLP-1 agonists, as reported in an article by the National Library of Medicine, include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Infection
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Soft tachycardia (increased heartbeat)
In some cases, small episodes of hypoglycemia may occur. The Cleveland Clinic reports that hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl. If left untreated, it can become life threatening. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include shakiness, weakness, nausea, difficulty in concentration and dizziness. Consuming sugars or carbohydrates can treat hypoglycemia.
Also, doctors may not recommend GLP-1 agonists for pregnant people as it may pose a threat to the developing fetus. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant or breastfeed.
Who should get GLP-1 agonists?
Doctors mainly recommend GLP-1 agonists for diabetes and type 2 overweight. However, GLP-1 agonists are not the first choice of treatment. Metformin, an oral drug, remains the first solution for type 2 diabetes management. However, doctors may recommend GLP-1 agonists if you:
- Cannot tolerate metformin
- Are unable to lower blood sugar levels with continuous medication even after three months
- Experience complications due to other conditions such as heart failure, atherosclerosis or chronic kidney disease
The Clevland Clinic reports that doctors may also recommend two GLP-1 agonists, semaglutides and liraglutides, for the treatment of overweight.
“Based on the fact that any individual experience with this medicine is different, the patient has to work with their health care provider to determine the best plan and purpose of treatment for general well-being,” Haynes-Feree said.
Moreover, GLP-1 agonists such as dulaglutide, semaglutide and liraglutides have been shown to provide cardiovascular benefits. Doctors can also recommend these GLP-1 agonists reduce the risk of heart disease.
Recommended intake of receipt for GLP-1 agonists usually described includes:
- Dulaglutide: weekly
- Exenatide: twice a day
- Exenatide Prolonged Release: Weekly
- Liraglutide: Every day
- Semaglutide: Weekly
- Tirzepatide: Weekly
- Semaglutide tablets: every day
Who should not get GLP-1 agonists?
Although GLP-1 agonists can help effectively treat diabetes and type 2 overweight, they may not be suitable for everyone. Your doctor may avoid describing GLP-1 agonists if you have:
- Family History of Medullary Thyroid Cancer: This rare thyroid cancer has been linked to the use of GLP-1 agonists in the rodent. Your doctor may avoid describing GLP-1 agonists if you have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
- Multiple endocrine syndrome of type 2 neoplasia (MEN2): A rare condition characterized by tumors in endocrine glands. Doctors can avoid describing GLP-1 agonists if you are diagnosed with or have a family history of MEN2 as they can stimulate abnormal cell growth.
- Pregnant people: Doctors cannot recommend GLP-1 agonists for pregnant people as they may pose a risk to the developing fetus.
- Pancreatite History: Doctors most often avoid GLP-1 agonists in people with a history of pancreatitis as GLP-1 agonists can increase the risk of fatal hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis.
- Disordishes Inflammatory Disorders of the intestine or gastroparesis: GLP-1 agonists slow down the stomach emptying and can aggravate the symptoms of inflammatory intestinal disorders.
GLP-1 overdosations and important information to remember
GLP-1 agonists are prescription medicines and should only be taken under your doctor’s supervision. Following the recommended dose can help prevent overdoses. According to America’s poison centers, an overdose of GLP-1 often causes symptoms similar to the side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Colic
- Constipation
However, the duration of these symptoms may be longer. In severe cases, you may also experience dehydration and hypoglycemia, which may require immediate medical care.
You should twice check the dose before taking the medication and put a reminder of the next dose to prevent the risk of overdose.
When to contact a doctor
You should contact your doctor if you are experiencing serious side effects after using a GLP-1 agonist, such as:
- Nausea
- Colic
- Dizziness
- Increasing the heartbeat
- Oscillation or vibration
Also, consult your doctor first if you think the medication is not working for you or if you are thinking of not continuing the medication.
Moreover, setting regular followers with your doctor while you are in GLP-1 agonists is important. These follow -ups help monitor blood glucose levels and determine whether any dose change is needed. Regular pursuits can also help doctors monitor signs of hypoglycemia, kidney disease, pancreatitis and thyroid cancer.
Ultimately
GLP-1 agonists are medications that mainly treat diabetes and type 2 overweight. However, recent studies suggest that they can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and improve lipid disorders. Some brands are available, each has its own dosage instructions. However, GLP-1 agonists may not be suitable for everyone. You need to talk to your doctor to find out if you should get GLP-1 agonists for your condition.