Understanding GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone. They stimulate insulin production, reduce glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), slow down digestion, and promote feelings of fullness after eating.
Along with helping to control blood sugar and boost weight loss, GLP-1s seem to have other major benefits. Research has found that some drugs in these groups may lower the risk of heart disease, such as heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease. People taking these drugs have seen their blood pressure and cholesterol levels improve. However, it's not clear whether these benefits are from the drug or the weight loss.
Getting GLP-1 Medications
1. Begin Injections
I will give you your first injection and instruct you on how to self-inject at home. You will inject yourself in the stomach once a week on the same day with the pre-dosed syringes that I give you. Make sure to refrigerate.
2. Schedule Your Next Follow-Up Appointment in 4 Weeks
You will come into the office every 4 weeks to get your next set of medications. If you are feeling okay and losing weight, we will increase your dose for the next month. If you are experiencing any side effects that are impacting your daily life, we will keep you at your current dose and let you continue to acclimate. This is also your opportunity to ask questions in person.
Side Effects
Every medication can have some anticipated side effects. Although GLP-1 side effects should be mild, it is important to know what to expect so you can plan for success.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea: GLP-1 medications can cause nausea. Increasing protein intake and not overeating will help.
- Constipation: Because GLP-1 medications slow digestion, they can cause a change in bowel movements, most commonly constipation. Increase fiber, hydration, and consider a magnesium supplement if recommended by your primary doctor.
- Fatigue: Sometimes the day after you inject, especially after increasing your dose, you can feel more tired than usual. This usually lasts about 24 hours. You can minimize this by injecting in the evening and planning ahead, choosing a day where you have little planned for the 24 hours after.
- Heartburn: You may notice an increase in heartburn in the evenings. Taking an over-the-counter heartburn medication can help.
Complications
Although complications are rare, they are possible. In the event that you suspect any of the following, please go to the emergency room or call 911.
- Allergic Reaction: Your first dose of the medication will be given in the office, so we will know if a reaction is occurring. However, if you feel tingling of the lips or tongue, swelling of the face, hives, or difficulty breathing, please contact emergency services.
- Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is paralysis of the digestive tract. It is characterized by severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and can be characterized by abdominal pain that radiates to the back, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Decreasing Side Effects
Helpful tips to minimize the most common side effects:
- Increase protein intake.
- Change the injection site to the thigh or arm.
- Hydrate as much as possible.
- Increase fiber intake.
- Minimize alcohol intake.
- Inject at night before bed.
- Incorporate walking to help with constipation.
- Slowly increase the dose. Keep the current dose if needed.
Improving Weight Loss Results
Portion Control: Semaglutide will make you feel full on far less food, so plan to eat small meals throughout the day. If you eat too much in one sitting, you can end up with nausea, heartburn, or other unpleasant GI issues. Always keep some over-the-counter medicines at hand in case you need them.
Eat Slower: Did you know it takes your brain 15 minutes or more to register that you’ve eaten? That’s why it’s so important to take your time, even with Semaglutide. Concentrate on slowing down and taking a moment between each bite.
Avoid Certain Foods: While no food is off-limits when taking Semaglutide, certain foods can also cause side effects. These include fatty foods, processed foods, and foods with added sugar.
Drink Water: Try to get in a minimum of 80 ounces of water a day. And just like with calories, many apps are available to track this.
Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can irritate your stomach while you’re taking Semaglutide. It can also influence your blood sugar levels, which may drop too low when alcohol combines with Semaglutide. Additionally, when you drink alcohol while taking Semaglutide, you risk developing pancreatitis (although this is rare).
Sustainable Weight Loss Results
Sustainable Weight Loss: This program isn’t a quick-fix diet. It provides healthy weight loss at a rate of one to two pounds per week. The goal is to lose weight at a sustainable pace to ensure long-term results.
Incorporate Movement: Regular exercise is vital for good health, with or without Semaglutide. Getting in more movement while on Semaglutide can help you achieve better results and keep those results after you’ve lost the weight. The best way to get more movement in is to start walking more.
Rotate Injection Site: You can inject Semaglutide in three different locations on your body: your thighs, abdomen, and upper arm. Injecting in certain areas may increase side effects, but it can also improve appetite.
Address Mental Health: Weight loss isn’t just about the physical changes. Addressing the mental and emotional blocks to weight loss can help you achieve faster, longer-lasting results.
Be Intentional: The more intentional you are in the process, the better success you will have. This can look like meal prepping, hiring a trainer, journaling, or finding an accountability partner.
I Am So Excited for Your Journey
Using a GLP-1 medication can be an extremely transformative process, and I really encourage you to address weight loss on every level—physical, emotional, and mental. This guide is not a substitute for individual medical care. Please reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns.