GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss: What You Need to Know
What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes that have shown remarkable efficacy for weight management. They work by mimicking a natural hormone your body produces after eating, creating a sense of satiety that reduces appetite and food intake.
The weight loss results from large clinical trials have been unprecedented: patients on GLP-1 medications have achieved 15 to 20% total body weight loss when combined with lifestyle modifications. This is a level of weight reduction that was previously only achievable through bariatric surgery.
How GLP-1 Medications Work
GLP-1 receptor agonists act on three main pathways:
- Appetite regulation: They act on receptors in the hypothalamus to reduce hunger signals, making it easier to eat smaller portions without feeling deprived.
- Gastric emptying: They slow the rate at which food leaves your stomach, prolonging the feeling of fullness after meals.
- Insulin sensitivity: They improve how your body processes glucose, which is particularly beneficial for patients with insulin resistance or prediabetes.
Why Medical Supervision Matters
I want to be very clear about this: GLP-1 medications should only be used under medical supervision. They are prescription medications with specific eligibility criteria, dosing protocols, and potential side effects that require monitoring. The trend of obtaining these medications without medical oversight is concerning and potentially dangerous.
Who Is a Candidate?
At Leor, we prescribe GLP-1 therapy for patients who meet the following criteria:
- BMI of 27 or above with at least one weight-related health concern, OR BMI of 30 or above
- Have tried diet and exercise without achieving sustainable results
- No contraindications (history of pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer, or pregnancy)
- Willing to commit to regular monitoring and lifestyle modifications alongside the medication
Combining GLP-1 with Body Treatments
One of the unique advantages of our program at Leor is the ability to combine medical weight management with non-invasive body contouring. As patients lose weight with GLP-1 therapy, they sometimes develop areas of loose skin or want additional body definition. We complement the medication with Emsculpt Neo for muscle building and Exilis for skin tightening, creating a comprehensive transformation.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, reduced appetite (which is partly the mechanism of action), and occasional constipation. These typically improve within the first 2 to 4 weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. We start with a low dose and titrate upward gradually to minimize these effects.
At Leor
Our Weight Loss Program combines GLP-1 therapy with body composition monitoring, nutritional guidance, and complementary body treatments. Every step is medically supervised. If you are considering GLP-1 medication, book a consultation for a comprehensive assessment and honest conversation about whether this approach is right for you.