A potential solution for the obesity struggle

Obesity is often misunderstood as simply overeating or lack of exercise, but it's a much more complex issue. At the forefront of today's obesity treatments are glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) medications, which have rapidly gained popularity for their effectiveness in weight management.

GLP-1 medications were initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, they have now been approved for weight management. They help you feel full longer and slow down how quickly your stomach empties. This dual action significantly reduces overall calorie intake and promotes weight loss, making them a game-changer for many.

How do GLP-1 medications work?

GLP-1 medications mimic a hormone naturally produced in the gut that regulates appetite and insulin secretion. By binding to GLP-1 receptors, these medications boost the body's natural activity, helping you eat less and feel full, leading to weight loss.

Dr. Olubunmi Oladunjoye, a Baylor Medicine primary care physician and assistant professor, explains, "GLP-1 medications help with insulin production and increase satiety by working in the brain's hypothalamus. They also slow gastric emptying, making you feel full longer and reducing overeating. We start the medication at a very low dose to allow the body to adjust and then gradually increase it." This step-by-step approach helps patients tolerate the medication while promoting effective hunger control and weight loss.

Why are GLP-1 medications so popular?

The popularity of GLP-1 medications has soared, largely due to their results in weight loss. This trend is not just anecdotal; clinical studies have shown that patients using GLP-1 medications can lose a considerable amount of weight compared to those using a placebo.

The rise in use of GLP-1 medications can be attributed to several factors:

• Effectiveness: GLP-1 medications have shown significant results in clinical trials, with many patients experiencing weight loss.
• Increased awareness: There is growing awareness and understanding of obesity as a complex disease that requires medical intervention when there is no weight loss despite lifestyle changes.

What about side effects?

While GLP-1 medications are effective, they come with side effects, mainly gastrointestinal ones like nausea, vomiting and constipation. Oladunjoye's previously mentioned approach helps minimize discomfort, making the treatment more tolerable for patients.

Integrating GLP-1s into a comprehensive treatment plan

GLP-1 medications work best when they're part of a broader treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, psychological support and addressing genetic factors.

Mental health significantly influences obesity's development and management. Depression and anxiety can reduce motivation to engage in physical activity and some medications used to treat these conditions can lead to weight gain. GLP-1 medications represent a powerful tool in the fight against obesity, offering hope and tangible results for many patients. Oladunjoye advocates for this comprehensive approach.

"If you struggle with obesity, feel free to broach the topic with your primary care provider," Oladunjoye said. "If necessary, ask for a referral to a weight management specialist."

Obesity is a complex condition, but with the help of GLP-1 medications, other anti-obesity medications and a holistic treatment approach, many individuals can achieve significant goals and improve their overall health. By combining these medications with a supportive and multifaceted treatment plan, managing and overcoming obesity is an achievable goal.

By Cole Helmcamp, intern in the Margaret M. and Albert B. Alkek Department of Medicine

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