The Buzz Around GLP-1 and Ozempic
It seems like everywhere you turn, someone’s talking about Ozempic. From bodybuilders to celebrities and influencers, GLP-1 drugs have become a hot topic.
Opinions range from high praise to judgment, and sometimes even outright anger.
But what exactly are these GLP-1 medications? Why have they captured so much attention? Are they safe... or a fad we’ll soon regret?
What is GLP-1?
Most of us already know that this medication is primarily used in patients with diabetes, but has picked up a lot of attention for its rapid fat shedding capabilities.
Beyond that, most don’t have a full understanding of what GLP-1 is or how it actually works.
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It’s a hormone that assists with regulating appetite, digestion, and blood sugar levels. It plays an important role in maintaining glycemic control by stimulating the release of insulin and slowing gastric emptying.
On top of that, GLP-1 plays a role in how the body processes amino acids. By managing amino acid metabolism, it helps the pancreas respond better after meals, keeping blood sugar stable and supporting overall health.
Important GLP-1 Terminology to Know
There are variations of terms for GLP-1 that you'll see tossed around a lot and these variations can make things a bit confusing. So let's start by briefly breaking down GLP-1 Agonists, GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, and GLP-1 RAs.
- GLP-1 Agonists: An agonist is something that activates a receptor (like turning on a switch). So, GLP-1 agonists are drugs or compounds that act like the natural GLP-1 hormone in your body. They attach to the GLP-1 receptor and "turn it on," helping to lower blood sugar, curb appetite, and aid in weight management.
- GLP-1 Receptor Agonist & GLP-1 RAs: These are the same thing, but one is written out and the other is abbreviated. They are just another term for GLP-1 agonists, emphasizing their action on the receptor.
The concept of using like peptide-1 receptor agonists as a treatment has been around for many years, but it wasn’t until recent advances in diabetes medicines that the therapeutic potential of GLP-1 analogs became widely recognized.
The primary use of GLP-1 receptor agonists is to manage diabetes mellitus (caused by too much sugar in the blood) and chronic weight management. These drugs have revolutionized treatment options for people struggling with blood sugar issues, weight gain, and related conditions like heart disease and chronic kidney disease.
How GLP-1 medications work is a bit complex and is described in detail here: How Does Ozempic Work? The Science Behind the Drug.
Variations of GLP-1 Drugs
GLP-1 drugs are available in several formulations, including injectables and oral options. Popular brand names include:
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Semaglutide
- Rybelsus
- Bydureon BCise
- Trulicity
Each variation will have a patient information leaflet with a more detailed breakdown of the prescribed drug.
These drugs work by mimicking the actions of glp-1 receptors to stimulate insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and reduce food intake. Together, these mechanisms support blood glucose levels and encourage sustainable weight loss.
Another diabetes medication not listed above is Insulin Glargine. Reason being, unlike the more popular medications like Bydureon Bcise and Ozempic, Insulin Glargine presented the possible side effect of weight gain.
Side Effects and Risks
Like all diabetes medicines, GLP-1 receptor agonists can cause common side effects, including:
- Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Low blood sugars, particularly when combined with insulin or other diabetes medicines.
More serious adverse effects have also been reported, such as emotional distress and thoughts of self-harm. If you have a history of either of these symptoms, it's important to discuss them with your doctor before getting a prescription.
Additionally, physical changes like "Ozempic face" and "Ozempic butt" highlight the consequences of sudden weight loss, including sagging skin or loss of volume in the face and body. To deep dive into this topic, you can read this article here: What is 'Ozempic Face'? And How to Treat It.
Ultimately, if you receive a prescription for any GLP-1 drugs, you should always read the patient information leaflet and report any adverse events to your healthcare professional right away.
Accessing GLP-1 Medications
Do you need a prescription?
Yes, but not in a traditional way. Access to GLP-1 medications has never been easier than now. The medical industry is rapidly changing and many online providers of GLP-1 drugs provide easy to use systems like questionnaires along with consultations via video chat.
Many MedSpas across the United States offer certain types of medical care, typically operating under the supervision of a physician or through a partnership with a licensed medical professional. However, The American Medspa Association explains that a good faith exam must be performed. A prescriber must first diagnose the patient's condition and recommend an appropriate treatment. Once the patient provides informed consent, the actual administration of the treatment can often be delegated to other qualified individuals. That being said, the likelihood of someone getting a prescription for GLP-1 medications after a single visit may be slim.
How are they administered?
Most GLP-1 drugs are delivered via subcutaneous injection. This means you or someone you trust will need to be comfortable administering a shot into the fatty tissue just under your skin.
Depending on which weight loss medication is prescribed, the patient will either receive an easy-to-use pen that can be dialed to the required dosage. Others will be given two tinctures, a liquid and a powder, that they'll need to mix and measure with a syringe. Currently, there is only one oral variation available, Rybelsus.
How Long Does It Take To See Results?
The average time most users report seeing results is around the four month mark. A large reason for this time frame is based on the recommended dosage starting small and increasing over time. This is done to greatly reduce the risk of side effects.
Mayo Clinic breaks down the average time frame into three segments. Short term being 1-4 weeks with minimal physical results, medium term between weeks 5-20 where most people tend to see significant weight loss, and finally long term is beyond 20 weeks.
How long should you take them?
This depends on your health goals and the advice of your healthcare team. However, there are a few factors to consider that may help you decide on a personal timeline. Generally speaking, weight loss will plateau around the one year mark, so consider the amount of weight you want to lose compared to how many pounds you can safely lose per month.
It’s common for people to start regaining weight once they stop their cycle. This can be caused by a reliance on medication in place of lifestyle changes. It takes time to build healthy habits like maintaining a proper diet and exercise. If you don’t have strong systems in place, you may find that you’ve gained your appetite back and find yourself back at square one. These are factors you should expect to discuss with your healthcare professional.
It’s also important to lower your dosage over time, rather than quitting cold turkey. If you stop all at once your appetite will likely come back with a vengeance, causing you to overindulge and quickly regain the weight you’ve just spent so much time and money on shedding.
If you’ve reached your weight goal, you don’t necessarily have to stop taking GLP-1 medications. It’s not uncommon for users to microdose in order to help maintain the progress they’ve made. If you’re not ready to take the leap or have a smaller weight loss goal GLP-1 Microdosing: Does It Actually Work? Will explain the process and reasonings behind microdosing, as well as whether or not it’s actually worth the time and money.
Will You Lose Muscle Mass On GLP-1 Drugs?
It's possible to lose muscle mass while taking Ozempic or other GLP-1s, but it won’t be from the medications themselves.
It's common that people who use GLP-1 medications aren’t fully prepared with a diet and fitness plan. If you aren’t fueling your body, you’ll likely feel a lack of energy when exercising and could see a loss in muscle mass due to the decrease in physical activity.
Ultimately, you’ll have an easier time maintaining muscle if you have a plan before starting your cycle. You need to make sure you’re getting the appropriate macros in, even when your body is telling you it’s not interested in food.
Baton Rouge General reinforces the importance for patients using weight loss drugs like Ozempic to prioritize protein intake and exercise regularly. When you eat fewer calories, your body uses stored energy from glycogen in your liver and muscles to keep functioning.
Let’s say for example you don’t feel like eating so you “listen to your body” by skipping a few meals. You’re now likely to experience hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Glucose is the primary energy source for muscles, so a lack of glucose can cause you to feel weaker, meaning less reps in the gym, shorter runs, and potentially more time resting. The easiest treatment option to avoid this issue: a meal plan that fits your individual macros.
GLP-1 medications are popular amongst competitive bodybuilders because they generally thrive on them. Typically, as a bodybuilder, you have a team, or at a minimum a coach whether online or in person who assists you in creating and maintaining a highly detailed meal and fitness plan. While the strict structure of bodybuilders isn’t necessary for success, the general structure of weekly planning is highly beneficial in maintaining or building muscle while rapidly shedding fat.
Why All The Outrage?
GLP-1 medications are at the center of a lot of heated debate and the flame surrounding the topic only seems to be getting hotter.
One of the biggest controversies surrounding GLP-1 medications like Ozempic is their rising popularity for weight loss, even among people without diabetes.
GLP-1 agonists are a drug class that mainly helps manage blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. These medications can be lifesaving for people with legitimate health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes or obesity, but the growing popularity among those without these conditions has led to shortages.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, endorsed by the American Diabetes Association for managing type 2 diabetes, are commonly prescribed by healthcare professionals in the United States to help lower hemoglobin A1c levels and improve blood sugar control. According to American Diabetes Association, as of 2021, an astounding 38.4 million Americans had diabetes. The majority having Type 2 diabetes. These numbers include both adults and children.
For many, the cost of these drugs is also a barrier, making them too expensive for people who truly need them for health reasons. Keep in mind that costs vary, and insurance coverage can be a deciding factor for many patients.
Companies like Novo Nordisk, a leading manufacturer, are working to expand availability in the United States. If you’re unfamiliar with Novo Nordisk, it’s a global pharmaceutical company providing one of the most popular GLP-1 medications, Wegovy.
Additionally, some critics see it as a shortcut—“throwing money at the problem” rather than making lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise, which are more sustainable but harder to achieve. Rather than doing the hard work to lower body weight people are opting to utilize companies like Novo Nordisk for weekly semaglutide shots.
Final Thoughts on GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, have undoubtedly sparked a significant shift in the way we approach weight loss and diabetes management. While they offer promising benefits, from improving glycemic control to aiding in fat loss, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’re considering these medications for diabetes, chronic weight management, or other health goals, it’s essential to approach them with a clear plan, realistic expectations, and professional guidance.
Remember, lifestyle changes like a balanced diet and regular exercise remain critical to long-term success. As the conversation around GLP-1 drugs continues to evolve, understanding the science behind them and weighing the pros and cons with your healthcare provider can help you make the best choice for your unique needs.
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Sources:
- https://americanmedspa.org/news/med-spas-selling-ozempic-safe-and-convenient-or-dangerous-experts-weigh-in
- https://diet.mayoclinic.org/us/blog/2024/how-fast-does-semaglutide-kick-in/
- https://www.brgeneral.org/news-blog/2024/june/does-ozempic-make-you-lose-more-muscle-/
- https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/statistics/about-diabetes
