There is no doubt that GLP-1 medications help people lose weight at quite a dramatic rate. Now GLP-1 meds like Wegovy and Mounjaro are much more easily available over the counter with no GP referral, they are being used by evermore people as a quick-fix to shedding those extra kilos. If that’s important to you, whether for clinical reasons or vanity then hallelujah!
Let’s be honest, body-image is a natural concern for just about all of us, not only for physical health, but self-image, mental health and ageing. However for ever action there is an equal and opposite reaction and at Bodywise we believe it’s essential to understand what your body is up to, and what collateral reaction might occur and need dealing with from using GLP-1s, particularly for the older cohort.
HOW GLP-1 MEDS BENEFIT THE BODY (AND THE MIND)
The GLP-1 drug class has been used clinically for roughly two decades, initially predominantly for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Wegovy and Mounjaro themselves, however, are much newer.
For some people, successful weight loss may also bring psychological and emotional benefits, particularly where body weight has affected confidence or self-esteem. Feeling more comfortable and confident can encourage people to become more physically and socially active – both of which can play an important role in maintaining health and wellbeing as we age.
HERE’S THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
If you don’t like ‘doing the detail’ you can skip this bit, but here at Bodywise we always like to be thorough and understand the science.
The GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. GLP-1 is an incretin hormone produced naturally in the gut and released after eating. It helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release when needed and reducing the release of glucagon. It also slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach and influences appetite and satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer.
HOW YOUR GUT AND BRAIN COMMUNICATE WHEN YOU’RE FULL
The body also has GLP-1 receptors that sit on the surface of cells in your pancreas, brain, gut and heart.
GLP-1 acts on receptors involved in appetite and metabolic regulation, including pathways within the brain. Together with its effects on the digestive system, this helps increase satiety, the feeling that you have eaten enough, and can reduce hunger and food intake.
HOW GLP-1 MEDICATIONS AMPLIFY A NATURAL SIGNAL
Many of the medications currently used for weight management work by activating GLP-1 receptors, mimicking or enhancing the effects of the body’s natural GLP-1 signalling. Mounjaro works slightly differently, acting on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
These medications can reduce appetite, increase satiety, slow gastric emptying and support blood-glucose regulation. In simple terms, they strengthen some of the natural signals between the gut and brain that help you recognise when you have eaten enough and feel fuller for longer.
SURELY THERE MUST BE A DOWNSIDE
Significant weight loss brings physiological changes that are important to understand. While losing excess weight can deliver substantial health benefits, it is important to consider what type of weight is actually being lost.
Not all weight lost is body fat. During significant weight loss, some lean mass can also be lost. Lean mass includes muscle, but also body water, organs, bones and other non-fat tissues. Of particular concern as we age is preserving skeletal muscle, because it plays a vital role in strength, mobility, metabolism and maintaining our independence.
Like all medications, GLP-1–based medicines can also cause side effects. The most common are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. These symptoms are often more noticeable when starting treatment or increasing the dose and may improve over time. There are also less common but potentially serious side effects, which is one reason these medications should always be prescribed and monitored by an appropriate healthcare professional.
YOU NEED TO CREATE A GLP-1 HEALTH & WELLBEING ACTION PLAN
When it comes to your wellbeing, it’s important to look beyond weight loss alone. Losing excess body fat can bring significant health benefits, but long-term health is also about maintaining muscle, strength, good nutrition, energy and physical function – particularly as we get older.
That’s why we believe anyone using GLP-1–based medication for weight management should think about the bigger picture and have a plan for supporting their body throughout the process.
In our next blog, we’ll share the Bodywise GLP-1 Health & Wellbeing Action Plan and the practical steps you can take to help protect your muscle, strength and long-term health while losing weight.