GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar, appetite and digestion. These drugs were originally created to treat type 2 diabetes by stimulating insulin release and slowing gastric emptying. Recently some people have used these drugs to help lose weight. According to a RAND report, almost 12 percent of Americans have used GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. As a part of Mako Media Health Update, Aarti Raja, professor in biology, discusses the use of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs.
Q: What is Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs?
A: Ozempic is a drug that is used to treat diabetes. In general, GLP-1 drugs are drugs that are meant to mimic a gut hormone called GLP-1. What these drugs tend to do is they increase the production of insulin, which then helps an individual break down blood sugar and keep their sugar levels down and that’s why it helps patients who are diabetic. What it also does is control hunger, which is a reason why they are also being used for weight loss.
Q: Why are these drugs that are originally made to help with diabetes being used for weight loss?
A: So, what happens with these GLP-1 drugs is one of the effects or the why they have an effect is they tend to have an anti-inflammatory effect and that in general can be a good thing. When you have an anti-inflammatory property that aids in many other scenarios in the human system. What they are beginning to see is not having inflammation improves aging. Not having inflammation around is beneficial for your heart and joints. So, suddenly, now people are beginning to look at these drugs and say “Oh, maybe there could be uses in many other indications or disease conditions simply because these drugs have that anti-inflammatory property.”
Q: Are there risks to someone using these drugs if they aren’t diabetic?
A: The biggest risk being if they are using it and they are not diabetic and they are not actually trying to use it to control their weight. The biggest downside is malnutrition that they are going to see because they are rapidly going to lose weight and they are not going to have that sensation of hunger and, therefore, they are not going to want to eat it ends up becoming a malnutrition scenario and that is also not a good thing.
Q: What are the common side effects associated with long-term use of these drugs?
A: In some patients, they tend to have discomfort in the GI region. So, basically just upset stomach, either constipation or diarrhea, it depends on the patient, but basically gut related issues tends to be the most common side effect that they are feeling when taking these medications.
Q: Any last thoughts?
A: While GLP-1 drugs are new therapeutics, they are available as options for people. So, at least be aware of it, speaking to the physician, diagnosing these things early so that they can get on a treatment option would be the best way to go about it.
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