If you’ve been on social media lately, you might have heard that a GLP-1 receptor agonist, like Trulicity or Semaglutide, is your golden ticket to weight loss. But is that true? Let’s take a little closer look to see if you should ask your doctor about prescribing one of these medications for weight loss. 

What is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist?

For starters, what is a GLP-1 receptor agonist? This type of medication is most commonly used, alongside diet and exercise, to manage type 2 diabetes. But it’s not insulin. GLP-1 receptor agonists are part of a group of drugs called incretin mimetics because they function by mimicking a natural group of hormones found in the body called incretins. 

Incretins are produced in the gut and are released after you eat. They signal for insulin to be released and determine how much insulin you need based on the amount of glucose present. 

Individuals with type 2 diabetes have lower levels of incretin hormones. Because of this deficit, taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist can help these individuals ensure the right amount of insulin is released in response to the food they eat so that blood sugar is brought into the tissues where it can be used for energy. 

Can It Help Me Lose Weight?

But what if you don’t have type 2 diabetes? Why is the internet convinced that GLP-1 agonists are the solution for anyone struggling on their weight loss journey?

There is evidence to suggest that these medications can promote weight loss in overweight and obese patients without diabetes. Doctors are still trying to figure out exactly why these medications seem to help individuals with normal glucose response lose weight. 

One thing that’s clear is that they delay gastric emptying–meaning they slow down food leaving the stomach–so you’ll feel fuller for longer. This slowed digestion sends a message to your brain to let it know there’s food in the digestive tract, which decreases appetite. This may help increase satiety and cut down cravings, allowing you to make more balanced decisions about your diet. 

Potential Downsides

Due to their effect on digestion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are all common side effects of these drugs. Some clinicians have reported that it is not unusual for patients to discontinue using these medications due to their experience of these side effects. 

Additionally, one study found that participants who took Semaglutide for 68 weeks lost an average of 17.3% of their body weight, but when they withdrew for one year, they regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost. So, while it might help you lose weight initially, there’s a chance you’ll gain it all back.

Conclusion

If you’ve been struggling with excess weight, it could be worth asking your doctor about a GLP-1 receptor agonist to jumpstart your weight loss journey. However, it’s by no means a magic elixir. Without making lasting changes to your dietary and exercise habits, you’ll likely be putting those pounds right back on later.