Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists are medications which promote weight loss and
help lower blood sugar levels and. There are many different types. And they're just one
part of the treatment plan if you have Type 2 diabetes or obesity. (Collins L,et al.2024)
GLP-1 in higher amounts also interacts with the parts of the brain that suppress your
appetite and signal you to feel full.( Drucker, et al 2022)
When used in conjunction with diet and exercise, it can cause significant weight loss and
a reduced risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease in people who are obese or
overweight.(Latif W,et al.2024)
The GLP-1 class of drugs isn't recommended if you have a personal or family history of
medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia. They're also not recommended
if you've had pancreatitis.( Butzlaff,et al.2024)
GLP-1RAs work by reducing the appetite and feelings of hunger, slowing the release of
food from the stomach, and increasing feelings of fullness after eating.
GLP-1 directly stimulates POMC/CART neurons and indirectly inhibits neuropeptide Y
(NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) to decrease hunger and increase measures of
[Link] effects of GLP-1 can lead to reduced energy intake, thereby facilitating
weight loss.( Piper, et al.2022)
FDA-approved GLP-1 agonists for weight loss include:( MOORE, et al.2023)
Semaglutide (SC)
Liraglutide( SC)
Semaglutide injections for weight loss
Semaglutide 2.4 mg is to be administered SC, once a week for adults with overweight (body
mass index >27 kg/m2) with at least one weight-associated condition [for instance, high
blood pressure, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), or high cholesterol, or adults with BMI of 30
kg/m2 or greater.( MILANO, et al.2020)
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Mechanism of action(POPOVICIU,et al.2023)
It promotes a sense of satiety and reduces hunger, encouraging a decrease in food
consumption.
By targeting these neural pathways, semaglutide addresses the behavioral aspects
of diabetes and obesity management, aiding in the adoption of healthier eating
patterns and weight loss.
Usual Adult Dose for Weight Loss (RUBINO,et al.2021)
Initial Dose Escalation Schedule:
Weeks 1 through 4: 0.25 mg subcutaneously once a week
Weeks 5 through 8: 0.5 mg subcutaneously once a week
Weeks 9 through 12: 1 mg subcutaneously once a week
Weeks 13 through 16: 1.7 mg subcutaneously once a week
Maintenance Dose:
Week 17 and onward: 2.4 mg subcutaneously once a week
The side effects of semaglutide are typically mild especially when compared to
the complications associated with overweight and obesity:
Dizziness
Fatigue
GI issues, such as diarrhea, constipation and gassiness
Headache
Stomach issues, including nausea, vomiting or distension (BERGMANN,et al. 2023)
Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg is an injectable prescription
medicine used:
Along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type
2 diabetes.
To reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke,
or death in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease.
( WRIGHT JR,etal. 2020)
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Ozempic may cause serious side effects, including:
Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer: Symptoms of thyroid cancer. A lump or
swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Medicines that work like Ozempic caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid
cancer. It is not known if Ozempic will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid
cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. (RUDER,et al. 2023)
Liraglutide
Liraglutide injection is in a class of medications called incretin mimetics. Liraglutide helps
to induce and sustain weight loss in patients with obesity. (CERILLO, et al.2024).
Liraglutide reduces body weight and body fat mass through mechanisms involving reduced
hunger and lowered energy intake as GLP-1 is a physiological regulator of appetite and
food intake. It induces weight loss by suppressing appetite and by increasing postprandial
satiety and fullness. ( Kenya D. Palmer et al., 2022)
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