Navigating the New Frontier of Weight Loss Drugs.

Tired of the boring diets and hunger kills? But want to achieve that perfect figure, bringing to you the best weight loss medicine with weight loss surety! 

This how the new age weight loss drugs like ozempic, wegovy and more are being promoted. But remember when things feel too good to be true and promises are made sky high pause for a second and think are they really effective? Don’t they have any side effects? How do they really work? 

With these new drugs making its way in the Indian market this month, let’s learn more about them, their benefits and side effects so that you can make a better decision on whether you should give them a try or keep a safe distance from them,

 

What is GLP - 1? 

Before we understand more about the benefits and side-effects of this new age drugs, let’s first understand what is GLP - 1 which this drugs targets and which leads to weight loss.

GLP-1, or Glucagon-like Peptide-1, is a hormone produced in the intestines. It helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and slowing down the emptying of the stomach. GLP-1 is also involved in appetite regulation, promoting feelings of fullness and reducing hunger.

When you eat, your digestive system breaks carbohydrates down into simple sugars that travel through your bloodstream. GLP-1 triggers the release of insulin from your pancreas. Insulin helps usher glucose (sugar) out of the bloodstream and into your cells, where it can be used for nourishment and energy.

In people with type 2 diabetes, the body's cells are resistant to the effects of insulin, the body does not produce enough insulin, or both. GLP-1 agonists stimulate the pancreas to release insulin and suppress the release of another hormone called glucagon, both of which help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1 are used in a class of medications. They work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, helping to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.And by slowing down digestion time it keeps you full for a longer period of time because of which you tend to eat less, thus leading to weight loss.

 

Now that we have understood what these drugs are doing in our body let’s understand their benefits snd side effects:-

Benefits:

• Appetite Suppression: GLP-1 drugs can help reduce appetite, leading to decreased calorie intake.
• Slower Digestion: These medications can slow down the rate at which food is digested, increasing feelings of fullness and satisfaction.
• Reduced Cravings: GLP-1 drugs might help decrease cravings for unhealthy foods.
• Improved Adherence: Some people find it easier to stick to their weight loss plans when using GLP-1 drugs.

 

Mild Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are common side effects, especially at the beginning of treatment.
• Headaches: Some individuals may experience headaches.
• Fatigue: Fatigue is another potential side effect.

Few Rare and Extreme Side- Effects - Extreme side effects related to GLP-1 drugs for weight loss are rare but can be serious.These include:

• Pancreatitis: This is a severe inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
• Thyroid tumours: While rare, thyroid tumours have been reported in some patients taking GLP-1 drugs.
• Allergic reactions: In rare cases, people may experience allergic reactions, which can range from mild to severe.

The advent of this new-age weight loss drugs marks a significant milestone in the field of obesity management. These medications can offer a promising solutions for individuals seeking effective and sustainable weight loss. However, it's crucial to approach them with a balanced perspective, consulting with healthcare professionals to assess their suitability and potential side effects.

 

And remember effects/benefits of weight loss using drugs or even crash diets are not permanent they are just quick fix. What will help you in staying consistent is your discipline and change your daily diet and exercise.