With weight loss drugs taking the world by storm, more people are exploring adding these medical marvels to their toolkits.
Aside from the impressive results, GLP-1s seem to be increasingly easy for Americans to get their hands on, with telehealth companies popping up left and right to provide affordable options.
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy typically require a doctor’s evaluation and a prescription, but companies are making these blockbuster medications much more accessible.
What is GLP-1 drug and how does it work?
GLP-1 — short for glucagon-like peptide-1 — is a naturally occurring gut hormone that regulates blood sugar, appetite and digestion.
While many GLP-1 drugs are used to treat type 2 diabetes, they’re also effective at managing weight alongside lifestyle and dietary changes.
The medications work by mimicking one or two hormones to reduce food cravings, increase fullness, slow digestion and help blood sugar levels.
Many of these drugs contain different active ingredients that work in the same way. Some of the most common ingredients are semaglutide, tirzeptide and liraglutide.
You’ll often see companies selling medications under compounded formulas containing the ingredients, like semaglutide, or a brand name, like Ozempic.
Who is a good candidate?
The drugs are usually prescribed to two groups of people: those who have type 2 diabetes and those who have obesity.
There are several medications to treat diabetes, like metformin, but a doctor may recommend a GLP-1 if they’re not working.
For weight loss, the FDA has approved several drugs for two groups.
Those diagnosed as obese, meaning they have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher along with a weight-related health problem like high blood pressure.
The GLP-1s that are FDA-approved include liraglutide (sold under the brand name Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound).
Ozempic, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is only approved to treat diabetes. However, doctors may prescribe these drugs “off-label” for weight loss, meaning they’re used for something other than their intended treatment.
What to expect with GLP-1 treatment
If you’re prescribed a GLP-1, you’ll most likely receive it as an injectable medication given in fatty tissue just under the skin.
The shots can be done on the belly, outer thighs, upper buttocks and the backs of your arms.
Easier-to-take pills are also the latest front in weight loss medication, with a Wegovy tablet approved by the FDA last December.
How often you take the medication depends on which one you’ve been prescribed and your treatment plans, but generally, they’re taken either once a day or weekly.
Safety and potential side effects
Common short-term side effects include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- stomach pain
- bloating and burping
- fatigue
- dizziness
- “Ozempic tongue“
- reactions at the injection site
- low blood sugar
- increased heart rate
Long-term side effects are rare but possible and can include:
- pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that causes abdominal pain
- gastroparesis
- bowel obstruction
- gallstones
- “Ozempic face“
- hair loss
- loss of muscle mass
- kidney issues
- vision issues including blindness
How to get GLP-1 drugs online
It’s always best to consult your doctor first, especially if you’re dealing with health issues like diabetes.
But there are also now countless websites like Ro, Hims and Hers, and Remedy offering both name brand shots like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro and compounded formulas.
Be sure to choose a reputable site that includes a team of doctors and requires a medical assessment.
How to get the most out of your treatments
GLP-1s significantly increase weight loss on their own, but when combined with exercise and a balanced diet, users can see even better results.
Regular movement, especially strength training, is important to prevent muscle loss and improve metabolism.
But one of the major effects is that you’ll feel fuller, longer.
Dietician Tricia Stoddard RD, LD at Nourish, previously told The Post to avoid snacking or grazing throughout the day as it “can keep your blood sugar higher than it needs to be and make it harder to tell when you’re truly hungry.”
She also recommended prioritizing protein to decrease hunger and eating a healthy amount of fiber to stay regular and feel full.
Another way to fill up faster? Pair complex carbs like brown rice, quinoa or sweet potatoes with a protein or healthy fat.
Getting quality sleep and stress management are also key parts of weight loss, with or without treatment.
The future of GLP-1s
While the current market is showing no signs of slowing down, these medications are rapidly evolving.
Drugmakers have several next-level GLP-1s in the pipeline, including one nicknamed “triple G” as it targets three hormones for weight loss.
And while sky-high prices may keep customers away, some companies are aiming to provide more options while others are making medications more affordable.
