The GLP-1 Diet
A number of different factors can impact weight loss success, such as your body type, metabolism, lifestyle, and certain health conditions. That’s why we offer our patients a variety of options to help them safely lose weight using a scientifically-backed method. We’re excited to announce the addition of the GLP-1 Diet to our clinic offerings, so that we can help even more patients lose weight and get healthy.
What is the GLP-1 Diet? With the GLP-1 Diet, we pair a healthy eating plan with the use of a certain class of drugs called GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide agonists). These drugs are approved for use in diabetic patients, to help them manage their blood sugar, but have been linked to weight loss as well.
How do GLP-1 drugs work? GLP-1s were designed to control blood sugar, but it has been observed that they seem to control appetite as well. The drugs slow the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, therefore slowing digestion. This is thought to help patients feel full longer, and experience less hunger and cravings.
Is the GLP-1 Diet only for people with diabetes? GLP-1 drugs are FDA approved for use in the management of diabetes. However, at least one GLP-1 drug is approved for the treatment of obesity in non-diabetic patients.
How is the GLP-1 Diet administered? With the GLP-1 Diet, there are no pills to remember. Your medication is offered by weekly injections. We will start at a lower dose for four weeks, and then increase the dosage of the drug according to your needs and tolerance.
Can the GLP-1 Diet benefit me in other ways? Any time you resolve obesity by losing weight, you reduce your risk of a plethora of other related health conditions. Specifically, the GLP-1 Diet is known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Are there any side effects I should know about? GLP-1s do lower blood sugar, so we start with a lower dose and wait to see how you respond to the drugs. Interactions are possible with any drug, so disclose all prescription and non-prescription drug use to your doctor so that we can make an informed decision together.
Is the GLP-1 Diet right for everyone? The GLP-1 Diet is appropriate for those who need to lose weight. It is not appropriate for use as a quick “slim-down” for patients who want to drop a few pounds. If you have a history of pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia, you should not use the GLP-1 drugs.
For more information, call our office to schedule an appointment. Together we will discuss your health history, screen you for underlying conditions,and decide if the GLP-1 Diet is right for you.
