Achieve Natural and Sustainable Weight Loss with GLP-1 Treatment in Cincinnati

Losing weight is anything but “simple,” especially when your hormones are out of whack, you’re fighting constant cravings, or your blood sugar is working against you. If you feel stuck with your excess weight, a Cincinnati practitioner offering GLP-1 treatments may offer the support your body needs to make real progress.

What Is GLP-1 Therapy?

To understand the function of GLP-1 treatments from a Cincinnati weight loss specialist, we first need to explain what GLP-1 is—a naturally occurring hormone in your small intestine. This hormone performs several functions, one of which is to trigger the pancreas to release insulin, a key component in converting food to energy and controlling blood sugar levels. Without this process, you risk developing diabetes.

A GLP-1 agonist, such as semaglutide, mimics the naturally occurring GLP-1 in your gut.  An agonist is a synthetic substance that attaches to a cell receptor in the body, causing the same reactions that the natural hormone produces.

GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications that physicians can prescribe to people with type 2 diabetes to help manage blood sugar. Some individuals with obesity or overweight also find that GLP-1 supports weight loss because it performs these functions:

• It prevents the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar, keeping it from entering the bloodstream.
• It slows the rate at which your stomach empties its contents, helping you feel fuller longer.
• Sends signals to your brain that you’re satisfied and no longer hungry.

Benefits of Using GLP-1 for Weight Loss

GLP-1 agonists were initially designed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Because of the medication’s effect on blood sugar levels, people undergoing treatment noticed they also lost weight. Therefore, doctors prescribe GLP-1s for obesity and overweight as well as diabetes.

Remember that taking GLP-1 agonists is not the only path to successful weight loss. No medication can provide your miracle cure, but it should be part of a more comprehensive weight management protocol that addresses the underlying health issues and behaviors that lead to weight gain and poor health.

The factors contributing to weight gain are complex. Therefore, if you take any medication to lose weight, it should be part of an overall plan that also includes:

• Dietary changes and nutrition guidance
• Regular exercise
• Expert coaching to keep you on track
• A strong social network for support and accountability
• Regular check-ins with your provider to track progress and make necessary adjustments to the plan

Potential Risks of GLP-1 Therapy

When taking any medication, you should be knowledgeable of the risks, which your local weight loss doctor can discuss with you. Although GLP-1s are safe and closely regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they have some minor side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, and upset stomach. These side effects are more likely to occur when you start GLP-1 treatment and typically subside with time.

In rare cases, GLP-1s can produce more severe side effects, including acute kidney injury, pancreatitis, and medullary thyroid cancer. Again, these effects are rare, but it’s not a bad idea to mention them to your doctor during your initial metabolic assessment, which Happy Hormone Cottage provides.

Another risk to watch for is an allergic reaction to the medication, which is one of the reasons you’re given low doses at the start of treatment. Your GLP-1 doctor will also monitor for dips in your blood sugar levels, which could result in hypoglycemia. You should also avoid going on the medication if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

Personalized Medical Weight Loss in Cincinnati

While there’s no one best way to lose weight or manage your current weight, a medically supervised plan at Happy Hormone Cottage can provide much-needed support. If you struggle with type 2 diabetes or have difficulty dropping those extra pounds, our comprehensive Weight Management Program includes GLP-1 therapy, which can give you the boost you need to finally see those results.

Want to learn more about GLP-1 treatments available through our Cincinnati and Dayton offices or telehealth? Schedule a FREE Discovery Call today with us to discuss your options and get a thorough medical assessment.