Discover If You Qualify for GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatment in Dayton
Modern medicine is continuously providing more options to help people lose weight, and you may want to get in on the benefits. Several people in Dayton have already experienced excellent results from medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists. Still, one of the things your doctor will likely tell you is that they’re not for everyone.
You’re considering trying weight loss medications, but are they suitable for you? The best way to find out is to speak with a local medical weight loss specialist at Happy Hormone Cottage. Meanwhile, we explain how GLP-1 therapy functions and what factors would make you an excellent candidate for this innovative weight loss treatment.
What GLP-1 Therapies Are and How They Work
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that naturally exists in your intestines. Your body produces GLP-1 when you eat to help control blood sugar and curb appetite. This hormone also slows the emptying of your stomach, signaling to your brain that you are full.
GLP-1 weight loss medications refer to GLP-1 receptor agonists, which trigger the same effects that the real hormone facilitates in your body. Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes because of its positive impact on blood sugar, some versions of this medical intervention have recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat overweight and obesity.
Long-term use of GLP-1 therapies can facilitate weight loss because they typically have the following effects on patients:
- Suppressing appetite to prevent overeating
- Increases insulin in response to high levels of blood sugar
- Slows gastric emptying to help you feel full longer
- Reduces glucagon secretion in the liver, regulating blood sugar levels
Could a Weight Loss Solution Like GLP-1 Therapy Be Right for You?
Some people are better candidates than others for medically supported weight loss, especially if a GLP-1 prescription is involved. If you want to see if this drug can help you lose weight, ask your doctor if you meet the qualifying criteria.
If losing weight is your primary goal, you typically must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. You might also qualify if your BMI is 27 and you have any of the following weight-related conditions:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
Because BMI, a score based on your height and weight, is not a fail-proof indicator of your overall health, your provider will typically review additional factors in your medical profile, including
- Weight loss history, including dietary and lifestyle behaviors and changes
- Medical history, including any conditions that affect your weight, such as hypothyroidism
- Current medications, to identify those that negatively interact with GLP-1 drugs
- Motivations and goals, including the willingness to adopt a comprehensive weight loss strategy and not just rely on medication
After a thorough review of your health history, lab panel, and other factors, your provider may indicate that you’re an excellent candidate for GLP-1 treatment.
Who Should Not Have GLP-1 Therapy?
Certain physiological and medical considerations rule out GLP-1 therapy for some individuals. More specifically, you shouldn’t take this type of medication if you’re pregnant or you
- Live with a gastrointestinal condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease
- Are hypersensitive or allergic to GLP-1
- Have a family history of or are at risk for some thyroid cancers
Also, you should consider alternatives to weight loss medications if you have a history of gallbladder disease, kidney failure, or pancreatitis.
Which Type of GLP-1 Is Best for Me?
Many forms of GLP-1 are available for treating weight loss, and some of the most common are semaglutide and liraglutide. Not all GLP-1s are formulated or work the same way. Therefore, a provider experienced in GLP-1 therapies for medical weight loss can best determine which drug is most suitable for you.
Your doctor will choose the medication that provides the most benefits and poses the fewest risks to you, given your medical profile, situation, and needs. For example, if you want to lose weight and you have type 2 diabetes, they’ll typically recommend a GLP-1 that’s been shown to be highly effective at addressing both conditions.
Talking to Your Dayton Provider about GLP-1 Therapy
At Happy Hormone Cottage in Centerville, we’d be happy to talk with you about your weight loss goals and why you’d like to add GLP-1 to your treatment plan. Before you schedule a visit with us, we encourage you to learn as much as you can about GLP-1 receptor agonists, including their pros and cons. It’s also beneficial to write down questions you may have and bring them to your appointment. Here are some questions to get you started:
- What aspects of my medical history could interfere with a GLP-1’s effectiveness?
- What side effects should I be aware of?
- What should I do if I miss or skip a dose?
- How would a GLP-1 interact with my current medication?
Arming yourself with as much information as possible, getting answers to your questions, and understanding your goals can help you make the best decision possible about starting weight loss medication. At Happy Hormone Cottage, we want you to be confident in your decision to begin your medical weight loss journey.