Are GLP drugs right for you?
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Monjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound, have gotten a lot of press lately. And, for many, they do work for weight loss. The question I have for you is, are these GLP drugs right for you?
What are GLP-1s?
GLP-1, and their associated combinations, are lab created hormones. They were first used for diabetics to help control their condition. They are NOT identical hormones to what your body makes, but do have the same response. It was when these hormones were found to cause weight loss that they became the popular drugs they are today.
Why do they work in me?
Well, actually, I don’t take them. My body, like yours, produces GLP-1 hormones already. These are produced in the gut in response to eating foods. I believe that, in many people, foods high in proteins and fatty acids cause a larger release of GLP-1s than starches and sugars. This makes us feel fuller faster and longer.
What do they do?
- These hormones send a signal to your brain that you are full. They also slow the speed of your digestive system, both in the stomach and in the gut. As a result, you absorb nutrients, including energy, at a slower pace.
- When your brain senses the energy available to it is low, it sends a signal that you are hungry again. By slowing the energy absorption from the food you eat, the energy levels stay higher for longer.
- This is the original reason these hormones were given to diabetics. By slowing the gut down, the starches and sugars eaten are absorbed slower, and blood sugar levels do not spike as fast, but remain elevated longer.
Yes! There are side effects!
- These are drugs! Just like any drug you take, they do have side effects. And, often, these side effects are dose dependent – the bigger the dose, the more the side effects.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Up to half of people have this.
- Constipation and Diarrhea: Are caused by the slowing of the bowels.
- Bloating, Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Cramps: Are frequently reported.
- Fatigue and Dizziness: Due to reduced calorie consumption, low blood sugar, and dehydration can be the cause.
- Ozempic Face and Hair Loss: Are caused by rapid weight loss.
- Rebound: When people eventually stop taking these hormones, they usually regain the fat they lost. The issue is, they often don’t regain the muscle and bone mass with it.
Serious Side Effects!
- More serious side effects can occur!
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the Pancreas – the organ that produces insulin.
- Gallbladder: Inflammation of the gall bladder and gall stones have been noted.
- Kidney Injury: Can occur due to dehydration.
- Hypoglycemia: A severe and potentially life threatening situation!
- Muscle and Bone Loss: Decreased consumption of complete proteins, such as found in meat, can cause this.
Are GLP drugs right for you?
I believe they do have a time and place. But, they need to be taken with care, preferably under the guidance of a physician. They are a serious drug, and can have serious, even life threatening side effects!
For most of us, though, we can get the same results in a much safer and cheaper way. Rather than the jab, if we change the balance of macronutrients we eat – that is lowering our carbohydrates, and eating more meats and full fat natural foods – we can let our bodies produce the GLP hormones it is meant to have, no more, no less.
We are all smart enough and wise enough, that if we consider the options, we can make up our own minds as to which is best for us.
You can find out more about my program here.
Mike