The buzz behind GLP-1 drugs: are they worth it for weight loss?

With weight loss drugs such as Ozempic becoming wildly popular, GLP-1 is a term that frequently surfaces. But what exactly is GLP-1, and why is it so crucial? Let’s delve into the science behind this buzzy gut hormone, why it’s so attractive to pharmaceutical companies, and what manipulating it can do to your health.

GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone primarily produced in the small intestine in response to food consumption. Its primary role is to stimulate insulin release from the pancreas, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, GLP-1 suppresses glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and promotes satiety, all of which contribute to glucose balance and weight management.

What is Gastric Emptying?

When we eat a meal, our stomach gradually empties its contents into the small intestine, where digestion and absorption of nutrients occur. Rapid stomach emptying can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. Because GLP-1 helps to regulate stomach emptying, it helps prevent these spikes after meals.

This also means that the food we consume stays in our system much longer. Instead of just fasting prior to surgery, patients undergoing procedures that require anesthesia must discontinue use of drugs that impact GLP-1 for at least 1 week prior, to avoid vomiting and food getting trapped in their lungs.

One of the most well known aspects of GLP-1 is its role in appetite regulation. When GLP-1 is released into the bloodstream after a meal, it acts on the brain to reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, and decrease food intake. This satiating effect is what makes GLP-1 such an attractive target for pharmacological development.

Pharmaceutical companies have developed GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs that mimic the action of GLP-1 in the body. These medications, such as liraglutide and semaglutide, have been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. They work by stimulating GLP-1 receptors, which leads to improved glycemic control, weight loss, and, in some cases, cardiovascular benefits.

If you think this sounds too good to be true – you’re correct. Along with GLP-1 drugs come a vast array of side effects which can be damaging to long term health.

Negative Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs

• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea – these are among the most common side effects, especially when starting the medication.

• Injection site reactions – since most GLP-1 receptor agonists are injectable medications, some people may experience reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, or itching.

• Body composition changes or ‘Skinny Fat’ – studies suggest that 40% of weight lost on GLP-1 drugs is lean muscle mass. So when you stop taking GLP-1 drugs and start to gain weight back, it’s fat, not lean muscle, leaving you worse off than you started. Muscle mass is required to clear glucose from the blood and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

• ‘Ozempic Face’ – loose skin and sunken cheeks, which accelerate the appearance of aging

• Mental health affects – including confusion, tremors, and dizziness

• Pancreatitis

• Thyroid Cancers

• Gallbladder issues

A Healthier Weight Loss Option

If you are not obese or diabetic, GLP -1 drugs are like giving your body 4 shots of espresso when all you might need is 1. Veracity’s breakthrough supplement, Metabolism Ignite offers this 1 shot option. It’s effective, 100% natural, and without any negative health impacts.

Metabolism Ignite works with your body to activate its natural fat burning ability. It’s powered by all natural ingredients including a proprietary blend of plant polyphenols derived from Lemon Verbena and Hibiscus, called Metabolaid. Metaboliad activates an enzymatic pathway called AMPK which exists in every cell of your body. Turning on the AMPK pathway is like flipping a metabolic switch, telling your body to burn energy (fat), and simultaneously decrease energy (fat) storage. The AMPK pathway is what your body naturally switches on when your body is in an energy deficit from working out of dieting.

In addition to boosting energy burn, the effect of activating the AMPK pathway is to help balance blood sugar levels and regulate key hunger hormones including Ghrelin, Leptin, and GLP-1. This reduces appetite and craving, and increases satiety. To note the effects on GLP-1 are significant but with nowhere near the same impact as with GLP-1 drugs – the 4 shot espresso scenario.

Metabolism Ignite is the answer to achieving healthy weight goals vs. stressing your body with powerful drugs that may yield long term damage.