There is a class of drugs out called GLP-1 receptor agonists that have been shown to be beneficial for weight loss and diabetes management. Many of these drugs are injected daily or weekly and mimic hormones that are released when you are eating which ultimately lower blood sugar. These drugs are also thought to slow down digestion which curbs appetite by producing a “full” feeling. Some brand names of these drugs include Ozempic, Trulicity, and Victoza. A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that use of GLP-1 over a 15-week period resulted in an average of 35 pounds of weight loss. The drugs have also shown to be effective with lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, although it’s not clear if these benefits are due to the drugs or weight loss. Generally, side effects are minimal but do include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. When coupled with other diabetes drugs, low blood sugar might also be another complication.
The drugs are becoming so popular that supply is not able to keep up with demand. Many insurance plans will not approve these drugs for weight loss but only to manage type 2 diabetes. Some pharmacists and doctors are recommending lower doses, which can still be beneficial. Health behaviors such as healthy eating, physical activity, and smoking cessation are still important whether one is using these drugs for weight loss or diabetes management. The long-term side effects aren’t clear although some evidence suggests that there is an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Therefore, delaying the use of these drugs or using lower doses through lifestyle changes might be beneficial in the long term.
If considering these drugs, talk to your doctor and pharmacist about your options, especially with insurance plans. If using for weight loss, you might need to pay a lot of money out of pocket. There are coupons that can be used to get started. If you have diabetes, consider attending diabetes education classes in your community. Diabetes education will help you better manage diabetes regardless of what medication you are on. Dining with Diabetes is a healthy cooking class offered in most states by the Cooperative Extension Service that offers diabetes education, healthy cooking demonstrations, and taste-testing. Ohio State University Extension offers Dining with Diabetes in some counties. In addition, a free online class called Dining with Diabetes: Beyond the Kitchen is also offered.
Author: Dan Remley, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition and Wellness, OSU Extension
Reviewer: Jessica Lowe, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County
Sources:
Bonner, Lauren. Pharmacy Today. GLP-1 receptor agonists: Breaking down the hype and demand. Accessed at https://pharmacist.com/Publications/Pharmacy-Today/Article/glp-1-receptor-agonists-breaking-down-the-hype-and-demand
Castro, Regina MD. Mayo Clinic. GLP-1 Agonists: Diabetes Drugs and Weight Loss. Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/byetta/faq-20057955
Diabetes Self-Management. Long term use of GLP-1 agonists may increase Thyroid cancer risk. Accessed at https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/news-research/2022/12/21/long-term-use-of-glp-1-agonists-may-increase-thyroid-cancer-risk/#:~:text=Taking%20a%20GLP-1%20receptor%20agonist%20%E2%80%94%20a%20group,new%20study%20published%20in%20the%20journal%20Diabetes%20Care.