GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and weight loss have proven to be very effective, but they do have side effects. Among those side effects is "Ozempic face," where skin on the face sags and wrinkles. What are GLP-1 drugs and how do they work? GLP-1 drugs, also called GLP-1 agonists, are shortened names for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the GLP-1 hormone that is naturally released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. When you eat, your digestive system breaks carbohydrates down into simple sugars that travel through your bloodstream. GLP-1 triggers the release of insulin from your pancreas. Insulin helps usher glucose (sugar) out of the bloodstream and into your cells, where it can be used for nourishment and energy. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body's cells are resistant to the effects of insulin, the body does not produce enough insulin, or both. GLP-1 agonists stimulate the pancreas to release insulin and suppress the release of another hormone called glucagon, both of which help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
These drugs also act in the brain to reduce hunger and act on the stomach to delay emptying, so you feel full for a longer time. These effects can lead to weight loss, which can be an important part of managing diabetes. GLP-1 agonists have been used to treat type 2 diabetes for about two decades. More recently, the FDA has approved several GLP-1 agonists for weight loss in people with obesity who do not have diabetes. When used for overweight or obesity, the drugs are typically prescribed in higher doses than when prescribed for diabetes. What GLP-1 drugs are available? Ten GLP-1 drugs are FDA-approved to treat either type 2 diabetes or weight loss. Some GLP-1 agonists have the same generic name but are marketed under a different brand name and are approved for a different purpose, depending on the dose and how they are taken. Dosages. GLP-1 drugs for weight loss typically involve higher dosages than the same drug taken to manage diabetes.
How they are taken. Most are given by injection, but there is one pill option (Rybelsus). Additional benefits. Some have been found to also protect the heart, and can benefit people at risk for a heart attack. Age. All can be used by adults, MedicGLP but some are also approved for children. Tolerance. If your body can't tolerate one GLP-1 drug, you may be able to try another. You may have heard about "Ozempic face" as a side effect of GLP-1 drugs, though the term is misleading because this can be a side effect of any GLP-1 drug or any other cause of rapid weight loss. If weight is lost in a more gradual way, these changes may not be as noticeable. It's the faster pace of weight loss that occurs with GLP-1 drugs that can make facial changes more obvious. If "Ozempic face" side effects are significant, they can be treated with plastic surgery. Gastrointestinal symptoms - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation - are by far the most common side effects of GLP-1 drugs.
Nausea can be managed by avoiding strong smells and eating crackers, mint, or ginger-based food or drinks about a half hour after taking a GLP-1 drug. Vomiting can be managed by staying well hydrated and having more frequent meals in smaller amounts. Diarrhea can be managed by drinking plenty of water and avoiding dairy products and high-fiber foods until symptoms go away. Constipation can be managed by getting enough fiber in your diet and drinking plenty of water. Eat slowly and stop when full. Avoid being too active immediately after eating. Most side effects of GLP-1 drugs are not serious. In addition, tell your doctor that you take GLP-1 drugs if you are having surgery or a procedure that involves general anesthesia. Because GLP-1 drugs slow digestion, you may need to stop taking them a few days beforehand to ensure you have an empty stomach before receiving anesthesia. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
Science continues to prove that the old adage "you are what you eat" is profoundly true. This is because you have trillions of microorganisms living in your gut, which are directly responsible for nearly every aspect of your health. These microbes make up what’s called your "gut microbiota." They are especially influential in determining your likelihood of gaining excessive weight, becoming obese, and developing obesity-related diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and premature death. The gut microbiome (the expressed genes of your gut microbiota) plays a major role in your metabolism through energy production, storage, and expenditure. So, it’s no surprise that science has found a strong connection between gut microbiome imbalance and metabolic syndrome. Yikes! If you have the wrong mix of microbes, it could be making it tough for you to get your health on track! Did you know: MedicGLP Scientists can actually look at your gut microbiome composition and tell with 90% accuracy if you are obese or lean. That’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?