GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that your body naturally releases from the gut after you eat. It acts on receptors throughout the body, helping to regulate appetite and blood sugar. One of its main roles is to signal to your brain when you've had enough to eat.
Natural GLP-1 is broken down within a few minutes. GLP-1 weight loss medications are designed to mimic this hormone but last much longer, allowing them to work throughout the day.
These medications help by:
• Reducing appetite, so you feel less hungry.
• Increasing feelings of fullness, helping you eat smaller portions.
• Slowing stomach emptying, so you stay satisfied for longer after meals.
• Reducing food cravings, making it easier to stick to healthier eating habits.
• Helping regulate blood sugar, by improving the body's natural response after eating.
As well as supporting significant weight loss, clinical studies have shown that GLP-1 medications can also improve overall health. Benefits may include a lower risk of heart disease, improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar control, and reduced fat build-up in the liver (fatty liver disease).
These medications work best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
