What we’ll cover:

• What GLP-1 and GIP medications are, and how they work.
• Available medications and their potential benefits.
• Side effects, risks, and considerations for using these treatments.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) medications mimic natural hormones that regulate your appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. Because of these effects, they are increasingly recognised for their effectiveness in managing obesity and type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials and extensive research has demonstrated their success in promoting significant weight loss and improving metabolic health in patients with obesity.

What are GLP-1 and GIP medications?

GLP-1 and GIP are hormones produced in the gut, and play critical roles in managing blood sugar, digestion, and appetite. Release of these hormones is normally stimulated following eating, and they act upon pathways in the brain to signal hunger or fullness. 

GLP-1 agonist medications mimic these hormones, providing several key benefits:

• Regulating blood sugar: GLP-1 agonists stimulate the pancreas to release insulin after meals, reducing blood sugar. They also block glucagon secretion, which prevents the liver from releasing more glucose into the bloodstream.
• Slowing digestion: These medications slow how quickly food leaves the stomach, resulting in steadier blood sugar levels and reduced spikes after meals.
• Promoting satiety: By affecting hunger signals in the brain, they help reduce appetite and food intake, often leading to significant weight loss.
• Reduced risk of disease: Clinical trials have shown that GLP-1 medication Wegovy reduced the risk of further heart disease in people with heart problems. This occurred even if the patient did not lose a lot of weight.

GIP medications, which are used in combination with GLP-1 in newer dual treatments, enhance these effects further by improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic efficiency.

Common GLP-1 and GIP medications

GLP-1 medications are available in various forms, including injections and tablets. Some commonly prescribed options include:

• GLP-1 receptor agonists:
  • Semaglutide injections
    • Wegovy - for obesity 
    • Ozempic  - for type 2 diabetes
  • Semaglutide tablets
    • Rybelsus - for type 2 diabetes
  • Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
  • Exenatide (Byetta)
  • Exenatide modified-release (Bydureon)
  • Liraglutide
    • Saxenda - for obesity
    • Victoza - type 2 diabetes
• Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist:
  • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

Benefits for managing weight and diabetes

GLP-1 and GIP medications are highly effective for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity due to their combined effects:

• Blood sugar control: By stimulating insulin production and reducing glucose release from the liver, these medications help stabilise blood sugar levels.
• Appetite reduction: Reduced hunger and increased feelings of fullness make it easier to adopt healthier eating habits.
• Sustained weight loss: Clinical studies have shown weight reductions of 10–15% in many patients, contributing to overall health improvements.
• Improvement of other conditions: Clinical trials have shown that treatment with Wegovy can prevent further heart disease in patients with existing heart problems, and that Mounjaro improves obstructive sleep apnoea, the first medication to demonstrate this effect.

Side effects and risks

While these medications are generally safe and well-tolerated, side effects can occur, particularly when starting treatment or adjusting doses:

• Common side effects:
  • Feeling sick, vomiting, or diarrhoea,
  • Loss of appetite,
  • Mild dizziness or headaches,
  • Temporary skin irritation at injection sites.
• Rare but serious side effects:
  • Pancreatiti,.
  • Medullary thyroid cancer (extremely rare),
  • Kidney injury,
  • Worsened diabetes-related eye conditions.
• Considerations:
  • These medications may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as a history of pancreatitis or medullary thyroid cancer.
  • These medications are also not suitable for people who are pregnant or undergoing IVF. If you are planning to get pregnant and are considering GLP-1 or GIP treatment, please speak with a healthcare professional first.
  • Combining GLP-1 medications with insulin or other drugs can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and patients should make clinicians aware of all medications prior to making a decision to treat.

Key considerations

While GLP-1 and GIP medications can be highly effective, it’s important to consider the following:

• Side effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, or mild gastrointestinal discomfort. These often improve over time as the body adjusts and to mitigate these, your clinician will slowly increase the dose over time.
• Commitment to lifestyle changes: These medications are only licenced, and work best, when combined with healthy eating, regular physical activity, and other sustainable habits.
• Suitability: These medications are not suitable for all patients. A healthcare provider will assess your medical history and current health to determine if they are appropriate for you.
• Long-term use: Stopping the medication can lead to weight regain. It’s highly recommended to work with your healthcare team to plan for the long term.

Summary

GLP-1 and GIP medications are new, innovative treatments that support weight loss and improve blood sugar control by mimicking natural hormones in the body. They are an effective medical tool but they work best as part of a holistic approach to health that includes lifestyle changes such as improvement of your diet and increased physical activity.

If you think GLP-1 or GIP medications might be suitable for you, speak to your healthcare provider for personalised advice and guidance. Roczen is here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your health.