How GLP-1 Injections Can Help You Lose Weight

Initially studied as a drug to treat diabetes, GLP-1 has emerged in recent years as a powerful weight loss tool, helping patients lose more weight than traditional weight loss medications.

Given as injections, GLP-1 is effective even in people who've tried to lose weight via other methods without success.

At Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno, Nevada, Dana Trippi, DO, and the team offer GLP-1 injections to our patients as part of a comprehensive medical weight management plan. Here’s how GLP-1 could help you reach your weight loss goals and maintain that weight loss

Quick facts about GLP-1 injections

Short for glucagon-like peptide 1, GLP-1 is a peptide (a chain of amino acids) that’s found in your gut, most often in your large intestines. The peptide is released following meals, stimulating insulin secretion to help your body use glucose and convert it into usable energy. 

When your gut releases GLP-1, it also helps suppress a hormone called glucagon. Typically, glucagon acts to increase blood sugar levels. By suppressing it, GLP-1 helps prevent spikes in glucose that can lead to hunger, overeating, and relapsing weight gain.

GLP-1 injections use a synthetic form of the natural peptide to achieve similar effects with a longer half life. There are two types of FDA approved GLP-1 medicines — one to treat diabetes and one for weight loss.

The medications are sold under different brand names, and have different indications and dosages.

GLP-1 and your weight management plan

GLP-1 injections work in a few key ways to help you lose weight.

By managing your glucose levels, GLP-1 medicines help prolong the digestive process, causing your stomach to empty more slowly. When the stomach stays full longer, you're less likely to feel hungry, which means you’re also likely to eat less.

GLP-1 also helps reduce feelings of hunger by interacting with neural pathways involved in appetite. It also works to decrease the amount of glucose produced by your liver, helping your body process glucose more efficiently to help promote a healthy weight. 

At the same time, GLP-1 increases insulin secretion, which also aids in managing glucose levels and decreasing feelings of hunger.

Although GLP-1 can facilitate weight loss and weight management, it’s not used on its own. Our team recommends GLP-1 as an adjunct to other therapies, including a healthy eating plan, increased physical activity, and behavioral modification. This gives you the best chance for greater weight loss. 

Like all our weight loss plans, your plan is customized to your unique needs.

Find out if GLP-1 injections are right for you

GLP-1 is an FDA approved medication which can be indicated for chronic weight management, and can be an effective tool in helping many people lose weight,and more importantly maintain weight loss.

To learn more about GLP-1 medicines and if they might be a good choice for you, request an appointment online or over the phone today with our team at Premier Physicians Weight Loss & Wellness.