You’ve heard all about GLP-1 (or so you think). Maybe (without question) you’ve Googled or Chatgpt’d it. You want it to do what all your previous attempts at losing those extra pounds you’ve been losing and gaining and lugging around for longer than you can remember. You want it badly. But here’s the thing…yes, GLP-1 can help people lose weight. That’s just about what most people really know. But if you’re injecting GLP-1 into your body, you ought to know all about it.
QUICK! WHAT’S A GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 AGONIST (GPP-1)?
How about a GPL-1 receptor agonist? Well, how about GLP-1 analog? See, not so simple this GLP-1 thing. But there’s no need to put on your science hat. We’ll stick to the part where it leads to weight loss. Ready?
IT STARTS IN YOUR GUT
Incretin hormones are a group of gastrointestinal hormones that play a crucial role in regulating insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. The two main incretin hormones are glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). We’ll get to the GIP part in a bit. These hormones are released from the intestine in response to the ingestion of food, mainly carbohydrates. When you eat, your digestive tract releases the GLP-1 hormone, prompting the body to create more insulin, reducing blood glucose or sugar. Which is where it helps treat individuals with type 2 diabetes. By inhibiting glucagon secretion, GLP-1 can slow down gastric emptying, reducing the rate at which nutrients are absorbed. This contributes to a sense of fullness and may help control appetite, which can help you lose weight.
IT GOES TO YOUR BRAIN
GLP-1 can also induce metabolic actions by acting on hunger centers in your brain that control appetite and food intake. Another way GLP-1 works to help you eat less and keep you feeling full. Which can also help you lose weight.
GLP-1; NOT JUST FOR DIABETES ANYMORE
Because of their ability to lower blood sugar, GLP-1 agonists were initially used to treat type 2 diabetes. Due to the fact they also lead to weight loss, it made them particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese. This led to research into using them as weight loss medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide for those without type 2 diabetes, which is great news for you.
SEMAGLUTIDE, THE GLP-1 WEIGHT LOSS PIONEER
Semaglutide is still making weight loss waves since its 2021 approval by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s got a well-established track record of promoting weight loss and instilling trust among patients over the years. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy which are the most common brand names. So just how much weight can you lose? Research has shown that semaglutide can lead to a weight loss of around 16% of your body weight after 68 weeks. Semaglutide can help control your food portions and reduce your cravings for sweets and high-fat foods, just in time for the highest of fat foods holiday season.
TRENDING TOWARD TIRZEPATIDE
Tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro and now Zepbound) started getting a buzz when it was approved for weight loss in 2022. What sets it apart from Semaglutide is that it belongs to a class of drugs known as a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. By targeting both these receptors, tirzepatide is designed to provide more potent blood sugar control, impacting appetite and metabolism more, which can lead to a greater weight loss than semaglutide—up to 15% of starting weight. They both work, but it’s whatever works best for you.
GLP-1; ARE YOU GETTING THE REAL THING?
Here’s where you should start paying more attention, not just as to what you’re getting, but as to what you might be getting yourself into. The high prices of brand drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are pushing many people to cheap drugs found online. Some “authorities” on TikTok can tell you that you can get your hands on what appears to be semaglutide and tirzepatide for super cheap. And without a prescription or talking to a medical professional. But know this; if you get it online and the source doesn’t require medical consultation and a prescription, you don’t really know where the GLP-1 you think you’re getting is actually from. It could be from outside the country from places like China. Some places advertising GLP-1 add salts or stearates to dilute it so it goes further, making them more money. Diluting it can also dilute its effectiveness. The bigger question could be whether you’re getting any real GLP-1 at all. It’s not like you can go get it tested to see what it actually is.
FOR GLP-1, THRIVE HEALTH SOLUTIONS IS THE ONE
At Thrive Health Solutions, their medical weight loss professionals only use 100% pure weight loss medication. Never stearates or salts or anything to dilute it. But it gets better. They offer both semaglutide and tirzepatide injections that you only need to take once weekly, versus once daily like some other weight loss injections. For many patients at Thrive, a less frequent dosing schedule is more convenient and less intrusive in their daily lives, not to mention it helps maintain a more consistent level of the drug in the body. Oh, and then there is the not having to stick yourself every day. But there are other reasons why Thrive Health Solutions is where you want to get GLP-1. Lots of them.
DOSING DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND
Thrive offers tiered dosing of their GLP-1 products. People respond differently to medications based on genetics, metabolism, and other factors. Some individuals may require higher or lower doses to achieve the therapeutic effect. Tiered dosing means you can increase the dose to get over plateaus and decrease the amount for maintenance. Gradual dose escalation can also enhance the safety and tolerability of the medication to reduce side effects, enhance safety, and let you stay with it longer. A lot of other weight loss clinics and websites only offer a one-size-fits-all. Which really fits no one.
AVOID THE MONTHLY CONTRACT TRAP
At Thrive you never have to get stuck signing a monthly contract. You’ll never find yourself “locked in and losing money”. Maybe you think GLP-1 isn’t all you hoped it would be. Maybe you just don’t want to be committed to a program if you want to explore other weight loss options. Maybe you want out for any reason at all. At Thrive, that’s OK.
WEIGHT LOSS YOUR WAY
At Thrive Health Solutions, it’s all about you. The decision as to whether semaglutide or tirzepatide is best for you is based on a thorough evaluation of your overall health, treatment goals, or any other specific needs. GLP-1? It’s one of the best ways to lose weight. But only if you do it with medical professionals as expert and experienced as those at Thrive Health Solutions. Call or text Thrive Health Solutions for an appointment now.
