GLP-1 Agonists & Weight Loss: How Do GLP-1 Medications Work?

HOW GLP-1 MEDICATIONS HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS

GLP-1 medications (glucagon-like peptide 1s) are the most effective medication for long-term, sustained weight loss. These medications include FDA-approved Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Saxenda®, and several others.

GLP-1 medications stimulate the secretion of insulin and slow the release of glucagon in your body, influencing blood sugar control. GLP-1s also help with weight loss by acting on the body’s “set point,” reducing appetite and increasing satiety. GLP-1 medication is most effective when combined with intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) for habit change across food, exercise, sleep, and emotional health. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the effectiveness of GLP-1s on weight, the effects of GLP-1s in the body, the various types of GLP-1 medications available, and more. If you’re struggling with weight, it’s time to regain control. Read through for a complete overview of GLP-1 weight loss medications, or use the links below to navigate throughout the post.

• Effectiveness of GLP-1 Medications on Weight
• How Soon Can I Expect Weight Loss Results Using GLP-1s?
• Benefits of Using GLP-1s for Weight Loss
• Effects of GLP-1 Agonists on the Body
• What GLP-1 Medications Are There?
• Which GLP-1 Agonists Are FDA Approved?
• Safety Information About GLP-1 Class Drugs
• Final Notes

Effectiveness of GLP-1 Medications on Weight Loss

In clinical trials, GLP-1s drove 5-10% weight loss. Calibrate has produced 2-3X better sustained weight loss results than GLP-1s alone thanks to the powerful combination of GLP-1 medication with a holistic curriculum and accountability coaching. 

The average weight loss for year one Calibrate members is 16.2%—versus the 10% average seen with GLP-1s plus lifestyle intervention in clinical trials.

Studies have shown that there is a direct relationship between GLP-1s and weight loss. GLP-1s are naturally occurring hormones produced by your gut that send signals to your brain to improve metabolic function and regulate your digestion and appetite, allowing you to feel fuller longer. Calibrate clinicians prescribe a variety of FDA-approved GLP-1 medications that work on the same receptors as your body’s natural GLP-1 hormones to regulate your body’s set point—the weight your body fights to maintain—blood sugar response, and insulin. 

GLP-1 medications improve your metabolic health and control your blood sugar levels. While GLP-1 medication helps to unblock the biological factors that are holding back your weight loss, that doesn’t mean that developing healthy lifestyle habits isn’t also important. GLP-1s for weight loss work best when combined with lifestyle tweaks around food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health. Developing healthier habits will help you sustain your weight loss over the long term for a healthier and happier life. 

At Calibrate, we combine GLP-1s for weight loss with 1:1 weight management coaching with an accountability coach who will keep you on track and accountable for the goals you set. Whether that means drinking more water or navigating eating during the holidays, an accountability coach can provide the resources and motivation to ensure your goals are sustained. 

95% of diets fail because they don’t address the root cause of weight gain—your biology. Calibrate’s approach fights biology with biology to improve your overall metabolic health for lasting results. Knowing how to reset your metabolism can help you sustain long-term weight loss and develop healthier lifestyle habits. 

How Soon Can I Expect Weight Loss Results Using GLP-1s?

The effectiveness of GLP-1s for weight loss can vary—but they're most effective when combined with lifestyle changes proven to support weight loss. Because Calibrate’s program combines GLP-1 medication with intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) across the Four Pillars of metabolic health (food, exercise, sleep, and emotional health), members sustain an average 10% loss of their body weight long-term. Members of the Calibrate program can expect to lose at least 5% of their weight within 3 months as well as reduce their overall body fat percentage. At 3 months, members should also feel improvements in sleep, energy levels, and exercise stamina. At 6 months, Calibrate members should reach at least 10% body weight loss while taking GLP-1s, resulting in a smaller waist circumference. 

How Long Should I Expect to Take GLP-1s?

GLP-1 meds are not intended to be a quick fix to weight loss—they are an investment in long-term metabolic health improvements. Your Calibrate clinician will prescribe the most clinically appropriate GLP-1 that’s covered by your insurance and as you progress through the program, the Calibrate Medical team will recommend how long taking GLP-1 medication is right for you. Our goal for members is to see sustained success, and many members will be able to taper off medication, equipped with the tools to maintain the food, exercise, sleep, and emotional health habits needed to maintain weight loss and metabolic health over time.  

Benefits of Using GLP-1s for Weight Loss

There are many benefits of using GLP-1s for weight loss. GLP-1 meds send signals to your brain to improve your metabolic function and regulate your appetite and digestion so that you feel fuller longer.GLP-1s are also beneficial to your metabolic system. They help to regulate your body’s blood sugar levels and to reset your “set point,” which is the weight your body fights to maintain.. This will not only help you lose weight but also sustain that weight loss long-term.

Effects of GLP-1 Agonists on the Body

When starting any new type of medication, it’s always important to be aware of possible side effects. While side effects are rare for GLP-1 medications, they include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. At Calibrate, if you do experience any side effects, your clinician will work with you to mitigate them and (as always) make sure you’re titrating your medicine at a pace that works best for your body.

What GLP-1 Medications Are There?

Calibrate clinicians prescribe the following GLP-1s: 

• Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)
• Semaglutide (Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®)
• Liraglutide (Saxenda®, Victoza®)

Your Calibrate clinicians will review your labs and your Calibrate health assessment with you before prescribing you medication to ensure you’re taking the right GLP-1 for you.

Safety Information about GLP-1 Class Drugs

GLP-1s are safe and effective to take alongside many conditions for adults with a BMI over 30 or a BMI over 27 with a weight-related comorbidity. It is important to consult with a clinician before starting a GLP-1 medication for weight loss to make sure it’s right for you. 

Final Notes

If diet and exercise have not worked for you, it may not be your willpower, but your biology. GLP-1s can help you break through the weight gain cycle and find results that last. GLP-1 medications aren’t just beneficial for weight loss, but they can also have lasting metabolic health improvements.

If you’re interested in getting started on your weight loss journey, check out our guide to GLP-1s and find out if you’re eligible to join Calibrate. In addition to meeting your Calibrate clinician, you will also be paired with a 1:1 accountability coach who will support you in lifestyle changes to help you sustain your weight loss in the long run. Joining Calibrate can help you achieve your weight loss goals while maintaining a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. 

See if you’re eligible for Calibrate and sign up.