GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) and GIP/GLP-1 medications are classes of medications originally used to treat type 2 diabetes, but they have also been found to help with weight loss. GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the gut that helps to regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin and control appetite by signaling the brain that we are full.

Semaglutide (the same active drug as Ozempic & Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (the same active drug as Mounjaro) are the most well known medications in these classes. While there are differences between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide they both work in the same basic ways to promote weight loss.

GLP medications help with weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing metabolism, reducing fat storage and improving insulin sensitivity. Here how they do it.

GLP medications reduce appetite

GLP medications reduce appetite in several ways.  

  1. Stimulating the brain’s appetite control center. GLP medications can stimulate the brain’s appetite control center, which helps to regulate hunger and satiety. By activating this center, GLP medications can help to reduce appetite and promote weight loss.
  2. Slowed gastric emptying. GLP medications slow down the emptying of the stomach so food stays in the stomach for longer periods of time. This can lead to a feeling of fullness and satisfaction, which can help to reduce appetite and decrease the amount of food consumed. Slower gastric emptying also helps to regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates, which can help to reduce cravings and hunger.
  3. Increasing satiety hormones. GLP medications can increase the production of satiety hormones, such as leptin and peptide YY (PYY), which signal to the brain that the body is full and satisfied. By increasing the production of these hormones, GLP medications can reduce appetite and promote weight loss.

GLP medications decrease hunger hormones

GLP medications can also decrease the production of hunger hormones, such as ghrelin, which stimulate appetite and food intake. By reducing the production of ghrelin, GLP medications can help to decrease hunger and promote weight loss.

GLP medications help increase metabolism

GLP medications can also increase metabolism, which is the rate at which the body burns calories. This means that people who take these medications burn more calories even when they are at rest, which can lead to weight loss over time.

  1. One way that GLP increases metabolism is by increasing the activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT), also known as brown fat. Unlike white adipose tissue, which stores energy in the form of fat, BAT burns energy to generate heat. This process is called thermogenesis, and it can increase metabolism and burn calories.
  2. GLP medications can also increase the metabolic rate of skeletal muscle. This effect is thought to be due to the stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of energy metabolism. By activating AMPK, GLP-1 can increase the uptake and utilization of glucose and fatty acids in skeletal muscle, which can increase energy expenditure and promote weight loss.

GLP medications help reduce fat storage

GLP medications have been found to reduce the storage of fat in the body through several processes.

  1. Decreasing glucose production in the liver, which is a key factor in the development of insulin resistance and fat storage.
  2. Increasing insulin sensitivity means that the body is better able to use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This can help to prevent the development of insulin resistance.
  3. GLP medications also reduce inflammation in the body, which is another key factor in the development of insulin resistance and fat storage.
  4. GLP medications can increase the oxidation of fat, which means that the body is better able to use fat for energy instead of storing it.

GLP medications improve insulin sensitivity

GLP-1 medications improve insulin sensitivity, treating insulin resistance, a common factor in obesity by several mechanisms.

  1. GLP medications increase insulin secretion in response to glucose in the blood. This means that the body is better able to use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, which can help to improve insulin resistance over time.
  2. GLP medications also reduce the secretion of glucagon, which is a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. Reducing glucagon secretion can help to improve insulin resistance by keeping blood sugar levels under control.
  3. By slowing gastric emptying, GLP medications cause glucose to be absorbed more slowly, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
  4. GLP medications also cause increased glucose uptake by the cells. This means that the body is better able to use glucose for energy instead of storing it as fat.