GLP-1 has been in high demand over the past few years, thanks to promising research studies\u2014as well as press coverage of celebrities such as Oprah, Kelly Clarkson, Chelsea Handler, and Charles Barkley, not to mention a host of social-media influencers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to statistics compiled by Pew Research Center, the combined sales for three brand-name weight-loss meds totaled approximately $21.1 billion in 2023. This was an 89% increase from the previous year. The nonpartisan research group also reports that 71% of GLP-1 revenues were derived from the U.S. in 2022.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While these prescriptions continue to rise (chat<\/a> with a ReflexMD Wellness Advisor now to find out if you qualify), many people don\u2019t know much about the medication. So we\u2019ve dug deep into the research to give you an overview of how GLP-1 acts in the body, its possible benefits, and potential side effects.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Food & Drug Administration (FDA)<\/a> explains that GLP-1 belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs mimic the GLP-1 hormone that\u2019s produced in the gastrointestinal system once food has been eaten to stimulate the release of insulin, which helps manage blood glucose levels.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a bonus, GLP-1 also works with a region of the brain that helps to reduce hunger. It also provides a feeling of fullness. In fact, researchers at the Mayo Clinic<\/a> discovered that administered GLP-1 can regulate appetite by triggering actions in both the brain and the gut. It directly affects hormones associated with satiety while also delaying gastric emptying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt works by slowing the motility in the stomach,\u201d says Cathy Epps, PharmD. \u201cSo the reason you\u2019re not hungry is because food is sitting in your stomach for a longer period of time.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The FDA has approved oral and injectable GLP-1 medications to lower blood sugar levels in adults who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The organization has also okayed it as a weight-loss aid for adults and children aged 12 and older who have been classified as either overweight or obese.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contrary to what some people believe, GLP-1 drugs are not a silver bullet for dropping unwanted pounds. (Check out these five essential facts about what you can realistically expect<\/a>.) It\u2019s important to note that GLP-1 agonists drugs are designed to work in conjunction with exercising regularly and following a healthy eating plan, the FDA points out.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\nHow GLP-1 works\u00a0for weight loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n