When learning about semaglutide and medical weight loss, you’ll discover that weight loss injections work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone—but what does this actually mean?
At Vive Aesthetics & Wellness, we’re here to provide our patients with the knowledge and resources they need to make educated decisions about their health. Here, we’ll talk about GLP-1 in Marlton, NJ, what it does, where it comes from, and how we can utilize it to help you safely lose weight.
What Is the GLP-1 Hormone?
GLP-1 stands for “glucagon-like peptide-1,” and it is a hormone produced by the lower gastrointestinal tract. This hormone is responsible for insulin production, gastric emptying (the process by which the contents of the stomach are moved into the small intestine), stopping hunger, increasing your kidney function of removing sodium from the body, and more.
When Was It Created?
Technically, GLP-1 has been around for as long as we have, but it was first identified in the 1970s when scientists discovered the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) hormone after isolating it from porcine gastric extracts. By cloning the cDNA and genes of the GIP hormone, scientists discovered the GLP-1 hormone and its ability to increase insulin production in both animal and human cells.
However, it wasn’t until the late 1980s that GLP-1 agonist medications were being researched to treat type 2 diabetes. In 2005, the FDA approved the drugs to treat type 2 diabetes, emphasizing that other lifestyle changes and treatments would need to be used alongside injections to deliver lasting results. But when it comes to treating excess weight and obesity, the FDA did not approve GLP-1 medications for treatment until 9 years later, in 2014.
How Does It Work?
When it comes to losing weight, GLP-1 medications help by slowing gastric emptying, causing you to feel fuller for longer. This inhibits hunger and helps manage food intake, causing patients to lose weight.
Feel Confident in Your Weight Loss
Want to learn more? Our team can help you understand how GLP-1 medications can benefit you. You can use our treatment planning tool to get started, or schedule an appointment today at Vive Aesthetics & Wellness to understand how GLP-1 injections can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
