GLP-1 weight loss medications like tirzepatide have taken the world by storm—and for good reason. Not only are they effective for patients with type 2 diabetes, but they have also helped thousands of people lose weight.
At McGuiness Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, we hear a lot of questions in our office regarding GLP-1 in Plano. Below, we answer a few.
How do GLP-1 medications work?
You may know they are weight loss shots, but how exactly do they help so many people lose weight? To understand them, you need to know a little bit about the hormone that they mimic: glucagon-like polypeptide-1.
This hormone regulates the following bodily functions:
- Satiety (fullness): When you eat, your body releases the GLP-1 hormone to signal to the brain that you’re full and should stop eating.
- Digestion: The GLP-1 hormone slows the rate at which food moves through your stomach and small intestines.
- Blood Sugar Levels: GLP-1 triggers insulin production to lower the amount of sugar in your blood. With stabilized blood sugar levels, your body uses food for energy rather than storing it as fat.
Because GLP-1 medications mimic this hormone, they suppress your appetite, slow your digestion, and regulate blood sugar levels. This helps you control cravings and maintain a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume), making weight loss feel more attainable and less stressful.
What is Your Preferred GLP-1 Medication?
Our preferred GLP-1 medication at our weight loss clinic is tirzepatide because it mimics both the GLP hormone and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which further regulates your appetite and blood sugar.
Tirzepatide is one of the strongest weight loss drugs, which makes it a great choice for patients who’ve had trouble losing weight before.
Where Do I Inject GLP-1 Medications?
During your consultation, we teach you how to administer GLP-1 medications yourself. On the same day every week, you should inject a tailored dosage of semaglutide or tirzepatide in rotating injection sites, including:
- Arms
- Abdomen
- Thighs
It’s important not to inject it into the same spot every week because it can irritate your skin and lead to lipohypertrophy—fatty lumps under your skin.
Are GLP-1 Medications Safe?
Yes, both medications are FDA-approved for weight loss and have helped numerous patients improve their overall health. They still come with a few side effects, which include:
- Acid reflux
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
This emphasizes the importance of allowing our team to medically supervise your treatment to reduce your risk of side effects. In most cases, we can decrease your dosage of either medication to allow your body to adapt to the formula(s).
Am I a Candidate for GLP-1 Medications?
While weight loss medications are safe for most, they aren’t safe for all. This is why we review your medical history during your consultation.
If you fall under the following categories, we will determine that you are not eligible for GLP-1 medication:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Thyroid cancer or a family history of thyroid cancer
- Kidney disease
- Endocrine tumors or a family history of endocrine tumors
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
Have More Questions? Ask Our Team
If you have more questions regarding GLP-1 in Plano, schedule a consultation to speak with a member of our team.
