Modern medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxendra (liraglutide) now offer hope for obese or overweight people to lose weight if nothing has worked for them. Research and studies now support evidence for weight loss using these medications.
If you are interested in knowing more about the medications and how we can help you with weight loss, check out our website at My Concierge MD.
What are GLP-1 Agonists?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that is produced naturally by our bodies [1]. GLP-1 agonists work by activating the GLP-1 receptor. They do this by mimicking the actions of endogenous incretin hormone, which is naturally released by our gut after eating.
The main function of GLP-1 agonists is to manage type 2 diabetes. They reduce blood sugar levels by:
Slowing gastric emptying.
Inhibiting the release of glucagon.
Stimulating insulin production.
Does GLP-1 agonists work for weight loss?
Yes, it does. GLP-1 agonists have been found to improve blood sugar control and promote weight loss. Studies have shown that all GLP-1 drugs can lead to weight loss.
According to a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers claimed that people on the medication lost between 1.6 and 3 kg (3.5 to 6.5 pounds) more than those not on medication [2].
How do GLP-1 agonists work for weight loss
GLP-1 agonists mimic the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which is naturally produced in response to food consumption.
Blood Sugar Control: GLP-1 medications stimulate the secretion of insulin and slow the release of glucagon, helping regulate blood sugar levels.
Appetite Regulation: GLP-1 decreases stomach acid secretion and delays food emptying from the stomach, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness. This reduction in appetite can limit food intake and contribute to weight loss.
Weight loss benefits of GLP-1 agonists
Increased Feelings of Fullness
GLP-1 agonists slow digestion, which promotes fullness after meals. Patients describe feeling full and content faster after starting a meal while taking these medications. This helps in weight loss.
Reduced Appetite and Hunger
By activating receptors, GLP-1 agonists suppress hunger signals and help patients feel satisfied with less food. Patients report decreased drive to eat and reduced cravings throughout the day.
Improved Body Composition
Because of substantial fat loss, weight loss reflects improved body composition – losing fat while retaining or even increasing lean muscle mass through metabolic changes.
Sustainable Results
Appetite regulation and weight effects persist with continued treatment over 1-2 years to achieve long-term weight maintenance.
Contact us at 310-299-8959 to schedule an in office consult or virtual consult or
Book Online to receive your prescription of Wegovy or other Semaglutide or Trizepatide for weight loss.
Virtual Consult with MD & Nutritionist $450
3 Month Supply of the best compounded semaglutide injection $750 ( Special Pricing)
Total cost for 3 month supply of injections for weight loss, consultation with Medical Doctor & Nutritionist $1200 (Special Pricing)
Follow Ups every 3 months there after $250 plus cost of medication.
Lose 10 – 20% of body fat safely and effectively!
Pick up medication from our Beverly Hills office or have it shipped to you
Our nursing staff and team will follow up with you to make sure you are doing well and losing weight without unwanted side effects.
Are GLP-1 agonists specifically designed for weight loss, or is it an off-label use?
While their primary purpose is diabetes treatment, they can also play a significant role in weight management.
For now, two types of GLP-1 agonists are approved for chronic weight management in people with overweight or obesity (without type 2 diabetes):
Wegovy
Saxenda
Other GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, are approved for treating type 2 diabetes but may also be prescribed off-label for weight loss in some cases.
Which GLP-1 agonists are commonly used for weight loss?
Wegovy: Wegovy (semaglutide) is approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in patients with obesity or overweight (without type 2 diabetes). Wegoy helps reduce appetite and promotes weight loss in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
Saxenda: Saxenda (liraglutide) is also a GLP-1 medicine approved by the FDA for weight control in people who are overweight or suffering from obesity. The injection is administered daily, which helps reduce hunger and increases fullness sensation like Wegovy.
Research-backed evidence for GLP-1 agonists for weight loss
Wegovy
In a 2021 research review, the efficacy of taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy weekly in weight reduction was highlighted across multiple studies, proving more effective than a placebo [3].
In separate studies involving 803 and 1,961 obese individuals, those on a 2.4 mg weekly dosage of Wegovy experienced notable reductions in body weight by 7.9% and 14.9%, respectively. Moreover, they showed improvements in waist circumference, HbA1c levels, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides [4,5].
In a 2022 study involving 338 participants, Wegovy (semaglutide) was compared with Saxenda (liraglutide) alongside diet and exercise modifications. Over 68 weeks, Wegovy users exhibited significantly greater weight loss, attributed to reduced cravings and hunger leading to decreased food intake [6].
Saxenda
In a 2021 study with 169 individuals with obesity, 62.1% experienced a minimum 5% body weight reduction within 6 months using liraglutide. Moreover, about 17.2% of those on liraglutide achieved a significant 10% reduction in body weight [7].
Another 2021 study involving 277 participants revealed that a daily 3 mg dosage of liraglutide led to an average weight loss of 9 pounds (4.1 kilograms) after 7 months, equivalent to about 4.2% of their initial body weight [8].
What are the potential side effects of using GLP-1 agonists?
Dizziness
Mood swings
Nausea and vomiting
Headache and fatigue
Stomach pain
Low blood sugar
Heartburn
Indigestion
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Bloating
Belching or flatulence
Constipation or diarrhea
Do GLP-1 agonists have any impact on appetite or eating behaviors?
GLP-1 receptors in the brain get activated by the agonists, which then influence neural pathways for controlling hunger and fullness. As a result, GLP-1 medications can impact eating behaviors by modulating brain signals. This increases the rate at which food leaves the stomach or gastric emptying. Eventually, helping in weight loss.
How long does it take to see weight loss results?
Most patients notice some appetite and eating habit changes within a few weeks. Early weight loss of around 5% may occur in the first 3 months. Maximum results take upwards of 9-12 months for full effects on body weight.
Do I still have to diet and exercise?
Yes, lifestyle modifications are critical for success! GLP-1 drugs enhance your body’s natural appetite signals, but dietary changes and increased activity maximize weight loss outcomes.
GLP-1 agonist for weight loss near me
My Concierge MD offers the best GLP-1 agonist for weight loss near me in Beverly Hills but can also come to your home or office throughout the Los Angeles area. We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.
Moore, P.W., Malone, K., VanValkenburg, D. et al. GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss: Pharmacology and Clinical Implications. Adv Ther 40, 723–742 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-022-02394-w
Singh G, Krauthamer M, Bjalme-Evans M. Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. J Investig Med. 2022;70(1):5-13. doi:10.1136/jim-2021-001952
Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, et al. Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1414-1425. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.3224
Wilding J, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2032183
Rubino DM, Greenway FL, Khalid U, et al. Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2022;327(2):138-150. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.23619
Park JS, Kwon J, Choi HJ, Lee C. Clinical effectiveness of liraglutide on weight loss in South Koreans: First real-world retrospective data on Saxenda in Asia. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021;100(2):e23780. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000023780
Haase CL, Serratore Achenbach MG, Lucrezi G, Jeswani N, Maurer S, Egermann U. Use of Liraglutide 3.0 mg for Weight Management in a Real-World Setting in Switzerland. Obes Facts. 2021;14(5):568-576. doi:10.1159/000518325
Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Specialist in Concierge Medicine & Executive Health. Dr. Nazarian practices Integrative Medicine with focus on preventative medicine, anti-aging, hormone replacement therapy and IV Vitamin optimizations. Dr. David Nazarian, received his bachelor of sciences from the University of Los Angeles, California in Psychology and Biology. He obtained his Medical Doctorate degree from Sackler School of Medicine. He completed his medical residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, a University of Southern California affiliate hospital. Once completed, he established a practice in the heart of Beverly Hills. Dr. Nazarian is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He has received numerous awards and recognition as a top doctor in his field.
