Your guide to GLP-1 medications

It's hard to miss the surge of GLP-1 medications lining pharmacy shelves. What exactly are they, and how do they work in the body? Esatto Pharma has simplified GLP-1 education with a comprehensive guide designed to increase awareness and improve understanding of the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of medications.

WHAT IS GLP-1?

GLP-1 refers to the naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1, and the class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.

The naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone is a chemical messenger that travels within the body and binds to GLP-1 receptors. This binding action triggers a biological response that prompts the body to produce more insulin.

Semaglutide, for example, is a specific GLP-1 based therapy within the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of medications.

THE HISTORY OF GLP-1 MEDICATIONS

Research into GLP-1 receptor agonists has been ongoing for decades, long before they became widely recognized.

Researchers globally have studied GLP-1 to better understand its nature and impact on healthcare. The discovery of insulin in the 1920s prompted scientists to investigate the regulation of insulin secretion, the process by which insulin is released into the bloodstream. By the 1980s, researchers had identified the GLP-1 hormone, paving the way for continued research into this class of compounds.

Timeline of GLP-1 and GLP-1RAs from the 1980's to now.

HOW GLP-1 MEDICATIONS WORK

GLP-1 receptor agonists, which act like the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, work for weight loss through multiple mechanisms of action, including:

Regulating insulin and blood glucose levels

When the GLP-1 medication binds to GLP-1 receptors on a target cell, the cell is activated and begins producing and releasing insulin. Simultaneously, the GLP-1 medication prevents the release of glucose. When insulin and blood sugar levels are regulated, the body responds by efficiently burning fat and glucose for fuel instead of storing them.

Slowing digestion and improving blood sugar control

When food is digested too quickly, it can cause sharp spikes in blood sugar, leading to increased insulin and glucose levels. Too much insulin prevents fat from breaking down, and crashes in blood sugar following a spike in glucose can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and hungry again. Slowing down your digestion can help prevent these sharp spikes.

GLP-1 medications slow digestion in two ways: by reducing the frequency of gut muscle contractions and by activating the vagus nerve, which in turn reduces stomach contractions.

Reducing appetite and increasing satiety

GLP-1 medications interact with receptors in the hypothalamus, a key region of the brain that regulates hunger and satiety. When the GLP-1 receptor agonist binds to target-cell receptors in the hypothalamus, the target cell activates neurons that signal fullness to the body and inhibits neurons that signal hunger.

WHY GLP-1 MEDICATIONS MATTER

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies obesity as a complex disease with serious health risks. In 2022, the WHO estimated that 890 million adults were living with obesity, and 2.5 billion adults were overweight. GLP-1 receptor agonists are recognized as evidence-based treatments for obesity and weight loss. GLP-1 medications can support weight loss and maintain energy balance, ultimately influencing individual health and longevity.

COMPOUNDED GLP-1 MEDICATIONS

To prepare GLP-1 medications, compounding pharmacies like Esatto Pharma utilize GLP-1RA base powder, the same active ingredient found in FDA-approved medications. While compounding pharmacies are authorized under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and must follow strict U.S. Pharmacopeia and state regulations, some compounding pharmacies use non-pharmaceutical-grade or unapproved raw materials. To ensure safety and effectiveness, verify that your compounding pharmacy is state-licensed and uses pharmaceutical-grade ingredients.

Compounded medications offer the benefit of customizing dosage strength, formulation, and delivery method. This enables providers to tailor treatments to a patient's individual needs and goals.

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS

01 The science is sound

Although GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide have been on the market for only a short time, decades of research support the science behind these modern weight loss therapies. More recent research demonstrates the promising clinical potential of GLP-1 medications for real-world health problems and paves the way for expanded treatment options.

02 GLP-1 medication works

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic the activity of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. GLP-1 medications are effective in treating obesity and supporting long-term weight management by regulating insulin and glucose levels, slowing digestion, and reducing appetite.

03 Compounding pharmacies can help

Compounding pharmacies are state-licensed and adhere to state and U.S. Pharmacopeia regulations. These regulated pharmacies can customize the dosage, strength, formulation, and delivery method of GLP-1 medications.

Check out Esatto Pharma's FAQs section to learn more about compounding.