What medication is more effective for weight loss, GLP-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists?

Both types of medication act in a similar way by blocking GLP-1 receptors which regulate brain receptors for appetite while also slowing down gastric emptying, thus reducing feelings of hunger while promoting a feeling of satiety. GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists take the process a step further by also offering a blockage of GIP receptors which inhibits the release of glucagon and somatostatin.

Studies have found GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists to be essentially twice as effective in controlling blood glucose levels in Type II Diabetics, as well as significantly more effective in promoting weight loss. Meta-analysis studies have shown both drugs to have similar safety and side effect profiles which were, of course, dose dependent. Cost analysis studies have shown the cost of a 1% reduction in body weight to be almost 50% less when utilizing dual receptor products.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for compounded GLP-1/GIP agonist medication?

Eligibility for a GLP-1 receptor agonist prescription typically involves an assessment of your health status, weight management goals and any potential contraindications. While many individuals may qualify, it’s essential to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that the medication is an appropriate and safe option for you.

How does GLP-1/GIP agonist compounded with Glycine/B12 work to help with weight loss and are there any other benefits?

This is an injectable solution originally designed to help control blood sugar in people with Type II Diabetes but its profound effect on weight loss has made it popular with overweight individuals.

It does so by targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, providing a unique dual-action mechanism for enhanced weight loss. Controlling these two hormones is a powerful method of regulating blood sugar levels and suppressing appetite by producing a feeling of satiety, thus reducing cravings. It is also known to enhance metabolic function by increasing insulin sensitivity, thus boosting fat burning and optimizing energy expenditure. This comprehensive impact on metabolism creates a favorable environment for consistent weight loss and contributes to a healthier body mass index (BMI).

With a one-time weekly subcutaneous injection, this compound can maintain insulin levels at an appropriate level, allowing for glucose to be properly utilized. You will likely notice a decrease in appetite, less cravings and a feeling of fullness quicker than ever before. The addition of glycine aids in the maintenance of muscle mass during rapid weight loss. The addition of cyanocobalamin (B12) helps to decrease nausea, the most commonly associated side effect seen with all GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.

The medication’s weight loss benefits can also positively impact other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and joint problems. By reducing body weight, strain on the heart may be relieved, breathing during sleep improved and pressure on joints alleviated. And, of course, the drug is highly beneficial in controlling blood glucose levels in patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

Leading experts in Endocrinology and obesity medicine anticipate that GLP-1 receptor agonists will set a new standard in weight loss therapy, offering patients a more effective and sustainable path to achieving significant weight loss. As the medical community embraces its potential, these drugs will likely become a cornerstone in the future of weight loss and chronic disease management.

As with any treatment, individual outcomes can vary depending on various personal factors such as lifestyle and health conditions.

Is this medication safe?

Absolutely. Our patients’ safety and well-being are our top priority! Our supplier, Strive Pharmaceutical, obtains its powder base from a domestic API manufacturer that is cGMP certified and FDA inspected. Its formulas are initially tested for safety, sterility and potency and each batch that is compounded is sent to an off-site testing facility to ensure sterility and safety along with random weekly potency testing.

Who should not be using the medication?

The medication is contraindicated in the following patient populations:

• Type I (Insulin-dependent) Diabetics.
• Personal history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer.
• Family or personal history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome, Type II (MEN-2).
• Pregnant or lactating women or those attempting to become pregnant. This is not an absolute contraindication but there has been insufficient data so the drug’s effect on the unborn fetus or nursing infant is unknown. Additionally, birth control pills may become less effective while taking this medication so be sure to inform your provider if you are taking oral contraceptives.
• Prior severe hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reaction to another GLP-1 agonist or any of its components. Extreme caution must also be exercised in patients who have experienced similar reactions to other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
• Diabetic Retinopathy is a relative contraindication.
• When taken in combination with Insulin or any Type II Diabetic medication, the administration of any GLP-1 receptor agonist may result in the development of significant hypoglycemia.
• Tell your provider if you have a history of gastroparesis, kidney disease, gallbladder disease or pancreatitis or if you are currently on any other medication for controlling your Diabetes.

How do I store and inject the medication?

Strive delivers the medication in a sterile vial allowing for you to use the lowest effective dose to achieve results and minimize side effects. The vial is stored in the refrigerator (36–46⁰ F) and each week you will “draw out” the prescribed amount of the medication and inject subcutaneously. Drawing out medication from the vial is done by first cleaning the top of the rubber stopper of the vial with an alcohol swab. Using a new insulin syringe, pull the plunger back until you have filled the syringe with the amount of air that is equivalent to the amount of solution you will be injecting. This amount will be clearly marked on the syringe ahead of time by our staff. Put the needle through the rubber stopper and inject the air into the vial. Keeping the needle inserted, turn the vial over, and pull the plunger back again filling the syringe with the prescribed amount of product. Remove the needle from the vial and perform an injection into the subcutaneous adipose tissue just below the skin surface. The areas of the body most often used are the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. It is best to rotate injection sites from week to week in order to minimize skin irritation. Self-injection can be safely and easily performed at home or our staff would be happy to perform the injection in our office if that’s what you prefer. Properly dispose of the used needle/syringe in a sharps container.

The medication is a bright pink solution that does not require any additional mixing. Your vial will likely not appear full as the vials are intended to hold up to 5 mL of solution, but typically only contain 2 mL to 4 mL.

Treatment is typically initiated at the lowest dose of 2.5 mg and gradually increased to allow the body to adjust, thus minimizing side effects. After four weeks, depending on the patient’s response and tolerability, the dose can be increased in increments (5 mg, then 7.5 mg, up to a maximum of 15 mg weekly). Each dose adjustment is made with the goal of optimizing blood sugar control while managing potential gastrointestinal side effects.

What are the most common side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists?

Nausea: This is the most common of the side effects, occurring in up to 25% of patients. Sometimes you may experience nausea because you have eaten too much or possibly too little. The nausea is typically transient and resolves within 24-48 hours. If nausea persists or becomes severe, please contact our office so that we can prescribe anti-nausea medication. Do NOT take another dose until you call the office and are advised when to restart.

Constipation: Make sure that you are drinking plenty of fluids to help you stay hydrated and to prevent constipation. Exercising 3-4 times per week will also help in preventing constipation. Lastly, consuming 25 grams daily of dietary fiber will also be helpful.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea is defined as 3 or more loose or watery stools per day. While diarrhea is not a common side effect, it may still occur. It is very important that you stay well hydrated. If you are experiencing moderate to severe diarrhea, please call the office for further instruction. Do NOT take another dose until you have spoken with our office.

Less common side effects include abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, dizziness, dyspepsia, indigestion and flatulence. Acute pancreatitis is a rare but potentially serious side effect that needs to be considered, particularly when a patient is experiencing abdominal pain.

Injecting the product in the evening, near bedtime, may allow you to better tolerate these symptoms while sleeping.

Why am I not losing weight?

While this drug can be a great aid in helping with weight loss, you must choose to make lifestyle changes in order to see the full benefit. Weight loss also takes time, typically about 8 to 12 weeks, to see a 6% to 8% weight reduction in adults.

Diet: An individual with a great amount of internal inflammation will not be as successful at losing weight. By following a low inflammatory diet including fresh fruits and vegetables and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids (ie, Mediterranean diet) and avoiding processed foods, high fat foods, and carbohydrates, inflammation can be significantly decreased. This is when you will see the greatest amount of weight loss! It is also important to maintain an adequate intake of protein to maintain lean muscle mass.

Exercise: Regular exercise is important in your weight loss journey. Make time for 30 to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise and 10 to 25 minutes of weight or resistance training at least four to five times per week.

The drug’s weight loss benefits can positively impact other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and joint problems. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that the medication is safe and appropriate for your specific health situation.

Leading experts in Endocrinology and Obesity Medicine anticipate that GLP-1 receptor agonists will set a new standard in weight loss therapy, offering patients a more effective and sustainable path to achieving significant weight loss. As the medical community embraces its potential, GLP-1 receptor agonists will likely become a cornerstone in the future of weight loss and chronic disease management. So you are already ahead of the game!