GLP-1 agonists represent a class of medication that mimics the naturally occurring hormone produced after eating, which helps to lower blood sugar and contribute to weight loss. These drugs stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, moving glucose from food into cells for energy use. They are also known to slow the emptying of the stomach, leading to reduced appetite and feeling fuller longer, hence contributing to weight loss.
Some of the drugs in this class have been approved for use in treating diabetes as well as lowering the risk of stroke and heart attack, while others have been approved specifically to be used for weight loss and to lower the risk of health problems associated with excess weight. Both are allowed to be administered via a once-weekly self-injection. Paunel Vukasinov, M.D., internist and obesity medicine specialist at Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York City, gives us his perspective. Read the article.
