A brand new University College London research that includes 17,604 members age 45 and up found that semaglutide — a GLP-1 agonist present in weight-loss medicine like Ozempic and Wegovy — decreases the danger of main opposed cardiovascular occasions, like a coronary heart assault and stroke, in sufferers who have been of a better weight or coping with weight problems. These sufferers additionally had heart problems, however did not have diabetes (the situation semaglutide is primarily used for), and early on within the research, their MACE threat decreased no matter how a lot weight they misplaced or their waist circumference. Their outcomes have been in contrast with these of members taking a placebo. After 20 weeks, a discount in waist measurement was related to a larger discount in MACE in comparison with weight reduction. However, waist circumference alone accounted for, at most, 33% of the MACE discount, that means that semaglutide’s cardiovascular advantages weren’t solely based mostly on its affect on waist measurement. This was the biggest research of its sort on GLP-1s in sufferers with heart problems, and it discovered that semaglutide may have cardiovascular advantages past its weight-loss results. However, uncomfortable side effects of those medicine additionally must be thought-about, which additional analysis can take note of.In the meantime, we consulted with specialists to study extra about the advantages and dangers related to GLP-1s, corresponding to Ozempic, Wegovy and others.What are GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic?GLP-1 agonists, also called incretin mimetics, are a category of remedy that’s primarily used to deal with sort 2 diabetes and, in some instances, weight problems. “The glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone in the small intestine which triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas. This process helps to regulate blood sugar levels,” mentioned Angela Haynes-Ferere, affiliate professor at Emory School of Nursing in Atlanta. “The GLP-1 agonist mimics the action of this naturally occurring hormone. After eating, blood sugars will rise, and these medications cause the pancreas to release more insulin which helps to lower blood sugar.”In addition to serving to individuals with sort 2 diabetes management their blood sugar, this remedy reduces one’s urge for food. It additionally slows the digestive course of so sufferers report feeling full with much less meals consumption. This leads to weight reduction for a lot of customers, but it surely varies based mostly on many individualized elements, mentioned Haynes-Ferere.According to Cleveland Clinic, many of the GLP-1 agonists can be found as liquid remedy that must be injected underneath the pores and skin, besides one that’s accessible in pill type (Rybelsus). A couple of generic and model names of GLP-1 agonists, in response to the Johns Hopkins Patient Guide to Diabetes, embrace:Dulaglutide, marketed as TrulicityLixisenatide, marketed as AdlyxinLiraglutide, marketed as VictozaSemaglutide, marketed as OzempicSemaglutide oral, marketed as RybelsusTirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro or Zepbound (a twin GLP-1/GIP agonist)Each model has its personal really useful dosage and frequency of consumption. Some could also be taken as soon as day by day, whereas others are used weekly. You should seek the advice of your physician to know what dosage and frequency finest swimsuit you.Potential GLP-1 agonist advantages”In addition to controlling blood sugar and reducing obesity, these medications have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risks and improve kidney function,” mentioned Haynes-Ferere. Anecdotally, people are reporting lowered smoking, playing, alcohol consumption and drug use, she famous.”Studies have shown benefits in worsening kidney disease, heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea in patients with obesity,” says Dr. Leon Jons, a weight administration specialist and medical affiliate professor of Internal Medicine-Endocrinology and Metabolism at Carver College of Medicine in Iowa.According to Cleveland Clinic, different advantages of GLP-1 agonists might embrace:Lowering blood pressureImproving lipid disordersReducing systemic inflammationDelaying the development of diabetes-related nephropathy or diabetes-related kidney illness, aka DKDThese advantages not solely make GLP-1 agonists efficient for managing sort 2 diabetes but in addition contribute to higher cardiovascular well being. However, the impact of GLP-1 agonists varies from one particular person to a different. Always discuss to your physician to know how GLP-1 agonists might profit your particular situation. GLP-1 agonists may decrease blood stress, cut back irritation and enhance kidney perform. athima tongloom/Getty ImagesGLP-1 agonist uncomfortable side effects and dangers to contemplateFor some sufferers, the velocity of weight reduction can result in the undesired beauty impact of a gaunt face (colloquially referred to as “Ozempic face”), notably in sufferers with much less pores and skin elasticity, mentioned Haynes-Ferere. She added that common train with weight coaching can assist protect muscle mass and keep a wholesome look.The drugs’ uncomfortable side effects are predominantly associated to the gastrointestinal system — for instance, nausea, constipation, diarrhea or belching. For most sufferers, these results are delicate and resolve over time. For some, the uncomfortable side effects could be extreme, and sufferers would want to cease the remedy, Jons mentioned.Other frequent uncomfortable side effects of GLP-1 agonists, as reported in a National Library of Medicine article, embrace:Loss of appetiteVomitingHeadacheDizzinessMild tachycardia (elevated coronary heart charge)In some instances, minor episodes of hypoglycemia might happen. “Hypoglycemia would be extremely rare and is more likely to occur in patients who are also taking other diabetes medications that can lower blood sugar too much,” mentioned Dr. Troy Mensen, a household medication physician based mostly within the Chicago space and member of the CNET medical evaluation board. Cleveland Clinic reviews that hypoglycemia is a situation by which blood glucose ranges drop beneath 70 mg/dL. If left untreated, it might develop into life-threatening. Symptoms of hypoglycemia might embrace shakiness, weak spot, nausea, issue concentrating and dizziness. Consuming sugars or carbohydrates can deal with hypoglycemia.Also, docs don’t advocate GLP-1 agonists to pregnant individuals since it might pose a risk to the creating fetus. Consult your physician in the event you’re pregnant, planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.Who ought to take GLP-1 agonists?Doctors primarily advocate GLP-1 agonists for sort 2 diabetes and weight problems. However, GLP-1 agonists aren’t the primary alternative of remedy. Metformin, an oral remedy, stays the primary alternative for managing sort 2 diabetes. However, docs might advocate GLP-1 agonists in the event you:Cannot tolerate metforminAre unable to decrease your blood sugar ranges with ongoing drugs even after three monthsExperience issues as a consequence of different situations corresponding to coronary heart failure, atherosclerosis or continual kidney illnessCleveland Clinic reviews that docs may advocate two GLP-1 agonists, semaglutide and liraglutide, for treating weight problems. Dr. Mensen provides that tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound), a twin GLP-1/GIP agonist, may be really useful.”Based on the fact that each individual experience with this medication is different, the patient should work with their healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan and goal for overall well-being,” mentioned Haynes-Ferere.Additionally, GLP-1 agonists corresponding to dulaglutide, semaglutide and liraglutide have been proven to offer cardiovascular advantages. Doctors may advocate these GLP-1 agonists to cut back the danger of coronary heart illness. The really useful frequency of consumption for generally prescribed GLP-1 agonists contains:Dulaglutide: WeeklyLiraglutide: DailySemaglutide: WeeklyTirzepatide: WeeklySemaglutide tablets: Daily Depending on which GLP-1 agonist you’re taking, there’s a completely different really useful frequency. Douglas Cliff/Getty PicturesWho shouldn’t take GLP-1 agonists? Although GLP-1 agonists can assist to successfully deal with sort 2 diabetes and weight problems, they is probably not appropriate for everybody. Your physician might keep away from prescribing GLP-1 agonists when you have:Family historical past of medullary thyroid most cancers: This uncommon thyroid most cancers has been linked to using GLP-1 agonists in rodents. Your physician might keep away from prescribing GLP-1 agonists when you have a household historical past of medullary thyroid most cancers.Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome sort 2, or MEN2: A uncommon situation characterised by tumors in endocrine glands. Doctors might keep away from prescribing GLP-1 agonists when you have been identified with or have a household historical past of MEN2 since they will stimulate irregular cell progress.Pregnant individuals: Doctors might not advocate GLP-1 agonists to pregnant individuals since it might pose a threat to the creating fetus.History of pancreatitis: Doctors most frequently keep away from GLP-1 agonists in individuals with a historical past of pancreatitis since GLP-1 agonists might improve the danger of deadly hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis.Inflammatory bowel issues or gastroparesis: GLP-1 agonists sluggish gastric emptying and should worsen signs of inflammatory bowel issues.GLP-1 overdoses and vital information to rememberGLP-1 agonists are prescription drugs and ought to be taken solely underneath the supervision of your physician. Following the really useful dosage can assist to forestall overdoses. According to America’s Poison Centers, an overdose of GLP-1 typically causes comparable signs to uncomfortable side effects:NauseaDiarrheaVomiting Abdominal painConstipationHowever, the length of those signs could also be longer. In extreme instances, you may additionally expertise dehydration and hypoglycemia, which can require rapid medical consideration.You should double-check the dose earlier than taking the remedy and set a reminder for the subsequent dose to forestall the danger of overdose. If you expertise any extreme uncomfortable side effects when taking a GLP-1 agonist, contact your physician instantly. Carolina Rudah/Getty ImagesWhen to contact a physician if taking a GLP-1 agonistYou should contact your physician in the event you’re experiencing critical uncomfortable side effects after utilizing a GLP-1 agonist, corresponding to:NauseaAbdominal painDizzinessIncrease in coronary heart rateShaking or tremblingAlso, seek the advice of your physician first in the event you suppose the remedy shouldn’t be working for you or in the event you’re contemplating not persevering with the remedy.Additionally, scheduling common follow-ups along with your physician when you’re on GLP-1 agonists is vital. These follow-ups assist monitor your blood glucose ranges and decide if any dosage adjustments are vital. Regular follow-ups also can assist docs monitor indicators of hypoglycemia, renal illness, pancreatitis and thyroid most cancers.The backside lineGLP-1 agonists are drugs that primarily deal with sort 2 diabetes and weight problems. However, latest research recommend they will decrease blood stress, cut back irritation and enhance lipid issues. Several manufacturers can be found, every having their very own dosage pointers. However, GLP-1 agonists is probably not appropriate for everybody. You should discuss to your physician to know whether or not it is best to take GLP-1 agonists in your situation.
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