Benefits of GLP-1 Medication for Weight Loss Q&A

Weight loss with GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) and GLP-1 medications (glucagon-like peptides) are most effective for immediate weight loss progress and can be used long-term for weight management. GIP medications like Tirzepatide (known by brand name Monjauro) and GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Semaglutide, (known by brand names including Saxenda and Wegovy) are the most known and trusted for seeing exceptional results.

In your body, these medications stimulate insulin secretion and slow glucagon release, affecting blood sugar control. Additionally, GIPs and GLP-1s reduce appetite and increase satiety by affecting the body’s “set point.” When combined with lifestyle interventions for changing habits such as diet, exercise, sleep patterns, and emotional well-being, GIPs and GLP-1s are the most effective.

There is a direct correlation between weight loss and GIPs/GLP-1s according to studies. You feel fuller for longer by consuming GIPs/GLP-1s, which are naturally occurring hormones released by your gut to improve metabolic function and regulate digestion and appetite. These medications used by doctors work on the same receptors as your body’s naturally occurring GIP/GLP-1 hormones to regulate your body’s set point, blood sugar response, and insulin response.

Blood sugar levels are controlled, and metabolic health is improved with GIP/GLP-1 medications. Although GIP/GLP-1 medication helps unblock the biological factors holding back your weight loss, you need to develop healthy lifestyle habits as well. The most effective way to lose weight with these medications is to combine it with changes in your lifestyle around food, sleep, exercise, and emotional health. For a healthier and happier life, you will need to develop healthier habits to sustain weight loss over time.

An energy balance is coordinated in peripheral organs and the central nervous system (CNS) by glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Multiple pathways in the pancreas facilitate insulin exocytosis or suppress glucagon exocytosis.

Furthermore, metabolism is the process by which food and drink are converted into energy. Foods and drinks contain calories that combine with oxygen to make energy for the body. The body needs energy for all its functions, even at rest. As part of this process, the body breathes, sends blood through the body, maintains hormone levels, and grows and repairs cells. At rest, a body’s basal metabolic rate, or basal metabolism, is how many calories it uses to do these things. By altering metabolic functioning GLP-1 can also alter energy levels.

On top of that, once you begin to experience the weight loss effects from GIP/GLP-1, your energy levels will skyrocket. Obesity often correlates with low energy levels, sluggishness, difficulty sleeping, and more. All of which will impact how you are feeling on a daily basis. After experiencing the weight loss effects of GIP/GLP-1 many patients have higher energy levels which better help them to achieve the active lifestyle necessary to sustain weight loss results over the long term.

Semaglutide: Solely a GLP-1, this custom-blended medication is taken once weekly providing incredibly effective weight loss over time.

Tirzepatide: This custom-blended medication is a combination GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist and it works just the same as a GLP-1 does. However, this weight loss medication gives the most punch and potency per dose.

It may not be your willpower that is holding you back from losing weight and exercising; it may be your biology. Breaking the weight gain cycle with GIP/GLP-1s can help you see lasting results. In addition to helping people lose weight, GIP/GLP-1 medications can improve their metabolic health as well.

We can help almost anyone! We can help almost anyone! We will evaluate your BMI and determine if you can safely and effectively use a GLP-1/GIP. However, you cannot take this medication if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or looking to become pregnant in the immediate future. Also, this medication is not recommended for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid disease or multiple endocrine neoplasia and those with a history of pancreatitis. During your consultation, our health care provider will screen you for any possible contraindications to prevent adverse reactions.

The dosage will be slowly titrated up until reaching the patient’s target dose, at which point weight loss usually becomes more significant. It is very common for patients to notice initial weight loss during these weeks and the positive impact on your body even prior to reaching the target dose, it is very common for patients to notice initial weight loss and positive impacts to the body particularly if they have combined treatment with improved lifestyle changes.

Although most patients do not experience any side effects, some early side effects such as mild nausea, constipation, indigestion or even diarrhea may accompany GIP/GLP-1 medications. These typically subside once patients get used to the medication and can be easily treated with over-the-counter medications. Once the pounds start melting away, you will feel amazing!

Our on-site medical staff will check you in, provide patient intake forms to fill out if you have not done so already online, and then complete a health evaluation and take your vitals. Once that step is complete, you will meet with one of our Idaho state licensed health care providers over Telehealth to discuss your medical history with you, explain the medications we offer, and answer any questions you have. Once your consultation is complete, you will receive a free dose of Semaglutide in the office before you leave. This appointment is also a great time to receive any additional vitamin/supplement shots you would like to begin as well.

The staff at Northwell will schedule you for weekly in-office dosing appointments and manage your prescription. If you choose, you can administer your weekly doses at home and the medical staff will provide detailed explanation on how to properly dose to see best results. 

Unfortunately, insurance does not cover weight loss treatment as it is considered elective, therefore, we are not contracted with any insurance companies.

GIP/GLP-1 medication for weight loss is available at Northwell Medical Solutions. We are conveniently located at 1025 W Ironwood Dr Suite 3, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Coeur d’Alene ID, Hayden ID, Dalton Gardens ID, Fernan Lake Village ID, and Post Falls ID.