Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a natural hormone produced in the intestines that regulates blood sugar levels and metabolism. GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic the effects of GLP-1. Examples include semaglutide (brand names Ozempic and Wegovy), tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro), and liraglutide (brand names Victoza and Saxenda).
Semaglutide is approved for treating type 2 diabetes, but it is increasingly prescribed off-label for weight loss. This is due to its ability to regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and slow digestion, resulting in weight loss as a common side effect. The popularity of these medications is not surprising due to their health benefits. According to research, reducing just 12% of body fat can increase a person’s lifespan by 6.8 years.
GLP-1 plays the following roles in the body:
- Stimulating insulin secretion: GLP-1 helps the pancreas release insulin in response to food, which helps lower blood sugar levels.
- Inhibiting glucagon release: GLP-1 prevents the release of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar) from the pancreas, helping to reduce blood sugar levels.
- Slowing gastric emptying: GLP-1 slows down how quickly food moves from the stomach to the intestines, which helps promote satiety (feeling full) and can aid in weight loss.
- Appetite regulation: It also acts on the brain to reduce appetite, which can contribute to weight loss.
You can’t order this prescribed medicine! It's a scheduled medication and, therefore, only available after a personal consultation with a healthcare provider to rule out any contraindications you may have, where these medications can harm your health. Please don’t fall for fake or black-market products you can buy on social media. These will only harm your health and be a waste of money. Your healthcare provider will monitor you regularly during your treatment to ensure you healthily lose weight.
Issie has a passion for people and a heart of compassion for those struggling with weight loss difficulties. So, the consultation will cover a questionnaire to establish the suitability of various options, all of which will be tailor-made to your situation. Your medical background and relevant details will be noted, and any health-related issues will be discussed. Your body composition will be measured during the consultation, and you will receive a report.
We are in the medical suites in Cambridge Crossing Shopping Centre in Paulshof, Sandton.
Click here to find our premises on Google Maps.
Medical Suites, Cambridge Crossing Shopping Centre
1 Stone Haven Street.
Paulshof
Sandton
South Africa
2191