Beyond a Quick Fix: How GLP-1 Meds Can Offer Lasting Weight Loss

Weight-loss drugs have been around for decades. But the new group of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which includes Wegovy and Ozempic, is a game-changer. In fact, GLP-1 drugs now account for more than 7% of all prescriptions in the U.S.

At Condrell Primary Care, with offices in Washington, D.C., and Bethesda, MD, our medical team, led by Dr. William Condrell, has helped countless patients achieve sustainable weight loss with these medications. We would like to call attention to 2 of our mid-level providers in our Bethesda office, Sally Markell, NP, and Morgan Shumate, NP, who have excelled at helping our patients succeed with weight management. 

Here’s what they want you to know about GLP-1s.

GLP-1 medications 101

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It's a hormone your body naturally produces in your gut. It’s been used to treat type 2 diabetes since 2005. 

Eventually, doctors noticed that their patients weren't just managing sugar better with GLP-1s. They were also losing significant weight. In 2021, the FDA approved these medications for long-term weight management. They’ve surged in popularity ever since.

GLP-1s work by targeting the area of your brain that regulates appetite and food intake. They also slow the rate at which your stomach empties. This means you feel full sooner and stay satisfied longer. It's not about forcing yourself to eat less. It's about changing the biological cues that cause hunger.

GLP-1 medications deliver impressive results

About 12% of American adults have already used a GLP-1 medication. The surge reflects its incredible effectiveness. Patients on them generally lose 10% to 20% of their body weight. 

Obesity is now understood as a chronic condition, and GLP-1s are formulated with long-term weight management in mind. Long-term use has become much easier with the latest oral version of these medicines, which does not require an empty stomach.

Discontinuing the meds often leads to regaining much of the weight you’ve lost, once you lose the benefits that the GLP-1 drugs provide. 

Sometimes, we lower dosages to minimize side effects while maintaining the positive benefits. Another approach is to use it less frequently. Both of these methods require close monitoring by our team. 

Fortifying your weight loss with exercise and nutrition

At Condrell Primary Care, we take a comprehensive approach to weight management. In addition to medication, this includes:

• Personalized nutrition plans 
• Low-impact exercise routines 
• Routine monitoring to adjust your dosage and manage any side effects

Combining medication with lifestyle habits not only helps you maintain your ideal weight but also improves your heart health and reduces your risk of other chronic conditions. 

To learn more about GLP-1 medications and if they’re right for you, contact the medical experts at Condrell Primary Care today.