Incretin hormone therapy: effective, supervised, and essential for long-term weight loss success
GLP-1 for weight loss
GLP-1, or Glucagon-like peptide-1, is an incretin hormone produced naturally in our gut that helps control appetite and blood sugar levels. Extensive research has highlighted GLP-1 mimetic drugs (GLP-1 agonists) and their efficacy in weight loss. These drugs mimic the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone by binding to and activating the same receptor as our natural GLP-1 hormone does.
In the treatment of obesity, these GLP-1 mimetic drugs decrease appetite, increase satiety, and reduce food intake, helping you feel full, eat less, and lose weight.
To ensure the treatment of these drugs is effective and sustainable in the long term, it is important to take these medications under regular supervision from your healthcare provider and medical doctor and with support for lifestyle changes.
Recent real-world evidence shows that those with fewer follow-up interactions and without support from specialised healthcare teams discontinue their therapy before they see a meaningful weight loss, and many even gain weight afterwards.1 Regular check-ins with your healthcare team improve the effectiveness of the treatment and help you to adhere to it. It's crucial to stay on the GLP-1 therapy for an extended period, be in close contact with your treatment team with continuous support, stay committed, and see real results. If you experience any side effects or have concerns, discuss them with your doctor—they can help you manage these issues and stay on track.
Weight loss benefits
The benefits of weight loss through GLP-1 therapy are numerous. First, it can significantly reduce body weight, lowering the risk of developing obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. By managing weight effectively, patients can improve their overall health and well-being.1
Read more about the risks associated with high BMI.
Additionally, the achieved weight loss can enhance physical mobility and reduce joint pain. This allows individuals to engage more actively in daily activities and exercise routines, supporting long-term weight management and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Another key benefit is the positive impact on mental health. Weight loss can boost self-esteem and confidence, reducing feelings of depression and anxiety often associated with obesity. By achieving and maintaining a healthier weight, patients can experience an overall improvement in their quality of life.
Overall, the weight loss benefits of GLP-1 treatment are extensive, contributing not only to physical health but also to mental and emotional well-being.
Long-term weight management
Long-term weight management is essential for sustainable weight loss. While GLP-1 therapy can help you achieve initial weight loss, maintaining these results requires ongoing commitment and lifestyle changes.
This is where the YazenCoach comes in. Your YazenCoach is a dedicated licensed professional who provides continuous support and guidance when undergoing GLP-1 treatment. Your YazenCoach helps you to stay motivated, stick to your medication regimen, and make the necessary lifestyle changes to sustain your weight loss. This includes dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and behavioural changes that promote a healthy lifestyle.1-3
One of the challenges in weight management is to make it sustainable over time. Many people start with great enthusiasm but eventually drop out due to lack of motivation, unrealistic expectations, or inadequate support. Your YazenCoach addresses this issue by offering personalised support tailored to your unique needs, increasing the likelihood of your long-term success2.
Yazen’s subscription model and lifestyle tools play a critical role in this process. By creating a structured and supportive environment with our licensed specialist team approach and help from our patient community, you are more likely to stick to your weight-loss plan. Our Yazen model ensures regular follow-ups and progress tracking, while Yazen’s various tools and resources provide the information and support needed to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
Numerous biological factors make weight loss challenging for many individuals. Experts at Yazen, who specialise in obesity medicine, assist patients in determining the underlying reasons for their weight gain and customise an individual treatment plan accordingly. All prescriptions are given based on assessment by a medical doctor, who chooses the most suitable medication for the patient's needs, not advocating any specific medication over another.
In conclusion
GLP-1 therapy is a powerful tool for weight loss, but its effectiveness is maximised when combined with long-term lifestyle changes and continuous support from YazenCoaches and medical doctors.
References:
- Gleason et al. 2024. Real-world persistence and adherence to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists among obese commercially insured adults without diabetes. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 30(8):860-867. https://doi.org/10.18553/jmcp.2024.23332
- Flint, Stuart W. et al. The need to personalise approaches for the prevention and management of obesitye. ClinicalMedicine, Volume 58, 101944. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101944
- Matthews et al. 2024. Supporting Sustainable Health Behavior Change: The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes. Volume 8, Issue 3 (263-275). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2023.10.002
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