What Are GLP-1s and the Potential Benefits for Weight Loss

Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are becoming increasingly popular, especially when it comes to weight and diabetes management. GLP-1s provide benefits for both by helping to manage one’s blood sugar level and appetite, which may help to promote weight loss. While they can be helpful, the advancement is still relatively new and questions still remain on the long-term viability for the ability to maintain the results after usage stops and whether or not they are viable options for everyone.

Before beginning any type of new exercise, stretching, or medication routine, you should always consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

Learn more as we discuss the potential benefits of GLP-1s, associated risk factors, and how physical therapy can operate as a long-term solution to weight loss and improving one’s overall health.

What are GLPs?

GLP-1 are types of medications that were created to help people manage their diabetes, particularly those with Type 2 diabetes. These medications can help to regulate your blood sugar levels by injecting them into places where fatty tissue is present. GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy are very popular options for people who want to lose weight by helping control their blood sugar. Research is also being conducted to determine if there are applications beyond weight management and blood sugar.

What are the Benefits of GLP-1s?

GLP-1s may provide a myriad of benefits for people with type 2 diabetes or those who are seeking options for weight loss. Obesity has been growing at a significant rate in recent years, exposing a need for public health interventions and preventative measures, like GLP-1s. One example of this is that they can help to promote fat loss as the medication helps to curve one’s appetite and slow digestion. This change in eating habits forces the body to look elsewhere for energy storage, and begin to utilize fat as its primary source. Another way that GLP-1s may be beneficial is by improving your insulin intake. Doing so can help people with type 2 diabetes by regulating their blood sugar levels. Additionally, GLP-1 medications can minimize the risk of experiencing cardiovascular-related issues like heart disease. This can typically be done by helping to regulate cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

What are the Side Effects of GLP-1s?

While GLP-1s may provide many benefits beyond weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes, they can also come with side effects. It’s always important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new type of medication and to learn the associated risks. Here are some examples of potential side effects when consuming GLP-1s:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Pancreatitis

Side effects like nausea, headaches, and indigestion can be more common in the early stages of the medication. Instances like pancreatitis are less common but more severe, which may ultimately require you to receive immediate medical attention. When considering GLP-1s, it is important to consider the benefits as well as the side effects. Before beginning any new medication, you should speak to your primary healthcare provider before proceeding to learn about the potential risks.

Physical Therapy Can Improve Overall Wellness and Help Manage Weight

While taking a GLP-1, physicians will recommend regular and progressive exercise. Physical therapy can be a beneficial tool in helping to ramp up safely and effectively over time. Physical therapy is a great option if you are looking for long-term benefits for your health whether in conjunction with a GLP-1 or without. PT provides a way to alleviate pain, improve function, improve mobility, build foundational strength, and empowers you with the tools and education to make lasting lifestyle changes to stay healthy and manage weight. Here are some more examples of how PT can be beneficial for you in the long run:

Personalized Treatment Plans

When working with a physical therapist, they can create a personalized program that fits your specific needs and goals. Working with your physical therapist can give you the guidance and support needed to address your ailments and meet your health and wellness goals.

Focuses on Overall Health

Physical therapy provides a holistic approach to your healing by addressing many of the things that contribute to overall health and wellness.

Sustainable Over Time

Physical therapy provides you with a sustainable approach to optimizing your health. While medication can help, physical therapy offers the long-term solutions necessary to sustain your health and strength. While GLP-1s may be effective for a temporary weight-loss solution, it remains to be seen how effective and long-lasting the results are after one stops the medication. PT can help to create sustainable solutions.

Improve Mobility

While GLP-1s are working to reduce your weight and make movement easier, physical therapy can help improve joint mobility and flexibility. Doing so allows patients to move as they desire and participate in activities with ideally more confidence than before.

Improve Function

Physical therapy can improve functionality by targeting one’s ailments or limitations mentioned in a personalized treatment plan. Over time, this can help restore one’s functionality and involvement in everyday activities and responsibilities.

Build Foundational Strength and Flexibility

Another way physical therapy can help improve one’s overall health and wellness is by improving one’s strength and flexibility. By doing so, it can not only provide patients with the foundation needed to combat injury but also equip them with the confidence to move better than they did before.

Education About Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Including physical therapy with GLP-1 medications in an effort to achieve a healthier lifestylecan also empower patients to gain a better understanding of how nutrition and exercise affects overall wellness. Not only does this reduce one’s dependency on medications but encourages practices that can make the journey to recovery much more sustainable.

Alleviating Pain

Physical therapy can help patients to alleviate pain by lowering any inflammation found in the joints. This can be helpful as patients navigate increasing their physical activity level which is recommended when using GLP-1s.

Work Towards a Healthy Lifestyle with Physical Therapy

If you’re ready to consider natural options to improving your health in tandem with GLP-1 medications, we’re here for you. We are a team comprised of expert physical therapists that will help you to optimize your health. We can craft personalized treatment plans to help you get stronger and reduce the risk of injury, without intervention from GLP-1s medication and its side effects. Whether you’re dealing with pain or just want to get healthier, we can provide you with the tools and resources needed to achieve your health goals. Schedule an appointment with us today at a PT clinic near you and start your journey to better health!

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