GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss in India: First 30 Days Guide
Medically Reviewed By
Doctors Name
In this blog
What is GLP-1 and how does it work?
Week-by-Week breakdown
Tips and lessons from real users
The EARLY Perspective
Conclusion
About the Author
References
Ready to lose weight for good?
Chances are, you’ve noticed something big happening, the news and social media has been buzzing with discussions around GLP-1 and its well-known medications Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These medications are being hailed as revolutionary in the field of weight loss. But what is the buzz all about? Let’s understand.
What are GLP-1 receptor agonists?
Our small intestine contains specialized cells called L cells, which produce glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone plays a key role in maintaining blood sugar levels and controlling appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists are drugs that mimic its actions, helping regulate blood sugar more effectively and increase feelings of fullness.
How do GLP-1 medicines help in weight loss?
GLP-1 medicines help in the following manner:
- Regulating insulin secretion: They activate the beta cells of the pancreas to secrete insulin which helps lower blood sugar levels.
- Reduced glucagon secretion: These decrease the amount of glucagon that is secreted in the body, which prevents the release of glucose into the body prematurely.
- Delayed gastric emptying: The transit time of food from the stomach to the intestines is prolonged, which aids in prolonging fullness.
- Appetite suppression: They act on specific brain receptors that control hunger to ease the reduction in calories consumed.
Real-world effects of GLP-1
GLP-1 clinical trials have shown remarkable outcomes:
- A 68-week randomized clinical trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that participants taking Semaglutide (Wegovy) achieved an average weight loss of 14.9% of their body weight.
- Similarly, a 72-week study known as the SURMOUNT-1 trial, also published in NEJM, showed that individuals treated with Tirzepatide (Zepbound) experienced an average weight loss of up to 20.9%.
This is critical for those suffering from health complications alongside obesity.
Beyond Weight Loss: Additional Advantages of GLP-1
The benefits of GLP-1 extend beyond aiding in weight loss.
- Lower blood pressure: They are capable of lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Decreased likelihood of developing diabetes: These medications also help fend off the disease by increasing insulin sensitivity.
- Reduction in cancer risk: Certain studies show obesity sufferers may have an increased chance of developing a number of cancers.
Are there any side effects of GLP-1 medicines?
GLP-1 can come with side effects like most medications. The most common side effects consist of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Some less common side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney disease. To determine what is suitable for you, it is essential to consult with a medical professional, such as endocrinologists who are super specialist doctors specializing in metabolic conditions.
GLP-1 assisted weight loss is not a miracle treatment
As powerful as these drugs may be, they are most effective when incorporated alongside lifestyle modifications. Here’s what you can work on:
- Diet: Follow a well-balanced diet rich in macro and micro nutrients.
- Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity, like workout and walks.
Bottom line
GLP-1 medicines have significantly improved the management of obesity. While not providing a miraculous solution, these medications do present optimism for many. To maximize the chances of long-term success, these medications need to be integrated with appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes.
Are You Curious?
Do you think GLP-1 drugs can help you achieve your desired weight loss goals? Sign up today to book a one-on-one session with top coaches equipped to give you tailored advice aligned with your health goals.
Note: Each individual needs a distinct approach and thus a healthcare professional must always be consulted before starting new treatments.
About the Author
WRISHILA PAL
Wrishila leads marketing at Early, bringing over 5 years of writing experience across brand, performance, and product. A published author who began her journey in storytelling, she’s built content engines, scaled narratives across industries, and believes great writing balances clarity, emotion, and impact, especially when it comes to health.
References
- Once‑Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1) – NEJM: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/
10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 - STEP 1 PubMed entry: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.
nih.gov/33567185/ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov - Weight regain after semaglutide withdrawal (STEP 1 extension) – PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.
nih.gov/35441470/ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov - Two‑year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity – Nature Medicine: https://www.nature.com/
articles/s41591-022-02026-4 - Semaglutide in Adolescents with Obesity – NEJM: https://www.nejm.org/doi
/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2208601 - Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT‑1) – NEJM: https://www.nejm.org/doi
/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038 - SURMOUNT‑1 PubMed entry: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
/35658024/ - Tirzepatide for Obesity Treatment and Diabetes Prevention – PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
/39536238/ - SURMOUNT‑1 long-term weight control (post-hoc) – News‑Medical analysis: https://www.news-medical.net/news/
20250411/
SURMOUNT-1-trial-finds-tirzepatide-supports-long-term-weight-control.aspx news-medical.net - Cagrilintide + Semaglutide combination therapy – NEJM: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full
/10.1056/NEJMoa2502081
In this blog
What are GLP-1 receptor agonists?
How do GLP-1 medicines help in weight loss?
Real-world effects of GLP-1
Beyond Weight Loss: Additional Advantages of GLP-1
Are there any side effects of GLP-1 medicines?
GLP-1 assisted weight loss is not a miracle treatment
Bottom line
