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What are compounded GLP-1’s?

What are compounded GLP-1’s?

What are compounded GLP-1’s?

At a glance:


  • Designed to mimic a natural hormone and enhance its effects


  • Regulates blood sugar, appetite and digestion, aiding weight loss


  • Created in pharmacies and not by name-brand companies

Compounded GLP-1's (glucagon-like peptide-1s) aid in weight loss by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. They suppress appetite by affecting the brain’s hunger centers, making you feel less hungry and more satisfied with smaller amounts of food. Additionally, they slow gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer, prolonging the feeling of fullness after meals. By also helping regulate blood sugar through increased insulin secretion and reduced glucagon release, they prevent energy crashes that can trigger cravings. These combined effects make it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet, promoting gradual and sustained weight loss.


Compounded GLP-1s are compounded in specialized pharmacies to adjust dosages or combine active ingredients based on individual patient needs. Though compounded GLP-1's are not FDA approved compared to commercially available versions they can be just as effective as the much more expensive and often short-supplied name brand options.

Compounded GLP-1's (glucagon-like peptide-1s) aid in weight loss by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. They suppress appetite by affecting the brain’s hunger centers, making you feel less hungry and more satisfied with smaller amounts of food. Additionally, they slow gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer, prolonging the feeling of fullness after meals. By also helping regulate blood sugar through increased insulin secretion and reduced glucagon release, they prevent energy crashes that can trigger cravings. These combined effects make it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet, promoting gradual and sustained weight loss.


Compounded GLP-1s are compounded in specialized pharmacies to adjust dosages or combine active ingredients based on individual patient needs. Though compounded GLP-1's are not FDA approved compared to commercially available versions they can be just as effective as the much more expensive and often short-supplied name brand options.

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, a class of drugs that mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. It works primarily by increasing insulin secretion, reducing glucagon (which raises blood sugar), and slowing gastric emptying, leading to enhanced feelings of fullness. Semaglutide has gained widespread use under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, showing significant results in both managing blood sugar and promoting weight loss.

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, a class of drugs that mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. It works primarily by increasing insulin secretion, reducing glucagon (which raises blood sugar), and slowing gastric emptying, leading to enhanced feelings of fullness. Semaglutide has gained widespread use under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, showing significant results in both managing blood sugar and promoting weight loss.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a newer medication that targets not only the GLP-1 receptor but also the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor, making it a "dual agonist." GIP, like GLP-1, plays a role in regulating insulin and glucagon secretion, but it also has distinct metabolic effects that complement GLP-1 activity. By activating both pathways, tirzepatide offers a more comprehensive approach to blood sugar control and weight loss. Sold under the brand name Mounjaro, it has been shown in clinical trials to produce even greater weight loss and improved glucose control.

Tirzepatide is a newer medication that targets not only the GLP-1 receptor but also the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor, making it a "dual agonist." GIP, like GLP-1, plays a role in regulating insulin and glucagon secretion, but it also has distinct metabolic effects that complement GLP-1 activity. By activating both pathways, tirzepatide offers a more comprehensive approach to blood sugar control and weight loss. Sold under the brand name Mounjaro, it has been shown in clinical trials to produce even greater weight loss and improved glucose control.

Efficacy and weight loss outcomes

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are highly effective for weight loss. In trials, patients using semaglutide for weight loss had lost an average of 10-15% of their body weight over time. In some studies tirzepatide has shown even greater results, indicating average weight loss of up to 20%.

Side effects and considerations

The side effects of both medications are similar, as both can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, especially when treatment begins. However, because tirzepatide has a more complex mechanism involving two receptors, some patients may experience different or more pronounced side effects compared to semaglutide.


Ultimately, the choice between semaglutide and tirzepatide often depends on individual health goals, how well the patient tolerates the medication, and the doctor's assessment of what will offer the best balance between efficacy and safety.