GLP-1 Hormone and Its Role in Weight Loss Medications

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone produced naturally in the human body.
It plays a vital role in glucose metabolism, insulin regulation, and appetite suppression.

Sources of GLP-1 Production

Enteroendocrine L cells (Distal Gut – Small Intestine and Colon): The primary source of GLP-1 production.
Pancreatic Alpha (α) Cells: Responsible for maintaining glucose homeostasis.
Central Nervous System (CNS): Some neurons secrete GLP-1 to regulate appetite and food intake.

GLP-1 stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas, lowering blood glucose levels.
It inhibits glucagon secretion, preventing the liver from releasing excess glucose into the bloodstream.

GLP-1 acts on the hypothalamus (hunger centre of the brain), reducing food cravings.
It promotes early satiety, helping in weight reduction.

It delays the movement of food from the stomach to the intestines, prolonging the feeling of fullness.
This reduces overall food intake and prevents overeating.

GLP-1-based drugs improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and inflammation.
They lower the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases in diabetic and obese patients.

Given its short half-life (a few minutes), natural GLP-1 is ineffective for sustained weight management.
Hence, synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have been developed.
These drugs have a longer duration of action and are widely used for weight loss and diabetes management.

Effective Appetite Control: Helps reduce calorie intake naturally.
Sustained Weight Loss: Clinically proven to cause significant and long-term weight reduction.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Prevents spikes in blood sugar levels, beneficial for diabetics.
Lower Risk of Heart Disease: Reduces cholesterol levels and improves cardiovascular health.

Challenges and Side Effects

Despite their benefits, GLP-1 receptor agonists come with certain challenges:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation are common side effects.
- High Cost: These drugs are expensive and not easily accessible for the general population.
- Injection-Based Administration: Most GLP-1 drugs require subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injections, which may deter some users.
- Long-Term Safety Concerns: Studies are still ongoing regarding the long-term effects on kidney and thyroid function.

Factor	GLP-1 Drugs	Traditional Weight Loss Methods
Mechanism	Appetite suppression, glucose control	Diet and exercise
Effectiveness	Rapid and significant weight loss	Slow and gradual
Sustainability	Requires continuous use	Lifestyle-dependent
Side Effects	Nausea, vomiting, cost issues	Minimal
Accessibility	Prescription-based, expensive	Free or low-cost

Emerging Research: Scientists are developing oral GLP-1 medications to replace injections.
Combination Therapies: Research is ongoing to combine GLP-1 drugs with other obesity treatments for enhanced results.
Personalized Medicine: Future treatments may involve customized GLP-1 therapies based on genetic profiles.