What’s happening in your body when you take a GLP

Key Points:

• GLP-1 is a natural hormone produced by the gut after eating that helps regulate blood sugar, slow stomach emptying, and reduce appetite, but it breaks down quickly in the body.
• Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are synthetic GLP-1 versions that last longer, providing sustained signals to help control hunger, reduce cravings, and regulate blood sugar levels.
• Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs were later found to promote weight loss by making people feel full longer and less hungry between meals.
• Early research suggests GLP-1 medications may also influence brain reward pathways, potentially reducing cravings for substances like alcohol and nicotine, with ongoing studies exploring these effects.
• These drugs do not permanently change appetite; stopping them typically leads to a return of previous hunger levels and potential weight regain unless accompanied by lifestyle changes.