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GLP-1 medications like liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza), semaglutide (Wegovy or Ozempic), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound) mimic a hormone thats naturally produced by the body

However, as more individuals use the medications, several serious health risks have been linked to GLP-1s, including a severe form of stomach paralysis known as gastroparesis, intestinal obstructions and a rare vision condition known as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can cause blurred vision or blindness

The duration of action is dose-dependent: 12h for doses of 0.2U/kg and 20h for doses of 0.4U/kg

It binds to GLP-1 receptors found on: Pancreatic -cells Stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion Pancreatic -cells Suppresses glucagon release during hyperglycemia Hypothalamic satiety centers Reduces appetite and food intake Gastrointestinal tract Delays gastric emptying, enhancing satiety This multi-site activity leads to improved glycemic control, reduced body weight, and cardiovascular benefits

Its interesting to observe that the expanding indications of GLP-1 RAs are not simply following an organ-based logic, but rather reflecting a growing awareness that diabetes is a systemic cardiometabolic disease

Weight loss of this magnitude is transformative for cardiovascular risk