GLP-1 receptor agonists and oral weight loss tablets are two distinct types of medications used in the GoSlim program to support weight loss. They work through different mechanisms in the body to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals. Here’s how they differ:
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (Ozempic® and Saxenda®)
GLP-1 receptor agonists are injectable medications that mimic the action of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. Here’s how they work:
Appetite Suppression: GLP-1 receptor agonists act on the GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which are involved in appetite regulation. By activating these receptors, the medications help reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness, making it easier to consume fewer calories and adhere to a weight loss plan.
Slowing Gastric Emptying: These medications slow down the process of gastric emptying, which is the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. By delaying gastric emptying, GLP-1 receptor agonists prolong the sensation of fullness after eating, which helps reduce overall food intake.
Blood Sugar Regulation: GLP-1 receptor agonists also help regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion in response to meals and reducing glucagon secretion, which helps lower blood glucose levels. This makes them particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes or those at risk of developing it.
Long-Term Use: GLP-1 receptor agonists are typically intended for long-term use under medical supervision. They are started at a low dose and gradually increased to the target dose or the maximum tolerated dose. This approach helps ensure that the medication is both effective and well-tolerated.
Oral Weight Loss Tablets (Orlistat and RYBELSUS®)
Oral weight loss tablets, on the other hand, are medications that are taken by mouth and work primarily by reducing the absorption of dietary fats. Here’s how they function:
Fat Absorption Inhibition: Oral weight loss tablets, such as Orlistat, work by inhibiting the action of lipase, an enzyme in the digestive system that breaks down fats. By blocking lipase, these medications prevent the absorption of about 30% of the fat consumed in a meal. The undigested fat is then excreted from the body, which reduces the total number of calories absorbed.
Caloric Reduction: By preventing fat absorption, oral weight loss tablets help create a calorie deficit, which is essential for weight loss. Unlike GLP-1 receptor agonists that primarily affect appetite and fullness, these tablets work directly in the digestive tract to reduce the number of calories absorbed from fat.
Usage and Duration: Oral weight loss tablets are typically taken with meals that contain fat and are usually recommended for shorter-term use compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists. They can be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise to enhance weight loss efforts.
Side Effects: Because oral weight loss tablets affect fat absorption, they can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as oily stools, flatulence, and frequent bowel movements, especially if a high-fat meal is consumed. These side effects are generally related to the amount of fat in the diet and can be minimized by following a low-fat diet.
Key Differences
Mechanism of Action: GLP-1 receptor agonists primarily work by regulating appetite and slowing gastric emptying, while oral weight loss tablets reduce the absorption of dietary fats.
Administration: GLP-1 receptor agonists are administered via injection, whereas oral weight loss tablets are taken by mouth.
Additional Health Benefits: GLP-1 receptor agonists offer additional benefits such as improved blood sugar control and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, which are not provided by oral weight loss tablets.
Side Effects: The side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists are often related to the digestive system (e.g., nausea, vomiting) due to slowed gastric emptying, while oral weight loss tablets can cause gastrointestinal symptoms due to undigested fats.