Hormonal therapy for obesity with a GLP-1 analogue is a fairly new, safe and effective form of treating obesity and fighting its complications. The drug is more than 90% similar to GLP-1, the hormone that is responsible for weight reduction. It suppresses appetite and aids weight loss in obese and some overweight patients. It is a spark of hope for people who are trying to lose weight.

Why should obesity be treated? How does the GLP-1 analogue work? Who can use the drug? Answers to these questions can be found in the article.

Today’s times are not conducive to maintaining a healthy weight. Insufficient exercise, combined with stress and improper diet, makes more and more people struggle with unnecessary pounds.

To lose weight is not easy. It is a long and difficult process, requiring self-denial and strong willpower from the patient. Hormone therapy for obesity supports weight loss.

Why obesity should be treated?

Adipose tissue, like the thyroid, testicles or ovaries, is a hormonally active organ, that is, it secretes hormones and hormone-like substances that affect the entire human body. Every person, including slim people, has adipose tissue, because an adequate amount of fat is necessary for proper functioning. Only excess body fat is a problem.

Excess body fat acts like a toxin on the body, through the production of pro-inflammatory microhormones called pro-inflammatory cytokines. These are substances that negatively affect our entire body, including the brain.

Therefore, obesity is a disease and should be treated.

What is hormone therapy for obesity?

Hormone therapy for obesity involves taking a drug that more than 90% resembles GLP-1, a hormone produced by the human body, hence its name – a GLP-1 analogue.

GLP-1 is responsible for weight reduction, and a GLP-1 analogue plays the same role.

How does a GLP-1 analogue work?

The GLP-1 analogue suppresses appetite by reducing key hunger signals in the hypothalamus, which is where the hunger and satiety center is located. After taking the drug, patients don’t feel hungry as often as they used to.

It is important to remember that hormone therapy for obesity is one of the elements that support weight loss. When taking the drug, it is also important to follow a proper diet and not to forget about physical activity.

In what form is the GLP-1 analogue taken?

The drug is taken in the form of subcutaneous injections. The injections should be done every day at a fixed time. The dose of the drug can be adjusted, depending on the effects of the treatment. Sometimes it is found that the patient loses unnecessary weight at half the recommended dose.

Who can take a GLP-1 analogue?

To undergo treatment with a GLP-1 analogue, there must be certain indications in the patient.

The drug is primarily used to treat obesity, that is, in cases where the BMI is above 30kg/m2.

There are cases where the drug is also used in overweight patients, i.e. those with a BMI of 27 kg/m2. However, such patients must have concomitant complications associated with excessive body weight, such as:

  • pre-diabetic state,
  • type 2 diabetes,
  • hypertension,
  • dyslipidemia,
  • obstructive sleep apnea.

Can a GLP-1 analogue be used in children?

If there are indications, hormone therapy for obesity can also be ordered for children 12 years and older.

Is hormone therapy for obesity safe?

GLP-1 analogue therapy is safe, although it is not indifferent to the human body.

The most common side effects include:

  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • constipation.

What is the cost of hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone therapy for obesity is not cheap. The monthly cost of therapy varies between 650-700 PLN. Unfortunately, there is currently no reimbursement for this drug.

Endocrinologist or diabetologist – where to seek help?

People struggling with obesity and its complications can see both an endocrinologist and a diabetologist for help. Both specialists can order hormone replacement therapy and then monitor its progress.

Patient qualification for this type of therapy is based on a detailed history and thorough examination.