All the GLP-1 Weight loss drugs, their effectiveness and how Intermittent Fasting compares

by IF Tea Company

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. There are several drugs that have been developed based on the action of GLP-1 that have shown promise in treating both diabetes and aiding in weight loss. Some of these GLP-1 related drugs that have been making headlines are:

  1. Semaglutide (Ozempic): A once-weekly injection used to treat type 2 diabetes and has also been approved for weight management. In clinical trials, patients have experienced significant weight loss while using the drug.

  2. Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda): Liraglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes and has also been approved for weight management. It is available as a daily injection (Victoza) or a higher dose for weight management (Saxenda).

  3. Dulaglutide (Trulicity): A weekly injection used to treat type 2 diabetes and has been shown to have some weight loss benefits.

  4. Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon): Exenatide is a twice-daily injection used to treat type 2 diabetes. It has been shown to have some weight loss benefits as well.

  5. Lixisenatide (Adlyxin): A once-daily injection used to treat type 2 diabetes, it has also been shown to have some weight loss benefits.

It's important to note that these drugs should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional and are not appropriate for everyone. They can also have side effects and may interact with other medications, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

- What kind of successful results have we seen for each drug when it comes to weight loss and what kind of side effects does each drug have?

The weight loss results for each GLP-1 related drug can vary depending on the individual and other factors such as diet and exercise. However, here are some general weight loss results for each drug:

(All of the following is based off clinical trials)
Semaglutide (Ozempic): patients using semaglutide for weight management have experienced an average weight loss of 15-20% of their body weight.

Liraglutide (Saxenda): patients using liraglutide for weight management have experienced an average weight loss of 5-10% of their body weight.

Dulaglutide (Trulicity): patients using dulaglutide for diabetes treatment have experienced some weight loss, but the weight loss benefits are not as significant as with other GLP-1 related drugs.

Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon): patients using exenatide for diabetes treatment have experienced some weight loss, but the weight loss benefits are not as significant as with other GLP-1 related drugs.

Lixisenatide (Adlyxin): patients using lixisenatide for diabetes treatment have experienced some weight loss, but the weight loss benefits are not as significant as with other GLP-1 related drugs.

As for side effects, here are some common ones associated with each drug:

  1. Semaglutide (Ozempic): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and headache.

  2. Liraglutide (Saxenda): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, and headache.

  3. Dulaglutide (Trulicity): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, and headache.

  4. Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and headache.

  5. Lixisenatide (Adlyxin): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, and headache.

How does Intermittent Fasting Stack up?

There are several different approaches to intermittent fasting, but some of the most common methods include:

  • 16/8 method: Eating during an 8-hour window and fasting for 16 hours per day.
  • 5:2 method: Eating normally for 5 days of the week and restricting calories to 500-600 for 2 non-consecutive days.
  • Alternate-day fasting: Fasting every other day, or restricting calories to 500-600 on fasting days.

Studies on intermittent fasting have shown that it can be an effective weight loss tool for some people. Here are some general weight loss results from intermittent fasting:

  1. 16/8 method: One study of overweight adults found that those who followed the 16/8 method for 12 weeks lost an average of 3% of their body weight, while another study found that obese adults who followed the 16/8 method for 8 weeks lost an average of 4% of their body weight.

  2. 5:2 method: One study of overweight women found that those who followed the 5:2 method for 12 weeks lost an average of 1.6% of their body weight, while another study found that overweight and obese women who followed the 5:2 method for 3 months lost an average of 2.2% of their body weight.

  3. Alternate-day fasting: One study of overweight adults found that those who followed alternate-day fasting for 8 weeks lost an average of 3.5% of their body weight, while another study found that obese adults who followed alternate-day fasting for 12 weeks lost an average of 5.2% of their body weight.

It's important to note that weight loss results from intermittent fasting can vary depending on individual factors such as diet and exercise habits, as well as the specific type of intermittent fasting being practiced.

Is Ozempic or Intermittent Fasting a better approach to weight loss?

Intermittent fasting and Ozempic are two different approaches to weight loss, and their effectiveness and health benefits may vary for different individuals.

Intermittent fasting is a dietary approach that involves restricting the timing of meals, which can help reduce overall calorie intake and improve metabolic health. It has been shown to be effective for weight loss in some people, as well as improving other health markers such as blood sugar control and inflammation.

On the other hand, Ozempic is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes that has been found to also aid in weight loss in some individuals. It works by mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces appetite.

It's important to note that Ozempic is a prescription medication and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It may not be appropriate for everyone, and there are potential side effects that should be considered before starting the medication.

In terms of which approach is healthier, it's difficult to make a general comparison as it depends on individual factors such as medical history, lifestyle habits, and personal preferences. Some people may prefer the structured approach of medication, while others may prefer the flexibility of intermittent fasting.

Ultimately, the best approach to weight loss is one that is sustainable and healthy for the individual. It's important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine which approach may be best for you based on your individual needs and medical history.

See our other article about GLP-1 and how Yerba Mate can help 

For anyone interested in intermittent fasting and looking to improve the quality and ease of their fasts, take a look at our tea

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