It’s no secret that the use of GLP-1 medications have grown in popularity as a potential solution for weight loss in recent years. It’s one of the reasons why you hear about using people who have successfully used Wegovy and Ozempic for weight loss practically around every corner. 

But if you’re looking to lose weight and struggling to get the scale to budge, you may find yourself curious about how GLP-1 for weight loss works.

So, let’s take an in-depth look at GLP-1 and discuss what it is, review how it works, and uncover just how effective it is for weight loss. (We’ll also review a few additional benefits of GLP-1 that may surprise you!)

What Is GLP-1?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, and it’s a peptide hormone that’s naturally produced in your gut, specifically by special cells in the lining of your intestine. These cells release GLP-1 into your bloodstream, where it can travel throughout your body.

The primary role of GLP-1 is to regulate your glucose metabolism and appetite. 

When the food you eat reaches your intestine, the cells in your gut release GLP-1 in response, and this then stimulates your pancreas to produce insulin and limits your body’s release of glucagon, a hormone that raises your blood sugar levels. 

As a result, you’re able to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, which prevents the spikes and crashes known to cause weight gain.

But it’s important to note that the amount of GLP-1 produced by your gut depends on the nutrients that exist within your digestive tract as well as hormonal signals from other organs in your body, meaning the foods you eat and your gut health have a direct impact on the amount of weight-regulating GLP-1 your body produces!

How Does GLP-1 Promote Weight Loss?

Now let’s take a look at how GLP-1 for weight loss actually works and what GLP-1 does to your body.

In addition to its ability to support healthy blood sugar levels, GLP-1 also affects your brain by reducing your appetite and increasing your feelings of satiety. 

By signaling to your brain that your stomach is full, GLP-1 helps to control the amount of food you eat, which helps to reduce the amount of calories you consume. It’s this functional ability that makes the use of GLP-1 medications a promising option for people struggling with obesity and/or weight management.

GLP-1 has also been shown to promote weight loss by increasing the amount of calories you burn. It does this by stimulating the conversion of stored fat into usable energy, which naturally reduces body fat. 

This effect is particularly beneficial if you have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes because it helps to improve insulin sensitivity and your body’s ability to control your blood sugar.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 medications (also known as GLP-1 drugs) are a class of drugs that were created to mimic the effects of the natural GLP-1 your gut produces. They work by activating the same GLP-1 receptors as natural GLP-1. As a result, they’re able to produce similar responses in your body. 

There are several different types of GLP-1 medications currently on the market. And each of these medications differ in the way they’re formulated, dosed, and administered. The two main types of GLP-1 medications are:

1. GLP-1 agonists. These GLP-1 medications directly stimulate certain pathways in your body and are typically used to aid in cellular communication and processes. 

GLP-1 agonists are typically given as injections once or twice each day, depending on the specific medication. Some examples of GLP-1 agonists include exenatide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide.

2. GLP-1 receptor agonist. This medication, semaglutide, is a recently approved weight loss shot that’s administered once each week. Because it provides the convenience of a once-weekly dosing regimen, it’s an attractive option for those who prefer less frequent weight loss injections. 

Semaglutide works by targeting your body’s GLP-1 receptors and therefore mimics the effects of the GLP-1 naturally produced in your gut. You may be more familiar with semaglutide though its popular brand names Ozempic and Wegovy.

How Do GLP-1 Drugs Work?

As we reviewed above, different GLP-1 drugs have differing mechanisms of action. You now know that when GLP-1 medications are administered, they bind to GLP-1 receptors in target tissues and activate specific signaling pathways. And this activation promotes a decreased appetite, increased satiety (or feelings of fullness), and improved metabolism of glucose. But that’s not all.

GLP-1 medications have also been shown to slow down the movement of food through your stomach and small intestine. This effect delays your gastric emptying, further supporting a prolonged sense of fullness and reduced hunger. By slowing down your gut’s nutrient absorption, GLP-1 medications help stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent after-meal blood sugar spikes.

Research on GLP-1 for Weight Loss

So, now that you know how GLP-1 drugs are supposed to work, let’s take a look at what the science actually shows in terms of results. 

The research on GLP-1 for weight loss is extensive. And, fortunately, GLP-1 medications have been shown to be significantly effective in promoting weight loss. 

Clinical trials have consistently shown that people using GLP-1 medications experience greater weight loss compared to those receiving a placebo or standard treatment. 

The amount of weight loss varies depending on factors such as their starting weight, their adherence to the treatment protocol, and the individual response to the medication, but the general outcome from using GLP-1 medications is a total weight reduction of 5 to 10 percent, when the medication is used in conjunction with certain lifestyle modifications, such as improve diet and regular exercise. 

Additionally, numerous studies have revealed that using GLP-1 medications are generally considered safe to use and support their use as an effective therapy for those struggling to lose weight.

Other Benefits of GLP-1 Medications

In addition to using GLP-1 for weight loss, GLP-1 medications offer other potential benefits worth knowing about. These include reducing the risk of cardiovascular-related events and supporting the health of those with diabetes by providing blood sugar support.

GLP-1 medications have also been found to preserve pancreatic beta-cell function in people with type 2 diabetes This is also an important benefit for those who have prediabetes, as research has shown that beta-cell dysfunction is a key component in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, and that by the time you’re diagnosed with diabetes, you’ve already lost an estimated 50 percent of your pancreatic beta-cell function. Given this information, it’s reasonable to surmise that preserving your beta-cells can aid in preventing type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1 medications have been shown to lower blood sugar levels by promoting your insulin secretion and reducing your glucagon release. By normalizing glycemic control, these medications help people with diabetes achieve their target blood sugar levels and even reduce their need for additional anti-diabetic medications.

Another great benefit of GLP-1 medications is that they’ve been shown to support heart health. Studies have shown that they can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, in people with cardiovascular disease or at high risk of cardiovascular disease. 

This additional benefit makes GLP-1 medications a valuable therapeutic option for people with diabetes and/or cardiovascular concerns.

Eligibility and Special Considerations

GLP-1 medications are typically prescribed for people with a BMI of 30 or above, or those with a BMI of 27 or above who also have obesity-related comorbidities (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and more). 

That said, eligibility criteria varies depending on the specific medication and local prescribing guidelines. As a result, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if GLP-1 medications are suitable for your specific needs and circumstances.

Additionally, there are a few special considerations to take into account when you’re considering using GLP-1 medications. For example, if you have a history of pancreatitis or thyroid tumors, you may not be eligible for treatment with certain GLP-1 medications. 

Make sure to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions and medications to your healthcare provider to ensure that using GLP-1 medications is safe and appropriate for your specific circumstances.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Using GLP-1 Medications

Just as with any medication, GLP-1 medications are associated with potential side effects and risks. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people also find that using semaglutide for weight loss makes them feel tired for the first few days (similar to how starting a new diet with calorie restriction can leave you feeling less energized at the beginning).

Fortunately, these side effects are typically mild, temporary, and often subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Furthermore, they can be minimized by starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it over time based on your personal tolerance.

Another commonly discussed risk is the potential for decreased muscle mass, a side effect that can be mitigated by implementing regular strength training and ensuring adequate protein intake.

Other potential side effects include hypoglycemia, gastroparesis, and small bowel obstruction, particularly for those with diabetes. Fortunately, it’s been shown to be about 1 percent risk, making it very rare. 

It’s worth noting that GLP-1 medications can lead to other severe side effects, such as pancreatitis or thyroid tumors. These adverse events are very rare but should be considered when you’re starting GLP-1 medications, particularly if you have a history of pancreatic or thyroid disorders. 

Scheduling regular check-ups with your healthcare provider is essential anytime you start a new medication, and it will help to ensure early detection and management of any potential complications or unwanted side effects.

How to Get Started with GLP-1 for Weight Loss

If you feel beginning GLP-1 therapy is right for you, it’s important to find the right healthcare provider to help you choose the most suitable GLP-1 medication for your preferences, goals, and personal circumstances regarding potential side effects.

For example, here at The Dearing Clinic in Nashville, achieving sustainable weight loss and avoiding rebound weight gain is a priority in our treatment. Therefore, we advise our patients about the importance of starting out at a lower dose and increasing dosages at a slower rate. Here’s why: Starting out at a dose that’s too high or increasing too fast can shock your metabolism and cause you to regain weight after your treatment protocol is over. But pacing yourself can help to avoid this.

Just as we do here at The Dearing Clinic, a reputable provider will be able to help guide you through the selection process and educate you on your potential outcome by using GLP-1 for weight loss. 

Additionally, they should provide guidance on how to combine your GLP-1 medications with a healthy diet and regular exercise to get the most out of your treatment. Remember, a truly comprehensive weight loss strategy should include following a healthy and nutrient-rich diet, engaging in regular exercise, and prioritizing quality sleep and stress management. 

Finally, you’ll want to make sure you’ve connected with your insurance company to understand if your treatment is covered, whether upfront or via reimbursement. 

It’s important to understand the process and commitment before beginning this therapy in order to take advantage of all the GLP-1 benefits available to you.

If you have additional questions about how GLP-1 for weight loss works, desire to know more about GLP-1 medications, or want to understand more about receiving this peptide therapy at The Dearing Clinic, contact us to learn more. 

You may be surprised to learn that a functional movement disorder (FMD) can happen to anyone, anytime. In fact, it happened to me just this past summer when I was playing with my kids and my neighbor’s kids in the pool. 

As I was repeatedly tossing the children in the pool, I realized this repetitive behavior was causing FMD. You see, I have an old injury in my neck, and tossing the kids was causing my neck to get sore. Recognizing the location of the pain, I stopped and relaxed my body. But the damage was done.

I woke up the next morning with a massive spasm in my neck and pain and a tingling sensation extending down my neck and into my hands. There was no doubt about it: That repetitive movement caused an injury and inflammation that resulted in a pinched nerve.

But why did this happen and how did I resolve the issue? Keep reading to learn all about FMD, including what it is, how it occurs, and what to do if it happens to you.

What Is a Movement Disorder?

Before we dive more deeping into functional movement disorders, let’s first answer something a bit more basic: What is a movement disorder?

A movement disorder is a neurological condition that impacts your ability to both control and coordinate certain movements. Movement disorders range in complexity and can result from a variety of causes. In fact, you’re likely aware of some movement disorders already. But not all movement disorders are the same. 

Here’s a quick look at a couple of the more common movement disorders:

• Dystonia. A movement disorder that causes repetitive and/or twisting movements, dystonia stems from involuntary muscle contractions that can impact either a specific area of the body or multiple areas. It’s also known to cause pain as well as fine motor problems and issues with speech and swallowing.

• Essential tremor. Unlike Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor isn’t associated with other movement or motor symptoms. But because it causes rhythmic shaking or trembling (usually in your hands), it significantly impacts a person’s quality of life by making it difficult for them to complete daily tasks, such as writing or using utensils.

Movement disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, from genetic mutations to brain injuries to the use of certain medications. Most often, though, they’re caused by old injuries, arthritis, and pain changing your movement patterns through your body’s natural tendency to compensate for these limitations.

What is Functional Movement Disorder (FMD)?

Functional Movement Disorder (FMD) is a type of movement disorder caused by a trigger in the brain’s movement control system resulting in skewed pathways and reflexes. This can lead to restricted movement, pain, and even abnormal movements.

FMD is considered a functional disorder, meaning it’s not caused by an underlying disease or injury. Instead, it’s caused by a signal from the brain to the body instructing the body to compensate for a limitation. And when this happens, your risk of recurrent pain increases throughout your life, or until you resync your brain and body.

For example, in my case, I wound up a movement pathway that I used to leverage my ability to toss the kids. As a result, my brain shortened the muscle that I needed to use in an effort to prevent me from causing further damage to my body.

If you’ve ever experienced a crick in your neck, a frozen shoulder, or lower back pain that spreads into your hip and limits movement, you’ve experienced FMD.

It’s important to know that virtually everyone has some form of movement disorder at some point that is technically categorized as FMD. But it’s most common in females who are middle aged or elderly. Additionally, diagnosable FMD has a clear and blatant pathology that requires medication and/or therapy.

Functional Movement Disorder vs. Functional Neurological Disorder

It’s easy to be confused about the difference between functional movement disorder (FMD) and functional neurological disorder (FND). After all, their names are similar and they both involve functional disturbances in the nervous system. 

FMD primarily affects voluntary movements, leading to abnormal and involuntary movements that can resemble those seen in other movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or dystonia. These movements may include tremors, jerks, or even complete loss of control over specific body parts. 

Meanwhile, FND encompasses a broader range of symptoms that can affect various aspects of the nervous system. People with FND may experience symptoms such as weakness or paralysis in specific body parts. These symptoms can come and go or may be consistent. They can also fluctuate in intensity over time.

Functional Movement Disorder Symptoms

The symptoms of FMD can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience mild symptoms that do not significantly impact their daily lives, while others may have severe symptoms that interfere with their ability to perform everyday activities. 

Common symptoms of FMD include:

• Pain

• Restricted movement

• Headaches

• Brain fog

• Poor articulation

• Poor circulation 

• Tremors

These symptoms can have a significant impact on your quality of life and often require additional treatment and support.

What Causes Movement Disorders?

The exact cause of many movement disorders, including FMD, is not fully understood by the conventional medical community, with research suggesting that a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors may be involved. 

Some people may have a genetic predisposition to movement disorders, while others may develop them as a result of injuries, infections, or exposure to certain medications or toxins.

While the exact cause of FMD is still not fully understood, it’s clear that it and other functional movement disorders occur when the pathways between your brain and body become skewed, usually due to an injury.

Functional Movement Disorder Treatment Options

There are a few treatment options for FMD that can help you to resolve pain and regain your normal movement and function. Here are a few of the most effective.

Prioritize calibration. In order to treat FMD, you must first calibrate your body, meaning you have to move every muscle, joint, tendon, and myofascial system to promote their strength and flexibility. This helps to remind your brain of your body’s full range of motion, thereby reducing movement limitations and ongoing pain.

You can begin by stretching first thing in the morning. I’ve found that promoting synchronization between the brain and body is a great way to start the day and ensures your body works in rhythm for the rest of the day.

Practice normal movements. When you engage in normal movements, it helps to “beat” the pain because pain travels slowly while movement travels big and fast. You can do this as part of your morning stretching routine.

Use a topical pain relieve salve. Whenever there’s a certain painful spot, I recommend using a specific salve called MindFlo Salve to help provide pain relief. Just as the name suggests, MindFlo Salve helps to support the connection between your brain and body while also promoting improved blood flow. Remember, from salve to movement, anything that improves your blood flow will promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your brain, further improving the brain-body connection.

While the main ingredient in the salve contains many different types of compounds (limonenes, pinenes, and terpenes) known to both activate the endocannabinoid system and help to cool inflammation, other ingredients in MindFlo Salve also support the brain-body connection. For example, it contains frankincense, cedarwood, and black spruce, all of which are also known to support the inflammation-cooling process.

Consume an anti-inflammatory diet. Eating foods known to cool inflammation has been shown to be highly effective for pain management and movement disorders. In fact, research has shown that the nutrients found in anti-inflammatory foods create a positive brain environment and are associated with a reduced risk of neurological disorders, such as FMD.

Additionally, a 2023 study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that consuming a Mediterranean-based anti-inflammatory diet free of red meat, gluten, and cow’s milk improved the physical characteristics and quality of life in patients with chronic pain. This led the researchers to surmise that following an anti-inflammatory diet can improve chronic pain, symptoms of stress and depression, and sleep.

Key Takeaways

• A functional movement disorder (FMD) is a type of movement disorder caused by a trigger in the brain’s movement control system resulting in skewed pathways and reflexes. This often happens as a result of an injury.

• FMD can lead to restricted movement, pain, and even abnormal movements. And it can happen to anyone at anytime.

• Common symptoms include pain, restricted movement, brain fog, poor circulation, tremors, and more.

• The most effective treatment options include recalibrating your body, practicing normal movements, using a topical salve such as MindFlo Salve, and consuming an anti-inflammatory diet.