Hence, insulin resistance is linked to prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, all of which become more common as we age
Developed as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, it works by imitating the actions of the GLP-1 hormone, which plays a vital role in the regulation of blood sugar levels
Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists add GIP receptor activation, which: Amplifies insulin secretion beyond what GLP-1 alone achieves Increases insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues Appears to shift adipocyte metabolism toward fat oxidation (mechanism still under investigation) May reduce the nausea signal that limits GLP-1 dose escalation (GIP has anti-emetic properties in animal models) The weight loss ceiling for tirzepatide is approximately 20% to 22% of baseline body weight at the 15 mg dose over 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1 data)
Semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, but this same action slows how fast food moves through your digestive system
For someone on a GLP-1 medication, this leads to a cycle of feeling "waterlogged" yet remaining dehydrated at a cellular level