Currently, 2/3 of United States adults (69%) are overweight and 1/3 (36%) are obese. This is an epidemic that is getting worse over time. This is a health crisis that will create more hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and musculoskeletal ailments in this population. Individuals are dealing with poor access to healthy foods, limited exercise, extended work hours that create poor work-life balance, increasing societal pressures, and a lack of knowledge on how to counteract this.

As individuals age, their body weight tends to increase due to changes in metabolism and hormonal balance. Although diet and exercise are important, new tools are available to assist in losing unhealthy body fat.

Enter GLP-1 and GIP drugs. These drugs were initially created for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 but have yielded signifi cant weight loss in users. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide 1. GIP stands for the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. These hormones are naturally occurring in the body. They are both produced in the small intestine and are released after a meal. GLP-1 and GIP agonists are drugs that act on the same receptors as naturally occurring GLP-1 and GIP. They both trigger multiple effects on the body.

Effects of GLP-1 Agonists:

1. Weight Loss

• Slows the movement of food from the stomach, causing patients to feel fuller longer.
• Sends a signal to the brain to decrease appetite, resulting in lower caloric intake and weight loss.

2. Increased insulin secretion.

3. Recent studies show that these drugs significantly decreased the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Effects of GIP Agonists:

1. Increased insulin secretion.

2. Weight Loss.

These medications can result in a significant loss of your body weight. The range can be as low as 5% body weight loss but there are cases of people losing up to 50% of their weight. If these medications are combined with healthy movement and eating habits, the results can be drastic and life-changing.

Food is a critical part of the foundation for body transformation.

Whatever movement you choose, make it something fun that you will enjoy and stay consistent with. Exercising with an accountability partner yields better results.

At Premier Primary Care, if you are the right candidate and you are committed to the process, you will have access to these innovative medications to assist in your weight loss journey. Dr. McDonald-Toussaint looks forward to discussing this with you during an appointment. Call (954)824-1764 to schedule your consultation appointment.

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