How GLP-1 Drugs Work Beyond Weight Loss
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide (GLP). After meals, the stomach stretches and releases GLP, signaling the brain to stop eating.
"With GLP medications, they are the same molecules, stable over time," explained Khraishah. "So they kind of work on the brain to tell the brain, hey, you are full, but also work on the gut to slow down the gut motility."
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Common Gastrointestinal Side Effects
These mechanisms can lead to GI intolerance, a major issue for patients. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
"The most common side effects of those medications are gut-related symptoms, and that goes back to how those medications work," Khraishah said. These effects are most frequent when starting treatment or adjusting doses, stemming from delayed gastric emptying in the GI tract.