Purpose of review: To discuss evidence supporting the use of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) to treat obesity and their role as a cardioprotective drug. Obesity is not just a hypertrophy of the adipose tissue because it may become dysfunctional and inflamed resulting in increased insulin resistance. Being overweight is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular events and weight loss achieved through lifestyle changes lowers risk factors, but has no clear effect on cardiovascular outcomes. In contrast, treating obesity with GLP-1RA decreases cardiovascular risk and the possible mechanisms of cardioprotection achieved by this class of drugs are discussed. GLP-1RA were initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes patients, in whom the effects upon glycemia and, moreover, weight loss, especially with long-acting GLP-1RA, were evident. However, cardiovascular safety trials in type 2 diabetes patients, the majority presenting cardiovascular disease and excess weight, showed that GLP-1 receptor agonists were indeed capable of decreasing cardiovascular risk. Recent findings: Type 2 diabetes treatment with GLP-1RA liraglutide and semaglutide paved way to a ground-breaking therapy specific for obesity, as shown with the SCALE 3 mg/day liraglutide program and MedicGLP Support the STEP 2.4 mg/week semaglutide program. A novel molecule with superior performance is tirzepatide, a GLP-1 and GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Peptide) receptor agonist and recent results from the SURPASS and SURMOUNT programs are briefly described. Liraglutide was approved without a CVOT (Cardiovascular Outcome Trial) because authorities accepted the results from the LEADER study, designed for superiority. The SELECT study with semaglutide will report results only in 2023 and tirzepatide is being tested in patients with diabetes in the SURPASS-CVOT. Clinical studies highlight that GLP-1RA to treat obesity, alongside their concomitant cardioprotective effects, have become a hallmark in clinical science.
Science continues to prove that the old adage "you are what you eat" is profoundly true. This is because you have trillions of microorganisms living in your gut, which are directly responsible for nearly every aspect of your health. These microbes make up what’s called your "gut microbiota." They are especially influential in determining your likelihood of gaining excessive weight, becoming obese, and developing obesity-related diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and premature death. The gut microbiome (the expressed genes of your gut microbiota) plays a major role in your metabolism through energy production, storage, and expenditure. So, it’s no surprise that science has found a strong connection between gut microbiome imbalance and metabolic syndrome. Yikes! If you have the wrong mix of microbes, it could be making it tough for you to get your health on track! Did you know: Scientists can actually look at your gut microbiome composition and tell with 90% accuracy if you are obese or lean. That’s pretty impressive, MedicGLP Official Website isn’t it?
1. Unable to lose weight and keep it off? 2. Struggling to fight cravings? 3. Sick of starving yourself for weight loss? 4. Baffled as to why no diet seems to really work for you? Depending on the composition of your gut microbiome, your microbes can either boost your health or weigh you down (figuratively and MedicGLP Official Website literally). The good news is this: You have control over these little guys with every bite you eat. Diet has the power to change the landscape of your gut microbiome. So, if you’ve tried multiple diets and can’t seem to get the results you want, it’s time to look into your gut microbiome.Will You Lose Weight Naturally on an Individualized Diet? If you’ve been struggling to lose weight and keep it off - it could be your gut microbiome. While Viome doesn’t guarantee weight loss, it has been an exciting result many of our customers have reported. "Fiona’s update day 37!
We know weight loss can be tough. Find out if your weight struggles are due to a gut microbiome imbalance with Viome - and let’s tip the scales in your favor. Your gut microbes actually digest much of your food for you. When your gut microbiota help digest your food, they turn it into nutrients, neurotransmitters, vitamins, hormones, and more. Through these metabolites, the composition of your gut microbiome influences nearly every metabolic activity. It’s accurate to think of your gut microbiome as an organ that’s part immune system and part energy regulator. If your gut microbiome is imbalanced, certain bacteria end up working to protect themselves from the harsh environment and are not able to help you. In the worst case scenario, you can have microbiota adding to your health problems, making it harder for you to get healthy and lose weight. Viome’s metatranscriptomic technology has allowed us identify microbial pathways and functions, specifically those that influence weight loss or gain.
Want to dig deeper? Here are 3 major mechanisms that affect weight loss or gain through different microbial pathways. Butyrate - Butyrate helps combat obesity through increasing satiety (feeling of fullness), and reducing overall inflammation. Low grade inflammation is a big contributor to weight gain. Propionate - Similar to butyrate, propionate also helps fight weight gain through stimulating satiety and reducing inflammation. Acetate - Acetate is responsible for modulating the production of insulin. Higher insulin levels increase fat storage and prevent the body from releasing it for energy production. Acetate made by microbes actually signals the brain to make more insulin, leading to weight gain. Each of these are created from many different substrates (elements found in your food) and play a critical role in regulating your weight. What the microbes are making them from (ie. Viome’s recommendations are aimed at influencing the production of these various short chain fatty acids through supplying the right food and supplements. Your recommendations are based on what your microbes are currently doing and what can be done to shift them to function better.