In today’s society, GLP-1 has received widespread attention and has gradually become a new choice for people pursuing health.
With the rapid development of society, the incidence of chronic metabolic-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity continues to rise, posing a serious threat to people’s health.
GLP-1, as a type of auxiliary health product, provides an innovative solution to address these health issues.
With its unique mechanism of action, it helps people manage their health more effectively, preventing and controlling the risks of chronic diseases. Therefore, GLP-1’s reputation in the health field is on the rise and it is well-loved by many.
In the top academic journal Science’s list of the top ten scientific breakthroughs of 2023, GLP-1 drugs were awarded the title of breakthrough of the year[1].
This ingredient can significantly reduce body weight, potentially decreasing the incidence of obesity and its related chronic diseases, with side effects remaining within a controllable range.
Getting to know GLP-1
GLP-1, short for Glucagon-like Peptide-1, is an intestinal hormone synthesized and secreted by enteroendocrine cells in response to nutritional stimulation.
In recent years, GLP-1 has attracted considerable attention for its potential in regulating blood sugar and promoting weight loss. This article will gradually delve into and provide detailed information about GLP-1, particularly its mechanisms in weight loss.
GLP-1 is a product of the expression of the proglucagon gene, and in intestinal L cells, prohormone convertase cleaves it into a peptide chain sequence at the carboxyl terminal. It has various biological functions, the most important of which is acting on the pancreatic beta cells to promote insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.
At the same time, GLP-1 can also promote the proliferation and differentiation of pancreatic beta cells while inhibiting their apoptosis, helping to improve beta cell function.
GLP-1 and blood sugar regulation
GLP-1 plays an important role in blood sugar regulation.
When blood sugar levels rise, GLP-1 stimulates pancreatic beta cells to secrete more insulin, thereby lowering blood sugar.
This action is glucose concentration-dependent, meaning GLP-1 only becomes active when blood sugar levels are elevated, which helps avoid the risk of hypoglycemia.
Additionally, GLP-1 can act on pancreatic alpha cells, reducing the secretion of glucagon after meals, further decreasing hepatic glycogen breakdown, and helping to control postprandial blood sugar spikes.
This dual regulatory function makes GLP-1 significantly important for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
GLP-1 and weight loss
GLP-1 has also received widespread attention for its weight loss effects, primarily reflected in the following mechanisms:
Appetite suppression and food intake: GLP-1 can bind to GLP-1 receptors in the brain, suppressing the activity of appetite-regulating neurons and reducing the desire to eat. This action helps control food intake and, consequently, body weight.
Delayed gastric emptying: GLP-1 can slow the emptying rate of gastric contents, causing food to remain in the stomach longer. This not only increases the feeling of fullness but also reduces the amount and speed of food intake, thereby aiding in weight loss.
Improved energy metabolism: GLP-1 can stimulate pancreatic beta cells to secrete more insulin, accelerating the utilization of glucose by cells. This helps improve the body’s sensitivity to glucose, enhances energy metabolism, and further promotes weight loss.
However, while GLP-1 has certain weight loss effects, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. For those who are solely pursuing weight loss, the effects of using GLP-1 may be limited. Additionally, one should monitor weight changes and potential side effects, such as hypoglycemia and edema, when using GLP-1.
Based on the biological functions of GLP-1, scientists have developed various GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs for the treatment of type 2.
