Weight Loss with GLP-1s
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Management
Originally developed and applied to treat Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists have since become widely used in the treatment of obesity and have significantly changed how we approach obesity and weight management. They work by mimicking natural hormones in your body, specifically glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which sends signals to your brain that decrease your “hunger drive,” the desire to intake exogenous energy (calories). It also enhances satiety, the sensation of feeling full sooner. This mechanism of action slows down the movement of food, further reducing appetite and aiding in weight loss.
At Forbes Health, we utilize GLP-1 agonist medications to provide our patients with the latest and most effective medical weight loss solutions. Our approach combines these advanced pharmacological treatments with the extensive knowledge of Dr. Forbes, a board-certified bariatric surgeon with over two decades of experience in metabolic health and weight loss interventions.
This comprehensive approach:
Integrates all appropriate treatment methods, both medical and surgical.
Is fully customized to each patient's unique medical history and health profile.
Addresses both achieving significant weight loss and maintaining long-term health improvements.
Why Choose a Bariatric Surgeon for Medical Weight Loss?
When exploring medical weight loss options like GLP-1 receptor agonists, consulting with a highly qualified and experienced bariatric surgeon offers considerable benefits:
Comprehensive Understanding of Metabolic Health
Bariatric surgeons possess in-depth knowledge of how the body's metabolism functions and the complex pathways involved in obesity.
Expertise in Medical and Surgical Interventions
Dr. Forbes is a general and bariatric surgeon, but her expertise is proficient in both prescribing and managing medical weight loss therapies, including GLP-1 medications, as well as general and bariatric surgical procedures. This allows for a truly unbiased and comprehensive treatment plan.
Alternative Solutions
If one weight loss approach isn't producing the desired results, Dr. Forbes can offer alternative medical or surgical options, ensuring continuous progress.
Specialized Knowledge of Weight-Related Health Conditions (Comorbidities)
Dr. Forbes has extensive experience in managing health issues often associated with excess weight, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Management of Treatment-Related Issues
Her surgical background equips her with the skills to manage any potential complications that might arise during medical weight loss treatment.
This ensures you receive a well-rounded treatment plan that addresses all facets of your weight loss journey, whether you choose medical weight loss, surgical options, or a combined strategy.
Dr. Forbes' Comprehensive and Expert Approach With over 20 years of experience as a leading bariatric surgeon in NYC, Dr. Forbes is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive weight loss care. Her board certifications and extensive training underscore her expertise in the field. Her practice includes:
Medical weight loss management utilizing the most current and evidence-based medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists.
A full spectrum of bariatric surgical options, from traditional to minimally invasive techniques.
Personalized nutrition and lifestyle counseling provided by registered dietitians and behavioral health specialists within her team.
Long-term weight maintenance strategies are crucial for sustained success.
Dr. Forbes' deep understanding of both metabolic health and bariatric surgical interventions forms the cornerstone of a comprehensive approach to weight loss care, guaranteeing that patients receive the treatment plan that is precisely tailored to their individual needs.
Pioneering GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use
Dr. Forbes, a recognized expert in bariatric surgery in New York City, has been at the forefront of utilizing GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of obesity. GLP-1 medications were initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control and lower HbA1c.
Dr. Forbes was an early adopter of GLP-1 medications for alternative uses other than the treatment of type 2 diabetes. She began prescribing an early generation GLP-1 agonist, Liraglutide, to the bariatric surgery population if the type 2 diabetes had not completely resolved after surgery, and if these same patients and the non-diabetic patients experienced a return of sugar cravings and weight regain.
This innovative application, although initially considered "off-label" (using an approved medication for a purpose not originally specified in its approval, based on clinical evidence), demonstrated the significant effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists in regulating food cravings in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients after bariatric surgery. This early and in-depth experience provides a strong foundation for her current practice in NYC and Greenwich.
Understanding GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications were originally developed based on the physiological role of GLP-1 as an incretin hormone. GLP-1 is secreted by the intestinal L-cells in response to nutrient ingestion and has several key actions, including potentiating insulin release, suppressing glucagon secretion, delaying gastric emptying, and increasing satiety. [1-3]
The therapeutic potential of GLP-1 was recognized due to its ability to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion, which remains effective in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).[3] However, native GLP-1 has a very short plasma half-life due to rapid degradation by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4).[4] To overcome this limitation, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) with longer half-lives were developed. These include exenatide, liraglutide, and semaglutide, which mimic the action of GLP-1 and provide sustained glucose-lowering effects.[5-6]
GLP-1RAs were initially approved for the treatment of T2DM, where they improve glycemic control and promote weight loss. They have also shown cardiovascular benefits in large-scale outcome trials, leading to their recommendation by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) for patients with T2DM and cardiovascular risk.[7]
GLP-1 receptor agonists represent a significant advancement in obesity treatment. These medications function by mimicking the naturally occurring glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone, a peptide released in the gut that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and feelings of fullness (satiety). By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain and digestive system, these medications help to reduce food intake and promote weight loss.