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How GLP-1 therapy works in the body, what studies show, who it comes into question for, which side effects are possible and how Weight Doctors® support you through it.
Medically reviewed byDr. med. Robert JennerSpecialist in visceral surgery / specialised visceral surgeryLast updated:
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a gut hormone produced by the body. GLP-1 preparations were originally developed for the treatment of diabetes and in recent years have also become established in obesity treatment.
They act on the satiety centre in the brain and slow gastric emptying. This can mean that you feel full sooner and for longer, eat less and lose weight – without the typical hunger of a conventional diet. Whether treatment is given, and with which preparation, is decided by your specialist after a medical assessment.
In diabetology, GLP-1 preparations have been used since 2005. Their weight-reducing effect has only been systematically studied in recent years. In clinical studies with more than 15,000 participants in total, the following emerged:
These are average values from studies. Results vary from person to person – how much you benefit depends, among other things, on your starting point, nutrition and exercise.
GLP-1 preparations imitate an incretin hormone that the small intestine normally produces after eating. Their effect works on several levels:
Broadly, two groups can be distinguished: pure GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are injected once a week and have been used since 2017, and dual active substances of the newer generation, which additionally act on the GIP receptor – a second gut hormone. Dual active substances may be considered where there is a greater need for weight loss.
Which preparation and which form of administration suit you is decided by your specialist after careful assessment. There is no entitlement to a particular preparation.
The difference shows mainly in long-term weight stabilisation:
| Conventional diets | GLP-1 therapy (study data) | |
|---|---|---|
| Long term | 95% of participants regain weight within 5 years | 68% maintain at least 75% of their weight loss over 2 years |
| Course | Yo-yo effect averaging 107% of the weight lost | continuous weight loss documented over 68 weeks |
| Body and mind | Muscle loss, slower metabolism, strain from going without and from control | improved quality of life and more psychological wellbeing reported |
The body is evolutionarily programmed to understand weight loss as a threat. During a diet it therefore switches on protective mechanisms:
GLP-1 therapy acts on exactly these control circuits: it intervenes in the body’s own regulation of hunger and satiety instead of relying on willpower alone.
In Weight Doctors® GLP-1 therapy, medical therapy management is the focus. The basis is the Weight Doctors® MEMBERSHIP: from €599 for 3 months or €1,399 for 12 months of medical support; you obtain the medication separately through your pharmacy. This includes:
Your specialist can combine GLP-1 therapy with other Weight Doctors® treatments – with the aim of long-term weight stabilisation and round-the-clock support in the 360-degree concept:
As a rule the therapy is an option from a BMI of 30, and with weight-related related conditions from a BMI of 27 – for example type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome with insulin resistance or prediabetes. People who may particularly benefit:
The therapy is not an option, among other things, in cases of:
You are well suited if you have realistic expectations about the pace of weight loss, are ready for therapy over several months (as a rule 3–12), want to change your lifestyle, plan regular check-ups and feel able to self-inject following instruction.
Especially in the first 2–8 weeks, the gastrointestinal tract may need time to get used to the therapy. Possible symptoms:
GLP-1 preparations have been used in diabetology for more than 15 years, with millions of patient-years of experience. Their safety is continuously monitored by international medicines surveillance and further studied in trials. Rare but monitored risks are:
On request, a DNA analysis supplements the nutrition advice during therapy: it examines 47 gene variants that are important for weight management and gives indications of the suitable ratio of carbohydrates, protein and fat, of tolerance to carbohydrates and fats, genetically influenced calorie requirements, and intolerances and allergies.
GLP-1 therapy can also work without intensive exercise – but exercise can markedly support weight loss, preserve valuable muscle mass, improve insulin sensitivity, lift mood via endorphins and consolidate healthy habits for the time after therapy. This is how we approach it:
The psychological side of the 360-degree concept includes: recognising and tackling emotional eating, stress and relaxation techniques, a realistic, positive body image, preparation for the time after therapy and support during motivation slumps.
Medical support costs from €599 for 3 months or €1,399 for 12 months; the medication is extra. German statutory health insurers do not currently cover GLP-1 therapy; private insurers do so depending on the contract. The costs can also be paid in instalments through our partner medipay, with a fully digital application, subject to creditworthiness.
In the long term, weight loss can also show up elsewhere: people who lose weight may need fewer treatments and medicines for diabetes, high blood pressure and lipid metabolism disorders, be absent from work due to illness less often, gain in quality of life and performance and lower the risk of secondary conditions such as heart attack and stroke. Results vary from person to person.
GLP-1 therapy is one way of treating excess weight without a procedure, working with the body’s own control circuits of hunger and satiety rather than against them. Instead of relying on willpower, going without and constant control, it addresses the biological causes – and can thus help to break the cycle of diets, yo-yo effect and frustration.
What is decisive is support that goes beyond the prescription: specialist medical care, digital tools and the 360-degree concept. Whether the therapy suits you we clarify in a no-obligation consultation. You can read more on effects and limits in the article GLP-1 explained honestly.
Your question isn’t listed? Your specialist will take time for it during the consultation.
Often in the first week: many people notice reduced hunger after 3–5 days, smaller portions satisfy, and the desire for sweet things eases. A first measurable weight loss typically appears after 2–4 weeks; with diabetes, blood sugar levels may stabilise within 1–2 weeks. Results vary from person to person.
With modern pens the use is simple and barely noticeable: very thin needles (32G), pre-filled pens to prevent dosing errors and safety mechanisms on the needle. Our staff show you exactly how to use it; you can inject into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Most people get used to it quickly. More under GLP-1: use.
Most common is nausea in the first weeks, usually mild and temporary; diarrhoea or constipation and, rarely, dizziness may also occur. We increase the dose slowly, support you with nutrition advice and are directly reachable via the Weight Doctors® App with any questions.
Long-term studies are encouraging: many patients have changed their eating habits permanently, and the risk of regaining all the weight is lower than after conventional diets. Where needed, renewed treatment phases can stabilise success; behavioural therapy and lifestyle coaching improve long-term results. Results vary from person to person.
Instead of stopping abruptly, the dose is reduced step by step. After that we support you for at least a further 6 months, develop strategies with you to maintain your weight, and the 360 coaches remain there for you. Where needed we discuss follow-on or combination treatments.
Why GLP-1 pharmacotherapy helps many people but is not the whole answer for everyone – and which paths there are when the injection alone is not enough.
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The balloon is out, the intensive weight-loss phase is over – and the hunger comes back? How GLP-1 therapy can help to maintain the weight you have reached.
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* For patients with German statutory health insurance: if the medical indication is established in line with the DGAV guidelines, reimbursement may be possible.
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