Multiple physiological effects of GLP-1[1] Medications for diabetes comprise either GLP-1 receptor agonists, with short (one or two daily injections: Exenatide, Liraglutide, Lixisenatide) or long duration (one injection once weekly: extended-released Exenatide, Albiglutide, Dulaglutide, Taspoglutide)
In many studies of exenatide extended-release, average loss has been smaller than the results reported with newer medicines specifically studied for larger weight reduction
At minimum: IGF-1 every 4 weeks, fasting glucose and insulin every 2 weeks initially (monthly once stable), HbA1c every 6 weeks, liver enzymes monthly, and comprehensive metabolic panel quarterly
Yes, mild to moderate abdominal cramping is a common, temporary side effect during the first 24 weeks of semaglutide therapy as your digestive system adjusts to slower gastric emptying
Recent data from the ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trial showed that patients transitioning to orforglipron after injectable GLP-1 therapy maintained their weight loss with minimal regain (approximately 0.9 kg after semaglutide transition), suggesting that oral maintenance strategies could minimize the lean mass depletion seen with prolonged high-dose injectable therapy