How exactly do popular weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Saxenda work? I'm curious about the mechanism behind the weight loss.
These drugs are GLP-1 analogues that mimic satiety hormones, signaling the brain to stop eating while slowing down gastric emptying. By artificially maintaining a feeling of fullness, they bolster appetite control where willpower alone might struggle. However, since they slow down digestive motility, side effects such as nausea and indigestion are common.
Weight management is a complex journey. These popular obesity treatments act as GLP-1 receptor agonists, mimicking a hormone that naturally signals the brain to stop eating. They target the brain's appetite center to suppress cravings and delay gastric emptying, ensuring you feel full faster and longer.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this approach is viewed as a forced suppression of 'Stomach Qi.' Many patients struggling with weight have an accumulation of metabolic waste called 'Dameum' (phlegm-rheum) or 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis). If food intake is blocked while these waste products remain, it can further disrupt the body's circulation. Specifically, those with 'Biheo' (Spleen deficiency)—a weakness in digestion and nutrient transport—may suffer from severe lethargy or digestive distress as side effects.
True health comes from enabling the body to burn energy and discharge waste naturally. By clearing 'Dameum' to open metabolic pathways and reinforcing the Spleen's function, we can protect against the 'yo-yo effect' once the medication is stopped. Ultimately, restoring your body's internal balance is the most effective and sustainable way to achieve your goals.
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