Has the answer been inside us all this time?

Though, Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist sounds like it would fit between hydrogenated oil and High Fructose corn syrup, this substance is found within all of us.  Located in our intestines this hormone can perform many interesting functions. This hormone is released when we eat and suppresses glucagon secretion and stimulates insulin.  Researchers at the University of Copenhagen set out to further understand GLP-1R agonist and its effects on patients with diabetes.  They found that this hormone not only aided with insulin and glucagon, but also helped with weight loss.  Its effects on blood pressure and cholesterol and liver enzymes is still being studied.  The article goes on to suggest that GLP-1R agonist may benefit populations with diabetes.

 This is fascinating news for the fact that this hormone is naturally produced in the body and also helps maintain a "cornerstone" of overall health which is diet and an active lifestyle.  Further research is necessary, however this discovery could prove to help populations with chronic disease and suffer from morbid obesity.  The article goes on to state that, "The benefit was seen for patient's with and without type 2 diabetes, but may be more pronounced in patients without diabetes."  This suggests that this hormone could be used for commercial weight loss in populations that don't struggle with cardio-vasculture (CVD) or type II diabetes.

My opinion on the matter, though, this discover is fascinating and seems from the onset to be a great tool in the construction of a healthier and more well people, we need to keep in mind two points.  (1) This hormone is secreted from the body when needed and does an effective job, so, could the presence of too much of this hormone create unsafe and unpredictable effects to the body.  (2) Does the idea of creating GLP-1 as a weight loss supplement add or take away from the cornerstone of health and wellness?  This is important as our society is looking for "easy" ways to remove dieting and exercise from their lives in hopes to loose the pounds and keep the habits.

Overall, I find that once more evidence based literature emerges we can see a clearer picture of how GLP-1 will effect the lives of those struggling with CVD or diabetes and obesity.  Until then, I feel this hormone can be affective in populations suffering from obese related co-morbidities.  Education is the key to health and wellness, once educated our perception is changed or impacted which is our own understanding of our health.  This is most important as health is defined by those who can access it, as oppose to all who deserve it.