Blog: BIP and GLP-1 Support at the Y

GIP and GLP-1 Medications: Understanding How They Work, Their Benefits and Side Effects
By Andrea Brown and Michael Reisman

There’s been a lot of discussion lately about GIP and GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. Originally designed to help people manage type 2 diabetes, these medications are now also being used to support healthy weight loss and improve overall wellness.

At North Penn YMCA, we believe knowledge and understanding are key components of well-being. Here’s a clear, science-based look at how GIP/GLP-1 medications work, what benefits they can offer, and what to keep in mind if you or someone you know is considering them. Please remember to always consult your physician when considering medications.

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What are GLP‑1 and GIP Medications?

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How do GLP‑1 medications work?

Medications that mimic or activate the GLP‑1 pathway are called GLP‑1 receptor agonists. They work by imitating the natural hormone’s effect on the body. Cleveland Clinic+1. Here are the main mechanisms:

• They boost insulin secretion after meals (but in a glucose‑dependent way, meaning they act more when blood sugar is higher). Harvard Health+1
  
• They suppress the secretion of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar) when it isn’t needed. Nature+1
  
• They slow down gastric emptying (so food stays in the stomach a bit longer) which helps moderate how fast sugar hits the bloodstream. Cleveland Clinic+1
  
• They act on parts of the brain that regulate appetite and fullness — so you feel more satisfied after eating. WMC Health+1
  

Because of these actions, GLP‑1 medications are used for conditions like type 2 diabetes and some for weight management. NCBI

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How do GIP/GLP‑1 dual medications work?

More recently, medications have been developed that act on both the GLP‑1 receptor and the GIP receptor (so they’re “dual agonists”). Nature+2PrivateDoc®+2

Here’s how they differ and what extra things they may offer:

• GIP enhances insulin secretion after eating and may improve fat metabolism (helping the body use or store fat differently) . PrivateDoc®
  
• When combined with GLP‑1 activation, the dual effect appears to produce greater improvements in blood sugar control and body‑weight outcomes. Nature+1
  
• One example mentioned: the drug Tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro for diabetes, Zepbound for weight loss) activates both GLP‑1 and GIP pathways. Nature+1
  

In other words: if GLP‑1 medications are like “pressing one button” to improve insulin, slow digestion and reduce hunger, dual GIP/GLP‑1 meds are like “pressing two buttons” to amplify the effect.

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Benefits: What good can they do?

Here are some of the key benefits of these medications:

For GLP‑1 agonists

• Improved blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Because they increase insulin when needed and lower glucagon. Harvard Health+1
  
• Weight loss or improved weight management. Many people taking GLP‑1 medications report feeling fuller, eating less, and losing weight. Intermountain Healthcare+1
  
• Potential cardiovascular benefits. Some GLP‑1 agonists have been shown to reduce risk of heart‑related complications. NCBI+1
  
• Slower digestion and lower post‑meal sugar spikes (helpful for metabolic health broadly). West Tennessee Healthcare+1
  

For dual GIP/GLP‑1 agonists

• Even greater weight‑loss potential (compared to GLP‑1‑only drugs) in some studies. PrivateDoc®+1
  
• Enhanced blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, via both incretin pathways. Nature
  
• Possibly better effects on fat metabolism (though research is ongoing) thanks to GIP’s involvement. PrivateDoc®
  

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Like any medication, GLP‑1 (and dual GIP/GLP‑1) drugs come with side‑effects and considerations. Being aware helps you talk with your healthcare provider.

Common side‑effects

• Gastrointestinal (GI) issues: nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, bloating. These are the most frequently reported early on. GoodRx+1
  
• Slowed stomach emptying: Because digestion is slower, some people feel full longer or may have discomfort, especially when starting treatment. Cleveland Clinic+1
  
• Appetite changes: Because these drugs affect how full you feel, it’s possible to eat less than usual — which is desired for weight loss, but may require monitoring to ensure adequate nutrition. Intermountain Healthcare
  
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) risk increases when used with other glucose‑lowering drugs (especially insulin or sulfonylureas). Mayo Clinic
  

Less common but serious risks

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) has been reported in some cases. Harvard Health
  
• Gallbladder/biliary issues (stones, inflammation) have been linked in some research. GoodRx+1
  
• Delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis) or bowel obstruction in rare cases. Harvard Health
  
• Thyroid C‑cell tumors observed in rodent studies; implication in humans is still under investigation, so some GLP‑1 drugs carry warnings (especially for those with a medullary thyroid carcinoma history). Mayo Clinic
• Sarcopenia (muscle loss) due to rapid weight loss if measures to preserve muscle are not taken, including regular strength training, staying active, and eating a protein-rich diet.
• For dual agonists: because they are “stronger”, the side‑effect profile may be similar or somewhat amplified; ongoing monitoring is important. Nature
  

Practical considerations

• Because digestion slows, if you’re having surgery or anesthesia, your provider may need to adjust or pause the medication. NCBI
  
• Starting dosage often begins low and is increased gradually to improve tolerability (reduce GI side‑effects) and let the body adjust. Baylor Scott & White Health
  
• If you stop the medication (especially used for weight management), weight regain is possible if lifestyle changes aren’t maintained. Intermountain Healthcare
  

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Who might benefit (and who might be cautious)?

• People with type 2 diabetes need improved blood sugar control, especially those who could benefit from weight loss or cardiovascular risk reduction.
  
• People with obesity (or overweight with comorbidities) for whom lifestyle alone hasn’t been sufficient and under medical supervision.
  
• People whose healthcare team determines the risk‑benefit balance is favorable.
  

Who may need extra caution or may not be appropriate candidates for GIP/GLP-1 medications?

• Individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (some GLP‑1 drugs carry warnings). Mayo Clinic
  
• Those with active pancreatitis or a history of severe GI motility issues (since these medications slow digestion). Harvard Health
  
• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding (many medications lack sufficient safety data). GoodRx
  
• Patients using other medications that strongly increase hypoglycemia risk (must coordinate with provider).
  

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The YMCA Perspective: A Whole-Person Approach

There are a number of resources available at your Y to help determine the best course of action to achieve your desired health and wellness goals. Membership benefits include unlimited access to fun group exercise classes and professional support from trained wellness coaches. Visit the Y’s website for more information about the benefits of membership.

Whether or not you take medication, remember that small, consistent steps toward wellness make a big difference over time. And you don’t have to go it alone. Join us today!

Additional References

• Nauck MA, D’Alessio DA. “Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP‑1 receptor co‑agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes with unmatched effectiveness regarding glycaemic control and body weight reduction.” Cardiovascular Diabetology. 2022;21:169. BioMed Central
  
• Drucker DJ. “The GLP‑1 journey: from discovery science to therapeutic successes.” JCI. 2024;134(2):xxxxx. JCI
  
• Fölli F. “Mechanisms of action of incretin receptor‑based dual (GIP/GLP‑1) agonists.” American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2023;325(3):Exxx‑Eyyy. Physiology Journals
  
• Baggio LL, Drucker DJ. “Biology of Incretins: GLP‑1 and GIP.” Gastroenterology. 2007;132(6):2131‑2157. gastrojournal.org
• Jastreboff AM et al. “Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity.” NEJM. 2022;387:205‑216. New England Journal of Medicine
• Zheng Z et al. “Glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor: mechanisms and dual agonists.” Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. 2024;9:124. Nature
  

The authors used a number of research tools to write this article, including but not limited to AI. Citations and references have been double-checked and accurately attributed. Links provided are to outside resources, may contain ads and have no direct affiliation to River Crossing YMCA.

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