Unlocking Longevity: Dr. Jens Juul Holst on GLP-1’s Life-Changing Impact on Metabolic Health

Dec 4, 2024

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In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander welcomes Dr. Jens Juul Holst, a renowned Danish physician and physiologist, to discuss GLP-1, a hormone transforming our understanding of metabolic health. Dr. Holst, who discovered and described GLP-1, explains its role as a gut-derived hormone that regulates appetite, insulin secretion, and digestion, offering a groundbreaking approach to managing obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The conversation explores how GLP-1 receptor agonists, have evolved into powerful medications. These drugs help patients achieve significant weight loss, reverse diabetes, improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and potentially enhance cognitive function. Dr. Holst delves into their long-term implications for preventing diabetes, extending health spans, and even reducing the risks of obesity-related cancers and improving fertility.

Dr. Holst emphasizes that while GLP-1 offers life-changing benefits, sustainable health still hinges on balanced diets and regular physical activity. This episode provides a fascinating look at the intersection of science, medicine, and lifestyle in promoting longevity.
Episode highlights:

Introduction: 00:00:00
What is GLP-1: 00:03:00
what is a GLP-1 agonist: 00:04:15
what are the target organs of the GLP-1 agonist?: 00:06:30
what is the effect of the GLP-1 agonist on a diabetic patient?
: 00:10:00
What percentage of a diabetic patient on GLP-1 have complete remission: 00:11:30
How long did it take to bring a drug to market from the moment you first discovered it: 00:23:30
What is the GLP-1 effect on cognition and dementia: 00:29:00
GLP-1 effect on kidney diseases: 00:32:00
GLP-1 positive effect on fertility: 00:35:00
GLP-1 positive effect on cancer: 00:37:30
Should a patient be on GLP-1 for life: 00:41:00
GLP-1 related side effects: 00:48:00
GLP-1 effect on resting heart rate: 00:52:30
GLP-1 related side effects: 00:48:00
GLP-1 from Lilly vs novo nordisk: 00:55:00
GLP-1 oral versus the injectable: 00:58:00
GLP-1 effect on lifespan: 01:00:30
GLP-1 effect on lifespan: 01:00:30
What led you to become a scientist: 01:03:00
The story of discovering the GLP-1: 01:04:30
How did you successfully extend the half-life of the GLP-1 agonist: 01:09:00
GLP-1 moving from once a day to once a week: 01:16:00
Top tip to improve healthspan: 01:18:00

GLP-1 Agonists: A Game-Changer for Diabetes and Obesity

Dr. Jens Juul Holst explores the revolutionary impact of GLP-1 agonists in treating diabetes and obesity. These medications mimic a natural gut hormone to regulate insulin secretion, appetite, and weight. Through their ability to normalize blood glucose levels and promote significant weight loss, GLP-1 agonists have transformed the lives of patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Holst highlights their success in enabling over 50% of diabetes patients to achieve normal glucose levels while addressing the systemic health risks tied to obesity. This innovation represents a monumental leap in metabolic disease management.

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