GLP—1 Agonists & Weight Management - My Approach
Updated December 2024
If you’ve been following the buzz in the health and wellness world, chances are you’ve heard of GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). Initially developed to manage type 2 diabetes, these medications have now emerged as groundbreaking tools in the fight against overweight and obesity.
How GLP-1 Agonists Work
GLP-1 agonists mimic the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which plays a critical role in regulating appetite and insulin. By enhancing feelings of fullness, slowing gastric emptying, and directly influencing the brain’s appetite-control centers, these medications help reduce caloric intake and make it easier to resist cravings.
Typically administered as a weekly injection into the skin of the abdomen, these medications work by fundamentally altering how the body experiences hunger and satisfaction, making them a powerful aid in weight management.
GLP-1 agonists do not have a magic “fat-burning” action, these medications promote weight loss by reducing caloric intake - pure and simple.
What the Science Says
Numerous studies back the effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss. For example:
Semaglutide Study (2021): Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, this research showed that non-diabetic adults using weekly semaglutide along with lifestyle changes experienced an average weight loss of 14.9% of body weight, compared to just 2.4% in the placebo group.
Liraglutide Study (2024): Featured in The Lancet, this study found that long-term use of liraglutide not only led to significant weight loss but also helped maintain those results over 12 months.
These findings underscore the transformative potential of GLP-1 agonists—not just for weight loss but for sustained weight management.
Simply put, these medications are a game-changer for the treatment of overweight and obesity.
What About Side Effects?
Like any medication, GLP-1 agonists come with potential side effects, most of which are mild and temporary. Common side effects include:
Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, which often improve over time.
Dehydration Symptoms: Dizziness and rapid heart rate, which can occur if fluid intake is insufficient.
Rare but Serious Risks: Pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney problems.
Most patients tolerate these medications well, but careful monitoring is essential to minimize risks.
In my experience, GLP-1 agonists are generally well-tolerated. Gastrointestinal side effects tend to lessen over time, and more serious side effects are possible, although rare.
GLP-1 Agonists in My Practice
As an Integrative and Functional Medicine physician, I’ve been using GLP-1 agonists in my practice, given their compelling results. However, my primary concern lies in the risk of malnutrition, as weight loss through calorie restriction can inadvertently lead to:
Nutrient deficiencies
Muscle and bone loss
Hormonal imbalances
Fatigue and weakened immunity
To mitigate these risks and support patients’ overall health, I use a personalized approach focused on these four principles:
START LOW- GO SLOW
Starting with the lowest effective dose helps minimize side effects and ensure a smooth adjustment period. Many patients respond well to lower doses, achieving steady, sustainable weight loss while saving money on higher-dose prescriptions.
Starting with lower doses helps to minimize side effects and save money!
WORK WITH A HEALTH COACH
A health coach adds immense value by helping patients:
Develop meal plans tailored to their lifestyles.
Ensure adequate nutrient intake despite reduced caloric consumption.
Track progress and address side effects through regular check-ins.
Uncover and address emotional or behavioral roadblocks to lasting change.
Pairing GLP-1 agonists with a structured health coaching program enhances both the safety and effectiveness of the weight-loss journey.
FOCUS ON PROTEIN
Adequate protein intake is essential to prevent muscle loss during weight loss. I encourage patients to plan, measure, and track their protein intake, drawing from diverse, high-quality sources.
Want to know how much protein you need daily? Check out my protein guide here.
USE NUTRITIONAL TESTING
Comprehensive nutritional testing allows us to identify and address specific deficiencies. By measuring levels of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and more, we can make precise adjustments to dietary plans and supplementation. Post-weight loss testing ensures ongoing optimization for long-term health.
Learn more about Comprehensive Nutritional Testing commonly used in my practice.
Are you interested in learning more about a healthy, individualized approach to weight loss? As a board-certified Integrative & Functional Medicine physician, I can help! I specialize in optimal health and wellness, focusing on hormone balance, thyroid optimization, gut health, customized nutritional supplements, cardiometabolic health, and more.
Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more.