What are GLP-1s?

GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) are a class of medications that mimic the GLP-1 compound naturally produced in the body by cells in the intestines. These medications activate GLP-1 receptors, increasing the downstream effects of glucagon-like peptides, including increasing insulin production, decreasing glucagon, and delaying the emptying of food from the stomach, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.

What are the effects of these medications?

When administered properly, they can have profound effects:

• Weight loss
• Blood sugar control
• Reduction of food cravings and other addictive behaviors (alcohol, gambling, online shopping)
• Less brain fog and reduced Alzheimer’s risk*.

*Brain effects of these medications:

• Improves brain insulin sensitivity and signaling. When insulin sensitivity improves, the brain’s response to insulin tends to improve with it, a factor deeply intertwined with Alzheimer’s
• Reduces brain inflammation
• May help reduce the accumulation of the two hallmark proteins of Alzheimer’s (tau and amyloid beta)

How do they work?

We make GLP-1 in our intestines. The gut microbiome plays a key role in our body’s ability to naturally produce GLP-1. When we eat more addicting ultra-processed foods devoid of fiber, have a more sedentary lifestyle, and/or take a lot of antibiotics, the production of GLP-1 declines. This can result in a lot of “food noise,” cravings, insulin resistance, and weight gain.

GLP-1 meds promote weight loss by suppressing hunger and increasing satiety. You get full more quickly and can more easily reduce your caloric intake. In addition, they help to retrain the body to use glucose at the receptor sites. In other words, they improve how your body utilizes glucose and manages energy stores. And when you utilize glucose better, you not only lose weight and have better blood sugar control, you boost brain health as well!

Our approach to GLP-1s

At Lakeside, our treatment plan looks a little different than the standard prescription such as Ozempic or Weygovy. We microdose the semaglutide. Microdosing means using a smaller, lower dose than the typical doses found in commercial medication on the market such as Ozempic. Our goal is to mimic physiologic levels, or levels closer to what the body produces. This approach offers a range of benefits, particularly for people seeking a gentler transition and a long-term solution to weight management, without the risks of rapid weight loss, muscle wasting, or other common side effects associated with higher doses.

Why Our Approach is Safer and More Sustainable

1. Minimized Side Effects

At higher doses, semaglutide can cause side effects like nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and low blood sugar.

2. Preserving Muscle Mass

Rapid weight loss in the setting of higher doses of semaglutide can often lead to muscle breakdown as the body burns both fat and muscle for energy. By supporting muscle retention, microdosing helps prevent the metabolic slowdown often seen with weight loss, ensuring that you maintain a higher resting metabolic rate even as you lose weight.

3. More Gradual, Sustainable Results

Microdosing promotes slow and steady weight loss, which is easier to maintain in the long term.

In functional medicine, the goal is to support whole-body health by addressing the root causes of metabolic issues like obesity, insulin resistance, and imbalanced hormones. Microdosing semaglutide aligns with this philosophy by offering a holistic, individualized approach to weight loss and metabolic health.

Non-negotiables when taking a GLP-1

We emphasize the following with our patients while taking these meds:

• Personalized Nutrition:
  • Optimizing protein to preserve muscle mass
  • Replenishing vitamins and minerals that may support weight loss, like vitamin D, magnesium, and B vitamins.
• Physical Activity:
  • Strength training
  • Low impact cardio such as walking
• Gut Health:
  • Improving gut function through probiotics, fiber, and a balanced, whole foods diet.
  • Optimizing digestion and nutrient absorption. Lots we can do to reduce GI side effects.

These factors are crucial in order to tolerate the medication AND be able to come off of it in the near future.

How long do you have to take a GLP-1 medication?

These meds are not a forever prescription. The duration of GLP-1 medication treatment varies depending on individual factors, such as weight loss goals and response to the medication. Typically, treatment time for our patients is 6-12 months. And then the goal is to taper you off and maintain with diet and lifestyle. This is why meeting with a naturopathic doctor or functional medicine practitioner while on these meds is key- so you can continue to work on optimizing your nutrition, gut health, and lifestyle.

Starting a GLP-1 isn’t a free pass to abandon a healthy lifestyle. These meds have to be in conjunction with lifestyle. It’s part of the picture, not the whole picture.

It’s never about singular therapies. It’s about the totality of your health picture.

Check out this blog post: How to Boost GLP-1 Naturally using Food

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.