GLP-1 inhibitors such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have become popular and effective for weight loss and blood sugar control. However, they’re not without side effects. Keep in mind the following to mitigate potential risks:
- Monitor muscle mass loss with an InBody Scan: Weight loss typically involves some loss of muscle, too. Because GLP-1 inhibitors are such powerful appetite suppressants, it’s easy to undereat and lose too much muscle. Use an InBody scan or similar body composition analysis to ensure you’re not losing too much muscle.
- Maintain adequate protein intake: The powerful appetite suppression and low calories of a GLP-1 inhibitor diet can promote cravings for sweet and starchy foods to meet the brain’s energy needs. Don’t fall for it. Instead, prioritize protein to meet your daily requirements of .5–1 gram of protein per pound of lean body mass. Again, this is to help you preserve muscle mass.
- Strength train: Resistance training preserves and builds muscle and promotes metabolism. Resist the urge to become sedentary and make sure you are eating enough calories to support strength training and muscle mass.
- GLP-1 inhibitors slow gut motility or the movement of food through the GI tract: Focus on consuming fiber-rich foods and probiotics to support motility and regular bowel movements. The Just Ingredients Probiotic Complex includes pre-, pro-, and post-biotics for well-rounded support.
- Stimulate the vagus nerve to enhance brain-gut communication, potentially improving gut motility. Techniques include deep breathing, gagging, gargling, and singing. Check out my free “Vagus Nerve Exercises” at drjoshredd.com for more instruction.
By addressing these factors, you will have better results with your GLP-1 weight loss journey and be in a better position to maintain your weight loss.
To learn more about our services and to schedule a free consultation, please visit redriverhealthandwellness.com. We work with your prescribing physician for optimal results. Do not discontinue medication or hormone replacement therapy without consulting your prescribing physician.
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About Josh Redd
Josh Redd, MS, DABFM, DAAIM, is a chiropractic physician and author of the Amazon bestselling book “The Truth About Low Thyroid.” Redd owns seven functional medicine clinics in the western U.S. and sees patients from across the country and around the world who are suffering from challenging autoimmune, endocrine and neurological disorders.
He studied immunology, virology and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins where he is a MaPHB candidate. He also teaches thousands of health care practitioners about functional medicine and immunology, thyroid health, neurology, lab testing and more.
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