GLP-1 agonists, commonly known as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, have become popular weight loss peptides, not only for the rich and famous but also for the neighbor next door.
They are well-known to curb appetite and, in some people, result in significant and rapid weight loss.
But are these peptides safe?
And most importantly, will they result in successful long-term fat loss?
Safety and Long-Term Success
We’ve all lost pounds in the past… Many of us have yo-yo dieted, losing and gaining that same 25 pounds over and over again.
We know how depressing it can be to have successful fat loss, feel good in our body and clothes, then go off the “diet” and quickly regain weight.
You may be asking,… Will this happen to me if I invest in this miraculous medication?
My goal is to help you better understand these peptides and feel confident in your decision if you decide to use them.
Understanding the Science
Semaglutide is the chemical or compounded name for Ozempic and Weygovy. Tirzepatide is the compounded form of Mounjaro and Zepbound.
These medications are actually peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that are naturally made by the body.
Due to obesity, diabetes, and dysbiosis (dysregulation of the bacteria in the gut), many of us have become resistant to our own production and function of these perplexing peptides.
The good news is that thousands of clinical trials have been conducted on GLP-1 agonists since the early 2000s.
These studies document numerous benefits, including diminished appetite, increased satiety after meals, decreased cravings for sugar and alcohol, and improved blood sugar control.
Health Risks and Benefits
We know that obesity, especially depot fat around the organs, known as visceral fat, is extremely dangerous. This type of fat is highly inflammatory, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, strokes, cancer, and dementia.
Waist circumference is highly indicative of risk for chronic disease. Over 90% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy, meaning their body fat contributes to insulin resistance, elevated blood sugar, high blood pressure, and chronic inflammation.
Should we fear these peptides that are naturally produced by the body more than we fear the ferocious fat cells that are growing out of control in our bodies?
The truth is that these GLP -1 agonists are amazingly safe tools that can help us become leaner and healthier, decreasing our risk of chronic disease and helping us age more gracefully.
Beyond Weight Loss
GLP-1 agonists offer more than just weight loss benefits. They have been shown to decrease neuroinflammation, with research highlighting their neuroprotective effects on cognition, memory, and focus.
In patients with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, these medications have demonstrated neuro-regenerative properties, potentially improving neuron growth and cognitive function.
Additionally, GLP-1 agonists can improve joint pain and autoimmune conditions. This is more than just decreased body weight taking a load off a joint.
There is actually a notable decrease in inflammatory cytokines that are seen with the use of these powerful medications.
Potential Side Effects
Allopathic physicians often prescribe Ozempic and Mounjaro at doses that are too high, which can lead to nausea, reflux, diarrhea, or constipation. If these peptides are used at the lowest effective dose, then side effects are minimal.
Although rare complications like pancreatitis and gastroparesis have been reported, they resolve once the medication is stopped.
An advantage of using the compounded peptides, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, is that doses can be slowly titrated, usually avoiding side effects. If the brand auto-injector is used, the next incremental dose is often too high and can contribute to unnecessary side effects.
Addressing Common Concerns
What is “Ozempic Face” and How Can I Avoid It?
“Ozempic face” results from rapid weight loss, leading to significant loss of facial fat pads. To avoid this, weight loss with Ozempic or Semaglutide should be gradual and steady, which is the goal of the GLP-1 agonist.
Do I Have to Take These Medications Forever?
The long-term success of these medications depends on lifestyle changes incorporated into the weight loss plan.
Protein is a macro-nutrient whose quantity is often neglected in the diet. When restricting calories, it is crucial to ensure that we get enough protein to fuel our muscles.
Muscles are our most metabolically active tissue, and they burn calories even when we sleep. Our metabolic rate slows if we don’t get enough protein and start breaking down muscle for fuel. When we go off the diet or stop the drug, the weight returns.
We can avoid this process by getting enough protein in our diet- roughly one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight per day. This is a lot of protein, but getting adequate amounts for maintaining muscle is non-negotiable when on Semaglutide or Tirzepatide.
Another non-negotiable lifestyle change that has to be done is resistance training. Putting adequate resistance to every muscle in the body in strength training two to three times per week is crucial for long-term success.
We know that the GLP -1 agonists do not cause muscle wasting. However, as with any diet, muscle loss and a slower metabolism will occur without adequate protein intake and strength training.
These peptides can be a game-changer if done correctly and appropriate lifestyle changes are made.
Many users report that the food chatter in their heads ceases, leaving room for more valuable and productive thoughts.
What Happens When I Stop These Peptides? Will I Gain the Weight Back?
When people reach their weight loss goals, if done in a way that incorporates permanent lifestyle changes, they can be successful at weaning off these meds and ultimately keeping the weight off. Some may choose to stay on a low dose indefinitely.
Personally, I like to micro-dose Tirzepatide, meaning taking a very low dose weekly to reap the benefits continuously.
These meds can also be cycled, which makes them work better in the long run, as GLP-1 receptors on the cells are re-sensitized.
Supplement Recommendations
I strongly recommend taking a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement while on your health and weight loss journey. This ensures you get the vital nutrients your body needs while restricting calories to keep your metabolism in check.
A vitamin D3 supplement, fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids), and a probiotic are also beneficial.
In conclusion, the GLP-1 agonists Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are remarkable tools for your wellness and weight loss journey. They offer numerous health benefits beyond weight loss, and when used correctly with proper lifestyle changes, can lead to long-term success.
I am here to support you every step of the way! Please reach out if you or someone you know is interested in learning more about these powerful peptides.
Shay Geraghty, PA-C
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