Kay Leaman, HealthyDay HealthyLife
Whether you’ve taken, are currently taking or are thinking about taking GLP-1, understanding what it is, how it works and the side effects will help you support your body for the best possible results.
GLP-1 is a glucagon-like peptide and comes in three forms; natural, injection and oral.
Natural GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in the gastrointestinal tract. The lifestyle factors that enhance your natural GLP-1 production are certain foods, physical activity and maintaining a healthy gut.
Injection and oral applications are manufactured substances called agonists (a manufactured substance that causes an action similar to a naturally occurring substance.) and mimic the effects of naturally produced GLP-1, but in a more potent and longer-lasting form. The injections last up to seven days in the blood (Ozempic, Wegovy), whereas the oral tablets last for 24 hours and need to be taken daily.
These drugs are used for diabetes and obesity. Worldwide, 1.9 billion adults are overweight and, of these, 650 million are children. There is not much difference between men and women as obesity is the #1 killer in both sexes.
How it works: In the pancreas it increases the release of insulin and decreases glucagon (A hormone that raises blood sugar.) secretion. The stomach is also affected as it slows the emptying of food from the stomach which helps you feel fuller longer and aids in extracting nutrients into the bloodstream. It also acts on the brain to suppress appetite (‘food noise’).
The side effects consist of:
• Gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn and nutrient deficiency.
• Muscles are an organ and muscle loss can negatively impact our metabolic rate making long term weightmanagement more difficult. It can also affect mobility and bone density. One can expect their muscle loss to be 24-40%. Muscle loss slows the metabolism, reduces strength, lowers BP related to fatigue, weakens bones and increases risk of fractures.
• Overdosing can cause hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal distress, loss of consciousness, etc. Because of the reduced caloric intake, nutrient deficiency is also an issue and reduced fertility and hair loss has also been experienced.
Drawbacks consist of heart issues as the heart is also a muscle. Sagging skin can be seen depending on how much weight one is losing vs. it being a symptom of the drug. GLP-1 also starves your body due to the decrease in caloric intake. This is why long-term use is NOT recommended. The sad news is that at this time there are no safe alternatives. There has been some talk coming out about berberine. It’s found in plants and may have an effect on sugar levels, but has not been researched beyond the Petri dish.
As with any weight loss program, if our lifestyle doesn’t change, the pounds will return. We usually find what we lose. However, this is not true for the lost muscle. It must be exercised and cared for to get it back.
Adopting a healthy diet to enhance the effectiveness of GLP-1 can ensure sufficient intake of essential nutrients (protein, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals) can minimize muscle loss during weight loss.
A healthy lifestyle consists of eating well, exercising, lowering stress and getting quality sleep.
Regarding foods, here are some suggestions:
Fats – Avocado and avocado oil, olives (especially black), flaxseed and flaxseed oil
Lean Protein – Fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, lean beef, cottage cheese, tofu, soybeans
Fibers – Fruit, veggies, whole grains, legumes, flaxseed, chia seeds
Probiotics/Prebiotics – Yogurt, kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, supplements. There are quality supplements that can help the body respond well. Contact me if you’re interested in more information.
I have seen excellent effects from taking GLP-1. My biggest caution is that overuse can suppress the body’s ability to make its own. Supporting our body’s naturally created functions will ensure a healthier life as we age. GLP-1 is a tool not a replacement for the responsibility we have to care for our bodies well.
Here’s to Health!
