By Lauren Rashap, CN
Hi friends, your clinical nutritionist here, to spell it out or dispel some of the myths surrounding miracle weight loss drugs that we’ve all been talking about and even taking, perhaps indiscriminately and incorrectly!
Semaglutides aka GLP-1 Inhibitors like Wevovy, Ozempic, Monjaro have found their way to 1 in 8 Americans across the United States. While initially this statistic surprised me, I had to reflect on the staggering number of people in our country with pre diabetes and type 2 diabetes which is 1 in 3 Americans if current trends continue.
In case you’ve been living under a rock, Ozempic is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and recently its popularity has skyrocketed due to its significant weight loss results. In some cases people can lose 10-20% of their body weight in a very short period of time. Semaglutide works by mimicking the action of GLP-1 inhibitors. It also supports normal insulin action which signals “I am full” to your brain and keeps you from overeating. The hormone also slows down how quickly the stomach empties so you feel fuller for longer.
A big concern to women 40 plus and a fairly common side effect is “ozempic face”, which is the result of losing weight too quickly and the skin on the face starts to sag. There are 3 new studies that show users of GLP-1 agonists won the risk of being diagnosed with stomach paralysis. The studies have not yet been examined by outside experts or published in medical journals so the data is still preliminary. Other side effects that occur in some people can cause nausea and vomiting. Yet, as time goes on, we are also seeing some rather significant benefits from the careful use of Semaglutides. Reduced risk of certain cancers, improved gut microbiome, potential neuroprotective effects, improved cognitive function are just a few of the many benefits “users” are experiencing.
When it comes to Ozempic or the use of any of the many GLP-1 agonists, I always look at it on a case by case basis and collaborate with several experts in this area with whom I’ve worked closely. Unlike the macro, one size fits all approach of big pharma, my “team” customize a micro dosing/compounded semaglutide that’s carefully calculated, monitored and used only in conjunction with my healthy, high protein, high fiber diet and protocol below.
Since the premise of my practice is that food is indeed our greatest medicine and healer, I like to approach weight loss with my 3 pillared approach.
1: Exercise
Wegovy, Ozempic and other weight loss drugs are indiscriminate. They like your muscle as well as your fat, but can’t tell the difference between the two. So, oftentimes you will lose muscle instead of fat. Doing the right kind of exercise when trying to lose body fat is actually often misdirected. Endless cardio for you may not be the be all and end all. I determine, depending upon your age, current body fat composition, lean muscle mass, fasting insulin, and hemoglobin A1C, the most effective fitness plan to support your goals.
2. Protein Dominant Diet and Targeted Supplement Support
Determining your unique protein prescription is essential as well as supporting fat burning and mitochondria. I work with nutrients like NAD, Urolithin A, B vitamins, Berberine, Bergamot and Peptide therapies that I recommend based on your bio-individuality.
3. Sleep
Sleep is always the underdog and the least valued of all of your healthy weight loss goals. If you are getting less than 7 hours of sleep, reducing cortisol levels while you sleep, effectively getting your brain into a deep parasympathetic state, you may be sabotaging your weight loss goals. Higher cortisol levels during sleep promote fat storage.
It’s one thing to lose weight, it’s another thing to do it safely, effectively and permanently. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re ready for longevity!
Lauren Rashap is a clinical nutritionist and can be reached at lauren@laurenlivinghealthy.com