Adding New Medications (in low doses) to Proven Center for Nutrition Protocols is a Strategy for Success!
Note: Read on to learn more about the new weight loss medications nicknamed “Glip 1’s”, technically known as GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, with names including Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound… And, with multiple medications available, including generic and brand name options, affordability has never been easier!
Losing Weight in 2024
It’s 2024 and weight loss has never been more important! And with our new tools and strategies, there has never been a better time to lose weight AND keep it off!
With America’s current epidemics of heart disease, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure, joint disease, and cancers, weight loss is no longer optional, it’s mandatory. Nothing speeds up aging, hinders quality of life, and promotes common chronic diseases like being overweight – but we have great news for losing weight in 2024!
By using proven, powerful Center for Nutrition protocols with our proven weight loss medication strategies, in synergy with the new, EXTREMELY HELPFUL, “GLP-1 Receptor Agonists”, weight loss has never been easier AND more achievable!
Bottom line, it’s never been easier to lose weight and keep it off by using our personal, medically-based treatment plans – now with the option of adding the most powerful and effective weight loss medications ever approved by the FDA!
As always, our Center for Nutrition approach to weight loss always includes:
- In-depth metabolism assessments and monitoring
- Appetite assessments and management
- Powerful nutrition protocols
- Lifestyle and fitness plan strategies
- Individualized medication approaches, if and when needed, using lowest effective doses!
And now we are using new, powerful combinations of new and old medications, in low doses, harnessing the power of synergy, with the safety of low doses so we can achieve maximum weight loss with minimum or NO side effects.
New Weight Loss Medications
There is now an entirely new class of weight loss medications that work in a different mechanism of action than others. Scientists have achieved this by copying nature’s approach to making us feel full, mimicking a natural hormone known as GLP-1…
Understanding the new GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications
- What is GLP-1 and how does it affect weight?
- Are GLP-1 medications a “cure all” for weight loss?
- Are there possible side effects?
- Can everyone take GLP-1 medications?
- What happens if I lose weight and then stop a GLP-1 medication?
- Are GLP-1’s affordable?
- Do I really need to see a physician specializing in nutrition and weight loss?
What is GLP-1 and how does it affect weight?
GLP-1 is an abbreviation for Glucagon-like Peptide-1. It is an all natural human hormone produced in cells of the intestines after we eat. When these cells detect that we’ve had a meal, they produce the hormone GLP-1, which travels in the blood to the appetite center of the brain, known as the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus has special receptors that detect GLP-1. Once GLP-1 attaches to these receptors, it triggers a powerful sensation of fullness, telling the brain we’ve eaten a large meal, so stop eating! Now, imagine having that feeling of fullness and contentment 24/7! That’s the power of stimulating GLP-1 receptors!
There’s never been any single appetite control agent as powerful as GLP-1 management in the history of medical weight loss! And yes, our current medical treatment plans add these new medications to our proven weight loss approaches to achieve results similar to gastric surgery, without the risks of surgery!
Scientists have been working for years to understand the appetite center in the hypothalamus, because they knew that if they could unlock the secrets of this appetite center, they could also discover a key to naturally reducing the appetite, radically changing our approach to weight loss.
Most major breakthroughs in medicine have come about from discoveries in nature. Just like penicillin was first discovered in nature, GLP-1 was also discovered in nature. And, once understood, it was just a matter of time before scientists could produce GLP-1 “triggers” that use nature’s approach for weight loss for superior appetite control.
There are now a number of new medications that are GLP-1 triggers (technically referred to as GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, or “Glip 1’s” for short). Semaglutide and tirzepatide are two of the most powerful. Optimal doses, which are required just once per week, are resulting in up to 15-20% of body weight loss, on average! Imagine, a 200 lb individual losing 40 lbs, down to 160 or less, with no hunger during weight loss!
As added benefits, these medications are also very effective at lowering elevated glucose levels, reversing prediabetes and often dramatically improving type 2 diabetes. New research is showing a reduction in heart attack risk and protective effects on liver and kidneys as well. These medications, when used properly, are truly remarkable!
What’s even more impressive is that as long as the GLP-1 receptors remain managed, and proper nutritional strategies are followed, weight loss is typically easy to maintain long term.
Are GLP-1 medications a “cure all” for weight loss?
No, but they are a powerful tool! An individualized, monitored, comprehensive medical weight loss plan is still required to avoid complications, including gallstones, electrolyte imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and excess loss of muscle. As always, science-based nutritional protocols that assure proper nutrient intake are mandatory for safety. One of the justified fears of researchers is a loss of bone and muscle (lean body mass) while people are on GLP-1 medications.
With GLP-1 medications, the appetite can be reduced so much that people end up becoming malnourished, creating loss of muscle and bone, resulting in frailty and blood chemistry imbalances rather than vitality and strength. Truly, caution is advised!
At the Center for Nutrition, we start by evaluating each patient carefully to understand the CAUSE of their unwanted weight gain. With this approach, we manage underlying appetite disorders, nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances, sluggish metabolism tendencies, cravings, food addictions, and associated health risks throughout the weight loss process to assure healthy weight loss and the best possible health long term.
Are there possible side effects?
Yes, as with any medication, there can be side effects. The most common side effect is a feeling of fullness, which is a good thing! Nausea, constipation or diarrhea are possible, but occur in a minority of patients using my customized dosing protocols.
Our comprehensive approach to weight loss (with nutrition protocols as the foundation) allows us to use low doses of these and other medications, but still get maximum weight loss, while having the lowest chance of side effects!
By using individualized approaches, we are proactive to minimize or avoid side effects for most patients.
Can everyone take GLP-1 medications?
No, not everyone is a good candidate. A history of pancreatitis or medullary thyroid cancer are reasons not to use these medications. Birth control pills may also become less effective, and current medications may need some changes. As always, we will review your medical history carefully to make sure you are a candidate before recommending any medication.
What happens if I lose weight and then stop a GLP-1 medication?
Like all medications, the GLP-1’s only work when they are used. Their effect will go away within a few weeks of stopping the medication. And yes, there can be a weight gain rebound if the entire weight loss strategy was based on the GLP-1 effect! That’s a key reason we never recommend letting a medication be the foundation of a weight loss journey. Medications should only be used cautiously, in the lowest effective doses, and as an add-on to an individualized, health-promoting nutrition plan that includes a specific approach to weight loss maintenance, especially if discontinuing a GLP-1.
Are GLP-1’s affordable?
Yes, for most, there is an affordable answer! We work with each patient to find the most affordable option for them (whether we use GLP-1’s or not), and for the vast majority of patients we can find an acceptable, effective option. Sometimes insurance will cover the cost. At other times, we find affordable prescription alternatives. But remember, with our approach that minimizes doses, we also can typically keep the costs most affordable!
Do I really need to see a physician specializing in nutrition and weight loss?
Before beginning any serious weight loss journey, a thorough medical evaluation that includes lab work and a body composition analysis are essential for safety. Then, the same tests need to be monitored during weight loss to assure safety remains the priority! Electrolyte imbalances, which can cause irregular heart rhythms, weakness, muscle cramps, and loss of consciousness can and do happen to individuals who are losing weight without proper support and monitoring.
Weight loss franchises, online providers who never meet their patients in person, and non-medical strip mall clinics that may write prescriptions, but do not have proper physician supervision, put patients at risk from complications during weight loss.
Your medical history, current medications, current nutritional status, and blood chemistry are just a few of the things that need to be assessed prior to and during weight loss!
At our Center for Nutrition clinics, your safety is always the priority! Our physicians, nurse practitioners, and dietitians have all been specially trained to provide medical weight loss with safety and excellence as top priorities!
It’s Never Been Easier to Lose Weight Faster and Keep it Off!
As we all know, typical self-induced restrictive diets are ineffective. Food cravings, chronic hunger, and a sluggish metabolism can make weight loss impossible. And, the food industry seems to do their best to sabotage us at every opportunity. Tasty snacks and unhealthy fast foods seem to be everywhere! And, unfortunately, most physicians have had little or no training in nutrition and weight loss, even though weight loss is often mandatory to achieve optimum health.
At the Center for Nutrition, we use the power of synergy between our most proven nutritional protocols along with new synergistic medication combinations. By adding the new category of GLP-1 medications (when needed and in lowest effective doses) to our already proven strategies, we are now achieving faster, more dramatic, and more sustained weight loss than ever before!
Are You Ready to Take Control of Your Weight and Health?
Let us know how we can help you achieve your health goals and discuss whether a plan using GLP-1’s (or alternatives) is right for you!
Our patients are reporting improvements not only in health, but in quality of life, self-esteem, mood, activity levels, productivity, and daily joy. We’ve seen many patients reverse their tendencies for high blood pressure, elevated blood sugars, and uncontrollable appetites.
If you want to lose 20, 40, or 100+ pounds, and keep it off – there has never been a better time for it!
Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your options, or ask one of our staff at your next appointment to see if this new approach is right for you.
Note: If we have not seen you for an appointment in the past 12 weeks, please request a ‘Restart Visit’ when you call our office.
