One Tool in a Larger Toolbox

These days we are surrounded by conversations about GLP-1s and semaglutide drugs (like Ozempic, Wegovy, Monjaro, Zepbound) left, right, and center. They have very much entered the weight loss conversation like a bull in a china shop- making a big entrance, and really shaking things up.

While I feel deeply grateful that I have clients coming to me seeking a different answer and approach, and I much prefer talking about how to use lifestyle methods for sustainable weight loss using lifestyle changes, I also know that it’s not always “that easy” and feel it’s important not to ignore this general conversation, and also not demonize something that is at best, simply a tool in a toolbox.

When they first hit the jackpot and their use spreading like wildfire, my first thought was “UGH- a pill isn’t going to solve all of our problems", and so I first met it with resistance. GLP-1 agonists as a drug category are mimicking a natural hormone that the body produces, so I would prefer we do this naturally of course.

Then, as I realized these were permeating every facet of weight loss and also improving a variety of health outcomes, I started to back off and take them for what they are- a tool that is helping millions of people actually lose weight. Do I agree with how they’re being used the population level? No, but that doesn’t mean there’s not room for them in the right person, at the right dose, at the right time.

To answer my own questions, and hopefully yours- I had the pleasure of interviewing Sarah Stacey, an orthopedic Nurse Practitioner who prescribes GLP-1s, and we had a refreshing and enlightening conversation on the use of these drugs. We dove deep into all aspects of GLP-1 agonists- discussing the pros, cons, and both positive and negative side effects.

Watch the full podcast episode on YouTube, or listen on Spotify at The Restore Lab.

My main concerns:

• They’re being prescribed without enough emphasis on the downstream negative implications of rapid weight loss (can screw with metabolism and most often leads to regaining).

• Rapid and extreme weight loss takes both fat AND muscle along with it, and losing muscle mass is the opposite of what we want, as it is our protective metabolic organ.

• Patients aren’t necessarily being provided the support or education to make concurrent lifestyle changes (nutrition/movement) that will KEEP the weight off long-term, which is a huge missed opportunity.

• These are expensive drugs, and are only becoming more expensive and less available as demand rises above supply. They are not accessible to everyone.

• Lack of long-term research and outcomes on health.

• A complete lack of appetite leading to under-eating and lack of nutrition, without enough attention being paid to ensuring proper protein and micronutrient intake that is crucial for fueling the body at the cellular level for optimal functioning.

Food Stimulators of GLP-1s

GLP-1 agonist drugs are merely mimicking and amplifying the effects of a gut hormone our bodies naturally produce. We can stimulate our body’s own GLP-1 release in the gut by eating foods high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

I will sometimes have clients make a simple shake that we call the “GLP-1 loading shake” and have them drink it 10-15 minutes prior to meals in order to stimulate the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone release.

The GLP-1 Loading Shake recipe:

• 10-15g pea protein (protein)
• 5-6g powered fiber (fiber)
• A scoop of green banana powder (for resistant starch)
• Sometimes a drizzle of olive oil (for healthy fats)

Long story short

I’m not entirely against Ozempic or any of these drugs, it’s more of a “don’t hate the player hate the game” instance for me. It’s not that the drugs themselves are harmful inherently, it’s how they’re being used large-scale that is cause for concern. As a healthcare industry, we’re doing patients a huge disservice by not giving as much emphasis on creating lifestyle changes when they may be easier to implement, when taking one of these drugs. I also would love to see doctors using smaller doses moving forward, that allow patients to still be able to consume enough protein and micronutrients to get the optimal benefit, and reduce unintended deficiencies that we have yet to see play out down the road.

If you’re someone who wants to lose weight, but doesn’t want to go down the GLP-1 route or doesn’t quality for these pharmaceuticals, I’m your gal for sustainable weight loss for the long-term; let’s chat. If you’re currently on one of these drugs, and wanting to ensure you’re getting proper nutrition to maintain your weight loss goals, let’s chat!

Be well,

Sara

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