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We know right now there is a huge demand for these GLP-1 medications. If you aren’t sure what GLP-1 medicines are, you may be more familiar with the brand names associated with them, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. (1)
Underneath all the promises lie some hidden truths that you should know. We will discuss the side effects of these medications and offer alternatives that are natural and much safer.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are medications that were intended to treat people with Type 2 diabetes. Recently, many of these have been approved to help people with weight loss. (2)
These are typically injectable, meaning you can give yourself a shot of the medication, just underneath the skin. Most people inject their thighs, backs of the arms, and lower hip areas. There is still a lot left to know about these medicines, as the FDA only first approved them in 2005.
We have naturally occurring GLP-1, which is a hormone our small intestine makes to do jobs like release insulin from the pancreas and block glucagon secretion, the hormone that raises blood sugar.
These medications mimic the processes of natural GLP-1s. They slow stomach emptying, leading to longer digestion times and increasing the feeling of satiety so your brain thinks you are full and not hungry.
Originally, the medications helped people with Type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar to control spikes. Before long, researchers and patients noticed it also reduced their food intake.
While many reports would have you believe these medications are revolutionizing the landscape for weight loss, they often skip over the warnings. Users find that the more medicine they use, the greater the weight loss benefit seems, so they frequently increase the dose. When they are prescribed for weight loss, the doses are usually higher for more effectiveness. (3) Unfortunately, there are severe consequences that may come with higher doses of these medications.
With all the hype surrounding GLP-1 medications, we rarely hear about some of the dangerous and uncomfortable side effects that accompany them. There are some genuine concerns attributed to using these pharmaceuticals. Now, many of the companies making these drugs brag about all the health benefits, but you should know that using these medicines come with serious risks. (4)
Also, most people find they have to stay on these drugs to continue getting the benefit. Some have gained weight back when they stopped using the medication.
Some of the dangers they’ve found with GLP-1s are the effects on kidney function and the pancreas. Physicians should monitor patients closely to ensure they remain healthy and aren’t showing signs of pancreatitis, stomach paralysis, or kidney problems.
Some studies show there may akso be ocular risks involved, with some experiencing optic neuropathy. (5)
Other negative effects mentioned related to using these medications include gallbladder issues, electrolyte imbalances, muscle loss, malnutrition, thyroid cancer, and others. Some practitioners pushing for the use of pharmaceutical GLP-1s may glaze over these issues, but you should strongly consider them before starting one of these medications.
This is a term used to describe some patients who lose weight rapidly using these medications, and their appearance can change so quickly that it is a little shocking. Their face looks hollow, they have more wrinkles, the jaw and neck begin to sag, and they even show changes in their chin, cheeks, and lips. (6)
Although these changes may seem simply aesthetic, they can hide a deeper meaning. It may illustrate how often people want to maximize the dosing and lose faster than they should.
There is a hidden gem that many still don’t know about today. When combined with a healthy lifestyle, it can work just as well as many of these better-known Western medical solutions. We’re talking about berberine. When taken, berberine can have the same positive effects as the GLP-1 pharmaceuticals. It’s plant-based, helps with insulin sensitivity, promotes satiety, and is a natural weight loss method. The natural berberine product we use is bioavailable and formulated with the proper clinical dosing.
We want to be clear that we do not believe there is a magical pill or injection that solves all your weight problems. One of the things functional medicine does is use natural methods that support your health goals. In our clinic, we combine berberine with other protocols that help us heal and teach us how to be healthy for life.
If you want to stay healthy and keep the weight off, there are some truly effective strategies you can combine with using berberine to maximize your results. In our practice, we may advise clients to use a low-carb diet for overall health. It can help you get the proper nutrients while shedding those unwanted pounds. It’s also a lot less expensive than those pharmaceuticals. Some of them cost $1200 per month if you don’t have health insurance coverage. (7)
We suggest eating whole foods, reducing processed foods, and eating healthy fats, like butter, olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish. It doesn’t have to be complex or complicated to eat healthy. Make it simple and something you can stick with most of the time.
Movement is also crucial for health and weight loss. The mistake some people make is that they try to do too much at once and get burned out. We recommend starting slowly and committing to a daily walk or something else you enjoy. It may be running, playing sports, lifting weights, or other activities. The key is to choose something you are comfortable with and enjoy, so you are more likely to stay with it.
We like to focus on realistic goals, and we understand that most medical professionals aren’t educating their patients on diet and exercise. It’s much easier to prescribe medications and send them on their way.
Functional medicine looks at the big picture and the long-term effects. We want you to be the healthiest version and believe that only comes from natural methods. Rather than taking something you have to remain on forever, why not take the steps that lead to longevity at its best?
During this holiday season, we want to empower and encourage you. You are capable of taking control of your health. To help celebrate natural wellness solutions, we have a sale on many of our products that can be used for amazing stocking stuffers! If you want to lose weight naturally and regain a healthy lifestyle, contact us to learn more about real nutrition and holistic medicine.
References
https://medicine.washu.edu/news/study-identifies-benefits-risks-linked-to-popular-weight-loss-drugs/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11144546/
