GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) is a hormone produced in the body (your intestines) that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. It has several key functions:

Enhancing Insulin Secretion: GLP-1 stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, helping to lower blood glucose & maintain healthy levels.

Limiting Glucagon Release: It suppresses the release of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose from the liver (ideal to keeping blood sugar levels steady).

Slowing Gastric Emptying: GLP-1 slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, contributing to a feeling of satiety and helps to regulate food intake, reducing over-consumption of food.

Reducing Appetite: It acts on the brain which can lead to reduced food consumption.

GLP-1 peptides refer to synthetic or naturally occurring versions of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone.

Semaglutides might be seen as a supportive tool in managing metabolic health, especially in the context of blood sugar regulation, insulin resistance, and obesity.

Why Use it In Functional Medicine?

Blood Sugar Regulation: For patients struggling with insulin resistance or pre-diabetes, semaglutides can help stabilize blood sugar levels, improving overall metabolic health and reducing the risk of complications like cardiovascular disease.

Weight Management: Obesity is often a root cause or contributor to various chronic conditions. Semaglutides can promote and increase weight loss, can be integrated into a comprehensive weight management strategy.

Inflammation and Metabolic Health: Improved blood sugar control and having a healthy weight can reduce systemic inflammation, the root cause of all disease.

Other Fun Facts:

GLP1’s dilate blood vessels, have cardio protective effects, protect against bone breakdown and protect the brain.

GLP1’s are regenerative, healing and provide anti inflammatory effects throughout most of the body.

GLP1’s also shift the microbiome (your gut) to become healthier!

While semaglutides can be a valuable tool, we combine these with a personalized plan that involves a WHOLE lifestyle change – it is not just about taking a medication and not doing anything else with your choices! 🙂 

How does it work?

Semaglutide is administered via a once-weekly injection, which makes it convenient for most to realistically do.

Here’s some of the lifestyle areas our functional medicine practice focuses on when taking semaglutides:

1. Low Glycemic Index (GI) Foods for Blood Sugar Control
2. High-Protein Diet for Satiety and Muscle Mass – we recommend at least 100g grams a day!
3. Healthy Fats for Hormone Health
4. Fiber for Satiety and Gut Health
5. Adequate Hydration
6. Meal Timing and Portion Control
7. Limit Processed and Junk Foods
8. Mindful Eating Strategies
9. Mindful Movement: Getting out and walking & doing physical activity throughout the day is crucial to blood sugar management and overall health!
10. Strength Training: A crucial component of a fitness program, that supports the maintenance (and increase) of lean body mass, which boost metabolism, among many other benefits.

Semaglutides are not considered a cure, and more is not always better! But they can be part of a comprehensive approach to managing metabolic dysfunction & health concerns.

Common side effects can include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Constipation 

If the dose is too high, there will be muscle loss.

I also take special consideration with patients with SIBO, GERD, patients with type 2 diabetes, and those with gallstones.

Keep in mind: Most side effects are transient in nature, but there are some people that will not tolerate the peptide in general