Weight Loss Injections - how I can help

There are significant physical and mental health benefits to losing weight via the new medications. Inflammation decreases - this improves long-term health in all ways. Markers for cardiovascular (heart and blood) disease go down. And, of course, as they were originally created for this ... diabetes (type 2) and prediabetes can be reversed.

The downsides are:

- increased risk of pancreatitis (get any new abdominal pain checked out by a doctor)

- digestive upset 

- the average weight gain after stopping the meds = 14% (if underlying issues aren't addressed)

- people eat less, but they may not eat a balanced diet (leading to increased nutrient deficiencies)

How I can help with weight loss (instead of the drugs):

- address dysbiosis (gut microbiome imbalances) - an overgrowth of, for example, Candida can be both a cause and a symptom of stubborn weight gain

- test for food sensitivities 

- check for dehydration

- uncover and support the emotional patterns behind eating habits

- address nutrient deficiencies (these can cause hunger)

A bit about the weight loss medications ...

They came about when GLP1 was isolated from lizard venom.

Incretins are the gut hormones that respond to food. GLP1 responds to carbs, GIP to carbs and fat. DPP4 is our enzyme that degrades both of them in the gut after they've done their job (it also breaks down glutens and protein). DPP4 is not released (because it doesn't recognise the GLP1 because it comes from a different species), therefore we do not have the same response to food. 

Leptin and Ghrelin (hunger and satiety hormones) are also altered. And the Dopamine pathway is down-regulated so food does not give us the same pleasure ... or satisfy our emotional needs any more. This can lead to low moods and even depression. 

There's a new pill on the way which also acts on Glucagon. The average weight loss on this 3-way drug is 25% (of body mass). Wegovy acts on GLP1 only - average weight loss = 15%. Mounjaro on GLP1 and GIP - average weight loss = 20%. 

Hunger goes down, satiety (feeling full) goes up. The gut's response to food is slowed. Bile, stomach acid and digestive enzyme production decreases hugely (hence the tummy upset). The small intestine works more slowly, the large intestine more quickly. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

What I can do to support those who are already using the medications:

- stomach acid, bile & protein digestion support - prevents nutrient deficiencies, gut discomfort and bowel changes

- support food choices - increased protein, decreased carbs

- test for fat soluble vits (A, E, D, K), bone support, B12, fatty acids, collagen ... and any other nutrient deficiencies

- help change emotional patterns (support neurotransmitter production, if needed)

My advice to those considering or starting these medications:

1. Start weight/resistance training asap (ideally a month before) so you have a chance of hanging onto your muscle (ie, losing fat only). This is especially important if you're over 45.

2. Try Wegovy first (GLP1, ie, carbs only) and stick to the absolute minimum dose that stops the food noise for you.

3. Address your emotional or habitual patterns

4. Have a weight goal in mind and stick to it! Do not get caught up in the losses!

5. Eat more protein, less carbs and definitely eat small meals of real food 3-4 times a day

6. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, don't drink fluids before, during or just after your meals (drink plenty of fluids between meals)

7. Monitor yourself closely for any changes to your health (new gut pain, tummy upsets, constipation ...)

8. Support potential nutrient deficiencies

Book in with me to support your weight loss journey.