We have been supporting our patients’ use of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications such as Tirzepatide and Semaglutide for nearly two years and have acquired key clinical insights on the safest, most effective, and sustainable approach to using these medicines.
The Basics of GLP- 1 Medications:
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. Originally designed to treat Type 2 Diabetes, they are now widely used for weight loss due to their effects on insulin, fat storage, delayed gastric emptying to keep you full longer, and signaling the brain to reduce cravings and “food noise”.
The elimination of “food noise”, which can especially be in the form of emotional eating or “thoughtless” eating, has been remarkably liberating for many of our patients, but especially women in peri-menopause/menopause that tend to have hormone driven cravings.
Emerging research on GLP-1–based therapies continues to expand beyond weight management, with potential benefits in areas such as metabolic health, inflammation reduction, support for neurocognitive conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, addiction behaviors (including food, alcohol, and gambling), and post-viral syndromes such as Long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome (CIRS).
Low Dose Tirzepatide
We are seeing uniquely remarkable results with low dose Tirzepatide in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and chronic pain and inflammation due to complex chronic illnesses such as Tick-Borne Illness and endometriosis.
Longevity Impact of GLP-1 Outcomes
The cardiometabolic effects are profound; it is very common that we are reducing or eliminating statin use, metformin dependence, augmenting medications that have been controlling metabolic health once the body adjusts to its new weight, new metabolism, and greater cellular health.
The health effects of dramatic improvement of lipid profiles, hypertension, and glucose management are profound enough that research indicates this use across most specialties, but especially oncology for reduction of remission risk by dramatic improvement of health.
These therapies can support healthy weight loss, reduce visceral fat, and help regulate cravings; however, long-term success depends on integrating sustainable lifestyle changes. Our practitioners are committed to guiding, educating, and supporting you throughout the process to ensure both safety and long-term success.
Troubleshooting the Weight Loss Plateau
A GLP-1 weight loss plateau can actually be a normal phase of our body’s adjustment to a new metabolic baseline with weight loss; it’s not necessarily a failure, but a time to pivot the plan. The insight of clinical expertise can help to walk you through workable solutions, returning to forward momentum.
Additionally, some folks have encountered challenges throughout the use of these medications on their own or with online services. Our unique, individualized approach allows our patients to navigate their journey sustainably.
Let’s begin the journey!
To get started, we would set you up with a brief 30-minute intake appointment with Dr. Gabrielle Klein, who leads our Tirzepatide program. At this visit she will start with comprehensive baseline lab work to assess your overall health and inform your treatment plan.
She will also discuss the complex drivers of weight gain and how they can impact your weight loss journey by assessing and discussing the phenotypes that embody them: metabolic dysfunction (PCOS, Insulin Resistance, T2DM), the hungry brain (food noise, constant preoccupation with eating), the hungry gut (large meal capacity and difficulty feeling full quickly), the hedonistic eater (stress eating, rewards-driven eating), or a combination.
Ongoing care includes regular check-ins to monitor progress, track body composition, manage any side effects, and quarterly reassessment of labs to track physiological progress. Additionally, we bring on nutritional support to protect lean muscle and bone mass, minimize the medication’s side effects, and ensure you are meeting your goals.
If this sounds like the right direction for you, or you would like to learn more about the process, you may email or call Arlene at 707-861-7300, or schedule online.
