There are things you can do to continue maintaining weight loss and be successful.
Semaglutide, Liraglutide and Tirzepatide are names of these peptides. They work by slowing the GI process, making you feel fuller faster; lowering insulin resistance, which decreases food and sugar cravings; and decreasing inflammation that aids in weight loss. Studies have shown that there are many body tissues that contain the GLP-1 receptors such as the brain, heart, kidneys, stomach and pancreas, which is why it benefits the cardiovascular system, offering neuroprotection, reducing cravings and maintaining the blood sugar balance.
GLP-1s have become a very hot topic for weight management in the aging community as many people like the convenience of using the medication once a week verses a daily pill. Successful weight loss comes along with lifestyle changes, a high protein, high fiber diet and reductions in insulin resistance that naturally occurs with aging.
There are a lot of options these days to receive the medications through discounted online clinics that don’t often monitor patients well. They may follow a dosing schedule that can often lead to overdosing a patient. They may also not look at the underlying causes like hormone imbalances associated with aging or may get impure product outsourced from India or China instead of using a regulated U.S. compounding pharmacy.
Although it is a cheaper option for many, I caution people to do their research regarding the online companies to know what product you are injecting into your body and to make sure that you are getting the support you need to manage any side effects or weight plateau. Make sure to ask if there is a maintenance program once you reach your goal weight. If not, you risk increasing weight gain when stopping it abruptly.
It is most beneficial to evaluate all aspects of weight loss success and look at the whole picture: evaluate hormones, behavioral issues and nutrition; seek sufficient weight training to maintain muscle; and get guidance from a health professional who will look out for your overall health and longevity.
There are things you can do to continue maintaining weight loss and be successful.
Continue to eat smaller portions, high protein, veggies, fiber, water.
Continue muscle-building weight training three times a week.
Use a hunger scale. As you taper down on your peptide, an increase in appetite may occur. If you feel hungry, rate yourself from one to 10 on the hunger scale (10 being ravenous). Make sure you are drinking enough water. Eat some fiber chews to feel full. Peppermint tea or carbonated water may also help. Make sure you are eating enough protein. Distraction techniques may also work.
Know that tapering peptides may be different for everyone and it is important to tell your doctor if you are gaining weight. It may take two to six months to maintain weight loss and allow the body to reset. Some people may do microdosing once a month to keep inflammation down.
Stay committed and continue open communication with your doctor. If something is off, we may need to address any underlying issues by getting lab work, looking at inflammation, evaluating behaviors, balancing hormones, reducing stress, etc.
Understand that you do not have to be on these peptides forever and the taper maintenance schedule is different for everyone. It may require some time to figure out the best protocol for you to continue to be successful and to keep your weight off.
Once a person obtains their goal weight, there is a maintenance phase that often lasts two to six months of titrating the GLP-1 peptide dose down to help weight stabilize. This often can reset the metabolism, but it is vital to maintain good habits. Continue healthy eating, weight training and behavior changes that support maintaining a healthy weight.
Many people are not successful at maintaining their goal weight when they stop the peptide abruptly or go back to their old ways of eating and behaviors. It is also essential to address the underlying causes of weight challenges.
What is Microdosing?
There are some misconceptions regarding what microdosing really means. When someone is using GLP-1s such as semaglutide or tirzepatide for weight loss, they are generally titrating up to the lowest effective dosing to achieve their weight loss goals. Often people can get confused on what microdosing is verses maintaining weight on a normal dose of GLP-1.
A microdose is considered ¼ to ½ of a normal weekly dose that is often given once a month. It is also given when a person has maintained their goal weight for several months and wants a boost. This allows for the benefits of reduced cravings, lowered appetite, decreased inflammation and maintained insulin resistance when keeping the GLP-1 receptors active. FBN
By Christina Kovalik NMD, Lac
Dr. Christina Kovalik NMD, LAc, The Vitality Doctor, is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist specializing in hormone optimization, optimal health and vitality. She is a new Flagstaff resident, practicing since 2004, and opened her second location in Doney Park in 2020. For more information, visit thevitalitydoctor.com or call 928-863-6086.
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