A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Treatment with GLP-1 medications is a long-term process, not a quick fix. The goal is to help reset appetite, blood sugar regulation, and eating patterns while building sustainable lifestyle habits involving nutrition, physical activity, and strength training.
Your medication works best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. We will start at a low dose and gradually increase it as your body adjusts.
How GLP-1 Medications Work
GLP-1 medications mimic a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar and appetite by:
• Stimulating insulin release when blood sugar is elevated.
• Slowing the movement of food through the stomach, which can help you feel full longer.
• Reducing hunger and food cravings.
• Helping support healthier blood sugar levels.
Who Should Not Take GLP-1 Medication?
GLP-1 medications may not be appropriate for everyone. Do not use these medications if you are pregnant.
They are also generally not used for people with Type 1 diabetes.
Certain GLP-1 medications are contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).
Always tell us about your medical conditions, medications, allergies, and family history before beginning treatment.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and may include:
• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort or pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
Some patients may also experience headaches or fatigue.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Habits
Medication is only one part of the process. Your long-term results depend on the habits you build along the way.
Helpful strategies may include:
• Prioritizing protein at every meal.
• Choosing minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods.
• Limiting fried, processed, and fast foods.
• Reducing added sugars and refined carbohydrates.
• Staying adequately hydrated.
• Avoiding large meals close to bedtime.
• Incorporating regular strength training and physical activity.
Protect Your Muscle While You Lose Weight
Weight loss can involve the loss of both fat and lean muscle mass. Protecting your muscle should be an important part of your treatment plan.
We strongly encourage strength or resistance training throughout your weight-loss journey.
While cardiovascular exercise is beneficial for your heart and overall health, resistance training is particularly important for maintaining and building muscle.
Collagen & Skin Support
Significant weight loss can affect the appearance and elasticity of the skin. For optimal skin support, we also recommend collagen supplements.
Most patients prefer to add collagen powders to their morning coffee or smoothie. Vital Proteins (available at HEB) is a common brand. The collagen peptides powder that is superior in medical studies is the Verisol version, which is found in Vital Proteins Professional and Sparkle Skin Boost Plus (online).
I much prefer Sparkle Skin Boost Plus (NOT the regular version). It has no sugar, only organic stevia, no artificial flavors, and absorbs better than plain Vital Proteins. For free shipping and 20% off, use DRBROWN20 at www.lovesparkle.life.
Reaching Your Goal Weight
Reaching your goal weight is not necessarily the end of treatment.
Once you reach your goal, we can work with you on a gradual maintenance plan. Depending on your response, this may include slowly reducing your medication dose or determining whether continued treatment is appropriate.
Stopping GLP-1 medication can lead to increased appetite and weight regain in some people. For this reason, medication changes should be planned with your healthcare provider rather than stopping treatment abruptly.