By Dr. Michael Barber, Medical Director and Cardiologist at Strata Med – January 21, 2025
Most of us know that there is not a singular “magic bullet” for weight loss. A new trend in weight-loss is the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy; most people have heard of Ozempic or semaglutide, but the larger category is called the GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs), and there are new discoveries and benefits of GLP-1 RAs each day. For some people battling weight-loss, Strata Med can develop an integrative plan using GLP-1 RA therapy with nutritional support, diet modifications, exercise and even behavioral health interventions to maximize weight loss.
Get some of your questions on GLP-1 RAs answered below and schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more and possibly get started on a weight-loss journey.
What are GLP-1 RAs?
GLP-1 medications, also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists mimic the action of the natural hormone glucagon on cellular receptors which signal the pancreas to produce insulin. This helps to lower blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver, reducing the appetite, slowing digestion, and boosting the body’s metabolism.
What are GLP-1 RAs Used For?
Currently they are FDA approved as an adjunctive therapy for weight loss as well as an effective tool in the management of Type II Diabetes (T2D). When used for weight loss, the drugs are typically prescribed in higher doses than when prescribed for T2D.
What are the key benefits of GLP-1 RAs?
Along with helping to control blood sugar and boost weight loss, GLP-1 RAs seem to have other benefits. Research has found that some drugs in this group may lower the risk of other diseases. GLP-1 RA medications can have potential benefits including lowering blood pressure, improving lipid disorders, improving fatty liver disease, and reducing the risk of heart disease and kidney disease.
People taking these drugs have seen their blood pressure and cholesterol levels improve. Initially it was not clear whether these benefits were from the drug or the weight loss but more and more data suggest the GLP-1 RAs have benefit beyond the beneficial effects of weight loss alone.
What are the misconceptions about GLP-1 RAs?
GLP-1 RAs are not a singular “magic bullet” for weight loss. Incorporating an integrative plan of nutritional support, diet modification, exercise and even behavioral health interventions may be necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy. Nutrition and dietary choices are especially important as these medications often decrease appetite and/or increase feelings of fullness.
Because of this it’s important to engage in healthy eating to ensure your body is receiving adequate nutrition with the lower overall food intake. Additionally, adhering to recommendations for healthy eating and physical activity promotes overall long-term good health and can help maintain weight loss even after stopping the medication.
What are new discoveries regarding GLP-1 RAs?
As noted above, it seems like almost weekly there are new data regarding additional benefits for the GLP-1 RA class of medication. Recent studies suggest that GLP-1 RAs can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes. They also can improve cardiovascular outcomes in people who are overweight or obese. GLP-1 RAs may help manage heart failure through vasodilation (lower blood pressure), natriuresis (enhanced removal of excess body water), and blood sugar and weight control.
What GLP-1 RA treatments does Strata Med offer?
We offer several options for those individuals seeking an integrative approach to weight loss including utilizing various GLP-1 RA medications.
How do our physicians/practitioners approach the use of GLP-1 RAs?
As with any of our patients, we believe in obtaining comprehensive baseline information prior to the initiation of any therapy. This evaluation includes extensive blood work (laboratory studies) and ideally nutritional and fitness consultations as well as the assignment of a lead clinician to help guide them through their weight loss journey.
How does this fit into Strata’s belief in Holistic Primary Care?
GLP-1 RA therapy may not be for everyone. Performing a deep dive into the patient’s goals for treatment as well as any underlying issues that may hinder achieving those goals, allows us to construct an integrated holistic approach to weight loss which will be unique to that person’s needs.
We welcome you to read more about our weight management services. Have questions? Reach out to us today.
About the Author
Michael J. Barber
Medical Director and Cardiologist at Strata Med
Specialties include concierge cardiology, mnternal medicine, executive wellness, men’s health, and cardiovascular disease.
