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Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound

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What do these all have in common?

In short, these are medications for type 2 diabetes that help with blood sugar regulation and long term weight loss.

And everyday we hear about how people are losing weight on these medications.

These medications (among other things) also help with GLP-1 production.

What and why is GLP -1 production important?

• It is a powerful gut hormone that is a vital connection between insulin regulation, gut health, and metabolism
• Your gut microbiome already produces GLP-1 by certain bacteria (Akkermansia, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium)
• It is referred to as the 'unhunger hormone' by telling the brain you are full and it reduces cravings
• It decreases as we age and especially during perimenopause
• When GLP-1 decreases we can experience more cravings, metabolic dysfunction, weight loss resistance and insulin resistance

Now GLP-1 is not the panacea to weight loss (nothing is) but it is important to do what you can to naturally increase it in midlife especially if you are experiencing weight gain and insulin resistance.

And when we discuss weight loss with our clients, we are talking about body recomposition NOT the number on the scale. We focus on increasing lean muscle mass while decreasing fat mass which is what improves metabolic health.

The following can help:

➡️ Increase your akkermansia production by feeding them red polyphenols foods: cherries, cranberries, strawberries, red grapes, and red peppers

➡️ Assess metabolic health and get your Meno Labs at your annual physical (These are part of 1:1 program and they are essential to metabolic health)

➡️ Assess your gut function, and yes, you can have gut problems without pooping problems

➡️ If you have unresolved gut issues start with the basics before moving onto expensive testing: calming the nervous system before you eat, add in digestive bitters before you eat, drink majority of fluids away from meals and eat undistracted

➡️ Consider targeted probiotics such as akkermansia

➡️ Avoid food elimination diets. TBH, these rarely work and they lead to restrictive eating and can cause undo stress