Wellness: Beyond the Weight
We all know that celebrity (or maybe a close friend) that has recently lost a ton of weight, and we all want to know how they did it. Haven’t we been looking for that magic answer forever it seems? Well, there is a very good chance that their weight loss success comes from utilizing one of GLP-1 (Glucagon Like Peptide-1) or GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide) weight loss medications. The reason behind these medications’ recent surge in popularity is that simply put, they work! Although they have been on the market for a while to treat conditions such as diabetes, it wasn’t until recently that they started being touted for their weight loss effects, and boy have they taken off. Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of these peptides exactly, what they do and why we all love them so much.
How do they work?
GLP-1 and GIPs are gut derived peptides that work by stimulating insulin secretion when blood glucose is high, regulating blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and increasing fat metabolism. Say what? Ok, here it is:
Overall, these peptides slow down how quickly food passes through the stomach. Have you ever felt like a bottomless pit after you haven’t eaten all day? Wanted to eat the entire pizza instead of a few slices? By slowing down digestion, people tend to feel fuller faster and stay satiated (or full feeling) longer, which is a game changer for chronic over-eaters, as well as those who have previously failed adhering to traditional diets. They also work by targeting hunger signals and reducing cravings which signals from the dopamine center, allowing many emotional eaters or addictive pattern eaters to turn down sweets, reduce alcohol intake and stop that late night snacking habit.
Sounds too good to be true, will I have horrible side effects?
Actually, most people tolerate these medications really well, when they are managed well and educated well by a practitioner well versed in use of these meds — hey Aiyana Wellness, looking at you ;-) The most common side effects include constipation and mild nausea, both of which are easily managed with some helpful tips and tricks. Other patients may experience some initial fatigue, or too much appetite suppression leading to food aversion. Again, these are easy to manage in the right care when you communicate with your practitioner. You do not have to simply ‘survive’ on these medications, you can feel amazing and gain all the benefits!
What do you mean all the benefits? I thought it’s just weight loss!
In various doses, there is a long list of research happening behind the scenes and has been for the past several years as we get to know these medications better. There is an enormous benefit in the anti-inflammatory properties that these peptides carry. In the coming months to years we will see more published data for treating everything from addiction, mental health improvements for depression, alternative treatment to ADD/ADHD, liver failure, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s prevention, cancer treatments/prevention, cardiovascular protection, lowering blood pressure, treating high cholesterol, treating a variety of endocrine and gynecological diseases and symptoms such as endometriosis/PCOS, and even infertility! All of this is in active research. It is very exciting and offers a lot of promise!
How do I know if I am a good candidate?
To be a candidate for GLP weight loss medications, generally you will need to be considered “overweight” according to your BMI or have a high waist to hip ratio. However, because of the research that is on-going for off-label indications, there may be some exceptions for people who aren’t extremely overweight or obese, including heart disease risk factors, high cholesterol, liver problems and many more ‘inclusion’ criteria. The best way to find out is to book a consult to go over your medical and social history, as well as possibly order lab work to review as well.
Certain people cannot take these medications including pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, or those that have certain endocrine disorders. If you are potentially family planning in the near future, please discuss with your OB-GYN/Midwife prior to beginning.
What to expect while on these medications?
They are administered weekly by a subcutaneous injection, but don’t worry, it's a very small needle! You can do it, really! Typically, doses may be increased every 4-6 weeks until you reach YOUR ideal dose and goals. Some patients notice effects and weight loss immediately with lower doses, while others may need up to several months paired with higher doses before they feel a significant effect. Slow and steady is the way to go with peptides as the perfect dose is a narrow margin. While these medications have been a game changer for almost everyone on them, they are not miracle workers. They do require a multi-faceted lifestyle approach including consistently (improvement in diet & exercise habits) to achieve long lasting results.
How do I start?
Unless you are morbidly obese and/or have Type 2 Diabetes, many insurance companies are not covering the cost of these medications which limits access to these peptides for many patients, while the manufacturers have additionally struggled to keep up with supply needs. This has led to a rise in popularity of using compounded forms of these medications. Compounded forms use the same “base” or active ingredient of medication, but may add in additional beneficial ingredients such as B vitamins which may help reduce nausea or increase energy a bit. Additionally, using a compounded pharmacy allows your provider to really find the perfect dose for each individual patient as they are supplied in a much more titratable version versus the auto inject pen style. Compounded versions are generally as safe and effective as the brand name version as long as they are from a reputable compounding pharmacy (this is key!). Meaning if you’ve seen online ads offering these medications at a price that’s too good to be true, it probably is. A reliable compound pharmacy utilizes extreme safety measures that are very costly to maintain, however, they have a commitment to providing the absolute best care available to us.
Because of the alarming number of unsafe practices out there, continuously hearing the struggles of mismanagement with patients, and the difficulty our patients had in obtaining safe medications, Aiyana Wellness was born. We offer medical weight loss memberships ensuring everything you need for safe, successful, long term weight loss, and health optimization. We offer both in-person and virtual programs to our patients depending on their needs. Our in-person program includes Wellness Wednesday’s weekly medication administration and check-ins, nearly 24/7 support from our Nurse Practitioners, on-site and off-insurance lab monitoring, diet and exercise guidance, and virtual holistic health coaching to set you up for long term success. Our virtual program offers the same ancillary support while maintaining your busy life. Please feel free to message us to see if your state is offered
To start your peptide journey, please visit Aiyana Atelier Wellness or email wellness@aiyanaatelier.com to learn more.
