Weight Loss GLP-1 Program

Thrive Express Weight Loss Program

What is Ozempic/Wegovy or Semaglutide?

These are names for the synthetic GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist. It has been studied extensively for the treatment of diabetes and weight loss. It is an FDA approved, once a week injectable medication for weight loss in patients with a BMI >30 or BMI >27 with comorbidities. The studied dose was 2.4mg/ week to lose 15% body weight.

It is thought that this peptide is lower than normal in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-1 receptor agonists belong to a class of medications that help the pancreas release ideal amounts of insulin to more effectively move sugar from the blood into the tissue where it can be used for energy.

What is Zepbound, Mounjaro or Tirzepatide?

These are names for the combination of a synthetic GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist) paired with a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide.) It works for weight loss by decreasing your appetite and slowing the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine, which may make you feel full more quickly and for a longer period of time. Tirzepatide also decreases blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and lowering the amount of sugar the liver makes. GLP-1 helps control appetite and calorie intake, and GIP is thought to contribute to regulating food intake as well. In weight loss studies, participants lost close to 21% of their body weight.

How do these medications promote weight loss?

• They promote fullness after eating
• They suppress the rise of hunger hormones
• They reduce sugar production
• They increase your cell’s ability to take up and use glucose efficiently.
• They help with metabolic flexibility – the ability to burn carbs, proteins and fats efficiently to optimize weight.
• They slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach to control after meal blood sugar levels and appetite.

How do they work?

These peptides work in a variety of ways targeting multiple mechanisms of action:

Brain

Lose desire to eat – it sends a signal to a specific region of the brain called the hypothalamus which is responsible for controlling appetite and thirst, reducing your desire to eat or drink.

Dehydration Danger – Because it reduces the sensation of thirst, it’s vital to be sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated.

Muscle

It stimulates gluconeogenesis – the synthesis of glucose in the body. More simply, the liver converts protein rather than carbohydrates to sugar for the body to use as fuel in the muscle. An increase in this process can help to lower blood sugars by stimulating glucose uptake by the cells and increasing how efficiently the body uses insulin.

Gluconeogenesis is more likely to happen on a Low-carb Diet.

Pancreas

When GLP-1 comes in contact with glucose, the pancreas secretes more insulin, thereby lowering the amount of glycogen in the blood after a meal.

GLP-1 decreases the secretion of glucagon – a hormone that prevents blood sugar levels from dipping too low. Glucagon can cause blood glucose levels to become too high in people with diabetes.

Liver

GLP-1 lowers liver sugar production, which helps to lower blood sugars.

Stomach

GLP-1 decreases both the secretion of acid in the stomach and how quickly food is emptied from the stomach. This prolongs the sensation of fullness that in turn can limit how much a person eats.

Benefits Beyond Weight Loss

• Reduced dementia: Researchers at the Case Western have found that when compared to seven other anti-diabetic drugs, semaglutide may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people with Type 2 diabetes
• Reduces Cardiovascular risk: the SELECT trial found a 20 percent reduction in heart attack, strokes and cardiovascular death
• Longevity benefit: the SELECT trial found a 19 percent reduction in all-cause mortality related to heart disease
• Helps Addictive behavior: these medications have been used to reduce cravings for alcohol, food and nicotine.
• Reduces Inflammation: many patients find drops in inflammation markers and symptoms related to body inflammation as a benefit of weight loss.
• Fatty Liver improvement
• Reduces Obstructive Sleep Apnea: this was found in tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) users.
• Reduced kidney disease progression: A study conducted by Novo Nordisk in type 2 diabetics with kidney disease found a 24% reduction in disease progression compared to placebo.
• Reduced colon cancer: Based on a study published in JAMA oncology in 2023, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic lowered the rate of colorectal cancer in people with Type 2 diabetes when compared to people taking other antidiabetic medications.

Are There Any Downsides?

These medications are INJECTABLE. The patient self administers the shot into the fatty tissue just below the surface of the skin once a week.

There are Side Effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, which affect 10-40% of people who take it. They are more likely to occur with short-acting medications and tend to be less severe the longer a person takes the medication. I use long-acting versions of the medications that have less of this side effect.
• Constipation, bloating, indigestion, burping, heartburn
• Fatigue
• Headache – usually related to the day of and day after the injection
• Occasional redness, itching, or soreness of the skin at the injection site
• Palpitations or higher than normal heart rate which may result in insomnia
• Loss of fat AND lean muscle mass. This occurs when anyone loses weight however it is more significant when using GLP-1 agonists.

There are Serious Side Effects:

Although rare, these side effects should be treated as an emergency

• Pancreatitis: Ongoing upper abdominal pain in the upper left or middle of the stomach that may spread to the back, with or without vomiting.
• Gastroparesis: Severe slowing or even paralysis of the stomach leading to reflux and intractable nausea.
• Intestinal blockage: related to the slowing of intestinal movement. The risk among diabetics using semaglutide is 3.5x greater than non-users.
• A skin rash, hives, or diffuse body itching
• Pounding heart, dizziness or fainting
• Allergic reactions such as: swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, throat, feet, ankles, or lower legs and trouble swallowing or breathing
• Decreased urination
• Very dry mouth or skin
• Extreme thirst
• Hair loss, typically related to rapid and extreme weight loss
• A recent Danish study suggests that the use of Ozempic may double the risk of developing non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), an optic nerve “stroke.” This increased risk was found in diabetic patients using Ozempic.

Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have:

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; or
• pancreatitis with symptoms of severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea , and vomiting
• severe stomach problems;
• eye side effects or vision changes, including blurry vision or vision loss;
• signs of swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or if you feel short of breath
• gallbladder problem with symptoms including chalky-colored stools, stomach pain after eating, nausea, heartburn, bloating, and severe upper stomach pain that may spread to your back;
• low blood sugar symptoms may include headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery or
• kidney problems with little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Complications

• In animal studies, other similar drugs (NOT Semaglutide) have been shown to promote thyroid cell tumors. Although these drugs haven’t been evaluated in humans for this potential complication, it is recommended that people with a history of or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 2 do not use GLP-1 receptor agonists or get medical clearance from their treating oncologist.
• As mentioned, there is a possible small increased risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) which may require hospitalization and support with intravenous hydration. It CAN be a very serious issue but fortunately is very unlikely to occur.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) events are generally mild to moderate in severity and of short duration. GLP-1’s are known to cause a delay in gastric emptying per Novo Nordisk. There have been a few cases of continued gastroparesis even after stopping the medication.

Who Should Avoid Them?

This medication is not recommended for people who:

• Have a history of pancreatitis
• Have a history of gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach)
• Have medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 or a family history of these conditions
• Are on dialysis (as the safety of using GLP-1 agonists in this situation hasn’t been proven)
• History of suicidal and severe uncontrolled mood issues
• People with impaired kidney function due to diabetes who have a GFR (glomerular filtration rate) of 30

What is my experience with this medication?

It has helped to move the needle in so many of my patients who have not had success with other treatments. It takes time. You have to slowly escalate the dose to get to the effective dose used in the weight loss studies. It requires patience. Most side effects are related to mild nausea and headache the day of and day after but nothing that prevents patients from sticking to the program.

Is it a long term medication?

In most cases, some form of maintenance medication is recommended to maintain your newly acquired weight. Most patients elect to continue using it at lower doses or at less frequent intervals. Weight gain could follow cessation of medication use, we therefore individualize the maintenance regimen for each patient once they have reached their weight loss goals.

Are there any additional interventions that make GPL-1 treatments this more effective?

Yes there are many.

ONE: I start everyone off with a gut/liver reset cleanse. Sometimes weight loss resistance is related to the body not wanting to allow fat to breakdown because it is storing toxins. Your body in its infinite wisdom doesn’t want toxins to just scatter into your brain, heart, liver, kidney, etc. I then recommend a monthly 7 day shake to continue liver support in detoxification.

TWO: Make sure to hydrate. Dehydration is a real issue with this.

THREE: Don’t forget to eat, especially before exercising.

FOUR: Monthly check-ins to monitor progress and safe dose adjustments.

FIVE: Weekly or monthly Lipotropic shots – a vitamin combo shot that we administer to support cell metabolism. Packed with B vitamins, amino acids, inositol and carnitine, this improves the outcomes when using Semaglutide or Tirzepatide.

Also note that these medications can DEPLETE B vitamins with continued use. So either monthly B12 or lipotropic shots or daily vitamin B12 supplements are highly recommended.

SIX: Obviously eat whole foods that are healthy, nutrient dense and packed with fiber to improve your gut. We advise making healthy habit changes while on this medication to help improve maintenance and reduction of dosing in the future.

SEVEN: Make sure you are pooping daily!!!

EIGHT: Get your sleep. Sleep disruption will reduce the effectiveness of this intervention.

NINE: Make sure you are getting adequate protein in your diet: Aim for 30-35 grams of protein per meal (about 90-100 grams per day) possibly MORE if you are exercising.

TEN: Incorporate STRENGTH TRAINING to preserve muscle mass — this is a must!! Resistance training and heavy weights more effectively produce muscle compared to cardio workouts.

Lean Muscle Mass Preservation

We may recommend supplement support to enhance muscle maintenance and muscle building:

• Adequate protein intake 30 grams per meal, this varies based on ideal body weight and activity
• Creatine supplement support 3-5 grams daily
• Urolithin A or Renual supplement support to preserve muscle mass
• Strength training 30 minutes 3 days/ week

How to self-inject these medications:

1. Use the alcohol pad to clean the area where you’ll give the injection; rotate injection sites so that you aren’t sticking the same area over and over.
2. Draw up your correct dose, either in the prefilled pen or syringe.
3. Take a large pinch of skin and pull it away from the muscle underneath.
4. Holding the pen or syringe like a dart, quickly insert the needle at a 90-degree angle to the skin.
5. Slowly inject the medication.
6. Release the skin, then withdraw the needle.
7. Apply bandage, gauze, or tissue as necessary.
8. Never reuse or share supplies. You should draw up your medication into a fresh syringe every time you self-inject.

Alternatively, you may see the nurse in our office to show you how to do this. We are also able to offer weekly injections in the office until you are comfortable self injecting.

GLP-1 Microdosing Program Description

Microdosing GLP-1 refers to using smaller, personalized doses of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, such as Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, to help regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite primarily for weight loss and diabetes management. This approach is different from the standard dosing commonly used in clinical practice, and it has specific advantages and considerations for patients.

Purpose of Microdosing GLP-1

• The main goals are to support gradual, sustainable weight loss and improve blood sugar control, while reducing the risk of side effects that commonly occur with higher doses (such as nausea, bloating, or diarrhea).
• It can make treatment more tolerable and manageable, especially for individuals who are sensitive to medications or concerned about intense side effects.
• For some patients, microdosing can help maintain weight once a goal is achieved, rather than continuing with higher-dose therapy.
• Microdosing has been found to be beneficial for patients with autoimmune issues, inflammatory conditions and chronic illnesses as a way of mitigating symptoms.

How Microdosing GLP-1 Works for Weight Loss

• By taking a lower dose, the body can adjust gradually to the effects, which leads to fewer and less intense side effects, allows patients to build up their tolerance slowly, and can support steadier progress in weight and metabolic health.
• Microdosing makes it easier for patients to stick to their plan and maintain long-term adherence, supporting lifestyle changes that complement the medication’s effects.

How Microdosing GLP-1 Works in Chronic & Autoimmune Conditions

• GLP-1 receptor agonists have anti-inflammatory properties beyond their known effects on blood sugar and appetite. At microdoses, they can help reduce inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α without causing heavy immunosuppression or severe side effects.
• Activation of GLP-1 receptors, found on immune cells and various other tissues, can rebalance the immune response, helping calm inflammation linked to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
• Microdosing aims to “nudge” the body into a better balance, supporting gentle immune modulation, improved energy, and reduced symptom flares over time, rather than forcing a dramatic metabolic change.

Potential Benefits for Mold Toxin Illness & Chronic Disease

• Chronic illness and mold toxin exposure often present with persistent inflammation, immune dysregulation, and sometimes metabolic disturbance. GLP-1 microdosing can lower systemic inflammation and support improved metabolic control, potentially offering symptom relief for conditions driven by chronic inflammation.
• Additional reported benefits include improved mitochondrial health, adrenal support, neuroinflammation reduction, and enhanced resilience against fatigue and brain fog that commonly accompany mold-related and chronic toxic conditions.

Key Points of Microdosing GLP-1

• Gentle Introduction: Microdosing means starting at much lower doses than typically prescribed, which helps the body ease into treatment and minimizes discomfort.
• Personalized Fit: The dosing is adjusted based on individual needs, goals, and responses. Some patients need only smaller doses to experience meaningful benefits, especially for long-term weight maintenance.

Medical Weight Loss Program Near Me?

Redefining Health Medical’s Medical Weight Loss Program for Men and Women is available for Long Island, New York adults in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties, including Brookville, Roslyn, Port Washington, Manhasset, Great Neck, East Meadow, Mill Neck, Oyster Bay, Plainview, Sea Cliff, Elmont, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Freeport, Garden City, Hempstead, Hewlett, Inwood, Lawrence, Levittown, Lynbrook, Merrick, Mineola, New Hyde Park, Valley Stream, Woodmere, Roosevelt, Seaford, Uniondale, Albertson, Carle Place, Floral Park, Glenwood, Greenvale, Kings Point, Westbury, Atlantic Beach, Baldwin, Bellerose, Bellmore, Bethpage, Williston Park, Bayville, Bethpage, Farmingdale, Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, Greenvale, Hicksville, Jericho, Locust Valley, Massapequa, Syosset, Woodbury, Amityville, Babylon, Copiague, Deer Park, Lindenhurst, Cold Spring Harbor, Commack, Northport, Huntington, Melville, and many more fine New York communities.