Embarking on a weight loss journey with GLP-1 medications can be a promising step toward achieving a healthier lifestyle. Losing weight can improve your fitness. Losing weight can also reduce your risk of over 400 medical conditions including cancer. However, as many individuals have experienced, there can be times when progress seems to stall, and the scale refuses to budge. It doesn’t mean the benefits of the medication are gone. Those with diabetes, PCOS, high cholesterol, and other conditions continue to benefit. This plateau effect due to the body’s set point and subsequent metabolic adjustments. It happens with bariatric surgery or other strategies like any diet plan. Weight plateau challenges are surmountable. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind plateaus on GLP-1 medications and suggest strategies to break through them.
Proper Menopause Management
In a small but first of it’s kind Mayo Clinic study April 2024 study published in Menopause it was shown that women on hormone therapy (HT, HRT) lose better when trying to lose weight with weight loss medications. Hormone testing, optimization, and consideration of compounded therapies is important for all who are trying to lose weight.
Understanding Plateaus and Set Points:
For women on GLP-1 medications, encountering plateaus is not uncommon. These plateaus may be linked to the body’s set point, a predetermined weight that the body strives to maintain. If you’ve struggled to move below a specific weight in the past, it’s possible that your body has identified that as its set point.
Metabolism and Exercise:
One approach to overcome plateaus is to boost your metabolism through increased physical activity. As you lose weight, your metabolism tends to slow down. By incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you can rev up your metabolism and potentially shift to a new set point. This could involve a mix of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and other forms of physical activity.
Dietary Adjustments:
Another effective strategy is altering your diet to impact the gut microbiome. The type of diet you follow can influence the composition of your gut bacteria, which, in turn, may play a role in weight loss. Experiment with different dietary approaches, such as adjusting your macronutrient ratios or exploring specific diets like low-carb or high-protein.
The Role of Hunger Hormones:
When the body goes below its set point, hunger hormones like ghrelin, housed in the brain, can become reactivated, leading to increased feelings of hunger. GLP-1, found in the distal portion of the small intestine and in the colon, may also reemerge over time. Recognizing these hormonal shifts is crucial in understanding plateaus and devising effective strategies to overcome them.
Combination Therapies:
In cases where patients plateau on GLP-1 drugs, healthcare professionals might explore combination therapies. For instance, adding medications like phentermine, which acts on different receptors in the brain, could provide a synergistic effect. Body contouring and Coolsculpting cannot lose pounds, but with additional fat loss exercise is enhanced and calorie consumption improved. The goal is to break through plateaus by utilizing a combination of medications with distinct mechanisms of action.
Tapering and Medication Management:
Tapering the dose of GLP-1 medications may also be considered, especially if used solely for weight loss. However, the approach varies when GLP-1 drugs are prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Finding the right balance is essential, as tapering too much may result in resumption of poor eating control, for diabetics this may mean poor blood sugar and weight rebound. There are GLP-1
Conclusion:
Experiencing a plateau on GLP-1 medications is not the end of the road in your weight loss journey. Experienced providers at WHP Health can help men and women diet. By understanding the factors contributing to plateaus and implementing strategic changes in exercise, diet, and medication management, you can navigate through these challenges. Working closely with healthcare professionals and exploring personalized approaches will empower you to break through plateaus and continue on the path to sustained weight loss and improved well-being.
