Weight Loss Programs
What are GLP-1s and which one is right for your goals?
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a key hormone produced in the intestine that helps regulate your appetite and blood sugar levels. When combined with glucose, GLP-1 stimulates insulin secretion after you eat. A GLP-1 agonist, is a peptide that works like the GLP-1 hormone produced in your body, helping to regulate blood sugar levels in several ways, including:
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·Slowing digestion after a meal (some of these medications more than others)
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Reducing glucagon from the pancreas (which signals your cells to release stored glucose and increase blood glucose levels)
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Increasing insulin release from the pancreas
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Promoting the feeling of being full after eating. Eating smaller meals/snacks due to this
At Renu Medical we use GLP-1s from highly regulated 503B compounding pharmacies that go through rigorous testing for safety. The advantage to this is customized dosing for patient specific needs. Research has shown that by prescribing smaller doses of GLP-1s once per week, twice per week, or by “microdosing” that patients can preserve muscle mass and focus on steady body fat loss. There are many benefits beyond managing unregulated blood sugar and weight loss with these types of peptides. Additional off label treatments include restoring healthy gut biome, lowering triglycerides, lowering cholesterol, treating non alcoholic fatty liver, managing PCOS, managing blood pressure, raising serotonin, altering the reward center in one’s brain, etc.
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Semaglutide (compounded Wegovy & Ozempic)
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone that helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. It also influences a person’s appetite by slowing the emptying of the stomach.
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Pros: Cost effective
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Cons: Some patients may experience GI upset such as diarrhea or constipation, heartburn, nausea, or bloating.
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Tirzepatide (Mounjaro & Zepbound)
This peptide has an extra receptor that activates GIP and GLP-1 pathways to help regulate blood sugar. Tirzepatide works in several ways by helping the body release insulin when blood sugar is high, removing excess sugar from the blood, stopping the liver from making and releasing too much sugar, reducing hunger/appetite, and improving satiety by slowing down digestion.
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Pros: Typically much less severe GI symptoms if any & less muscle loss. Superior product to Semaglutide
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Cons: Higher cost
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Retatrutide
Retatrutide is a promising peptide drug developed by Eli Lilly and Company. It is a triple hormone receptor agonist of GLP-1, GIP, and GCGR receptors. This peptide is being developed for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Retatrutide works by targeting specific receptorsin the brain that control appetite and food intake, thereby helping to reduce cravings for high-calorie foods and promoting feelings of fullness after meals. Renu medical can RX this medication from compounding pharmacies now while this peptide is in phase 4 of clinical trials with Lilly. Phase 4 means that after the 52 week studies in to phase 3 that patients are STILL losing weight in a healthy way
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Pros: Great for men or those concerned about losing muscle mass. Less than 3% of weight loss is from muscle. No GI side effects. Changes your view on foods and nutrition without discipline
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Cons: Higher price tag
Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide is an amylin-analog, now being developed in combination with the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide to achieve sustained weight loss in persons with overweight and obesity. Amylin, released with insulin from beta cells in the pancreas, induces its satiating effect via both the homoeostatic and hedonic regions of the brain. While there is success with this peptide being prescribed for weightloss by itself, the best results are in combination with semaglutide or Tirzepatide. This peptide will be released to commercial pharmacies in 12-18 months. Now, Renu can RX this from compounding pharmacies without the high out of pocket price tag.
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Pros: Great addition to semaglutide or tirzepatide when RX’d twice per week. Patients who have plateaued on sema can benefit from additional body fat loss.
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Cons: Can induce GI upset in some patients. Proper titration is essential.
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SO, which GLP-1 peptide is right for you? This depends on your goals, symptoms, blood work, preexisting health conditions, lifestyle, budget, and dedication to proper lifestyle choices.
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At Renu we are trained medical professionals of a Medical Director, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, and medical assistants that go through extensive ongoing education on regenerative and preventive healthcare to help you navigate this!
