GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the intestines. It plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and blood sugar levels, primarily after eating. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a class of medications designed to mimic or enhance the action of this natural hormone.

How it Works in the Body: These medications work through several key mechanisms:

• Stimulating Insulin Release: They prompt the pancreas to release insulin only when blood sugar levels are elevated (glucose-dependent), helping to lower blood sugar after meals without typically causing dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used alone.

• Suppressing Glucagon Release: They reduce the secretion of glucagon, another hormone that signals the liver to produce more sugar. This further helps control blood sugar levels.

• Slowing Gastric Emptying: They slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach. This contributes to a feeling of fullness (satiety) that lasts longer after eating.

• Promoting Satiety (Fullness) in the Brain: They act on receptors in the brain centers that control appetite, reducing hunger signals and increasing the feeling of fullness.

Combined, these actions help regulate blood sugar, reduce overall appetite, and decrease food intake, which can lead to weight loss.

Common Side Effects: The most common side effects are typically gastrointestinal and often occur when starting the medication or increasing the dose. They frequently decrease over time for many people. These include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain

• Decreased appetite

• Indigestion

• Bloating

Less common but serious side effects can include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder problems, kidney issues, and potentially an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (based mainly on animal studies, leading to a caution/warning for people with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers). It's crucial to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider.

Common Uses (Indications): GLP-1 RAs are primarily prescribed for:

• Type 2 Diabetes Management: They are effective at lowering blood glucose levels (especially post-meal) and HbA1c, often with a low risk of hypoglycemia. Some also offer proven cardiovascular benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.

• Chronic Weight Management: Due to their significant impact on appetite and satiety, certain GLP-1 RAs are approved at specific doses for long-term weight management in individuals with obesity or who are overweight with weight-related health conditions.

Lipotropics are a class of compounds that help to break down and metabolize fat in the body. They are often used in weight loss programs to enhance the body's ability to burn fat, increase energy levels, and improve overall health.

There are several types of lipotropics, including:

Choline - an essential nutrient that plays a key role in fat metabolism and liver function.

Inositol - a type of sugar that helps to regulate insulin levels and improve glucose metabolism.

Methionine - an amino acid that supports liver function and helps to break down fats.

Carnitine - an amino acid that helps to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they can be

burned for energy.

B-vitamins - a group of vitamins that help to convert food into energy and support overall metabolic

function.

Lipotropics work by enhancing the body's ability to break down and metabolize fat. They help to stimulate the liver, which is responsible for processing and eliminating fat from the body. Lipotropics also help to boost energy levels, which can help to support exercise and physical activity.

Lipotropics have several potential benefits, including:

Weight loss - Lipotropics can help to boost the body's ability to burn fat and promote weight loss.

Increased energy - Lipotropics can help to improve energy levels and support physical activity.

Improved liver function - Lipotropics can help to support liver function and improve the body's ability to

eliminate toxins.

Improved mood - Lipotropics can help to boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Enhanced metabolism - Lipotropics can help to enhance overall metabolic function and support overall

health.

Every year, major pharmaceutical companies roll out new medications on the market. At the same time, many are discontinued or no longer sold by retail pharmacies due to demand. But that does not mean there are patients who no longer need the treatment. On the flip side, retail pharmacies can run out of stock (https://www.ashp.org/Drug-Shortages/Shortage-Resources/Drug-Shortages-Statistics) of essential medication, which can be a pain for patients. Compound pharmacies can step in where retailers can't. These pharmacies can recreate discontinued medication as well as formulate drugs that are hard to find most prescriptions are filled in retail pharmacies found on corners and malls in the neighborhood.

Retail pharmacies sell over-the-counter medications, supplements, and similar products with an in-house pharmacist to fulfill and dispense prescriptions. The drugs are commercially produced in specific doses and forms. While a retail pharmacy is a one-size-fits-all, compounding pharmacies take an individual approach to medicine. These pharmacies create medicine using base ingredients. Drug compounding allows for flexibility and is helpful in several ways.

Patients who prefer to utilize the retail form of these medications may be better served by their primary physician for management, due to some insurance providers' requirement of prior authorization. In the event the patient has received approval from their insurer, I would be willing to manage your prescription for a monthly fee.

Unfortunately, we do not accept insurance at this time. The Weights Over is a cash-based business. We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and Zelle payments.

*Please note there is a small usage fee for credit cards.*