Here are my clinical pearls for those of you looking to start on a GLP-1 or those who have started to be as successful as possible:
1. Prioritize protein intake: Protein is crucial for your weight loss journey. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight (or 0.36 grams per pound). However, this is a minimum recommendation, and your needs may increase with exercise and strength training.
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To optimize your protein intake:
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Aim for 30-40 grams of protein at breakfast to start your day strong
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Spread your protein intake throughout the day
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Adjust your intake based on your activity level
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Protein is essential because it provides the amino acids needed for muscle and bone health, and helps your body produce important compounds like enzymes and hormones.
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Drink plenty of water! Interestingly, GLP-1 agonists may blunt our need/want to drink water. So being dutiful about getting hydration in, is very important. I recommend about a gallon of water a day for folks that are regularly active and don’t have any significant cardiac issues. Consider adding electrolytes to your water as well. A personal favorite of mine is LMNT. Seeking Health electrolytes are a great alternative for those looking for a lower sodium content.
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Protect your muscle mass!!! Strength training is a non-negotiable whether we are on a GLP-1 agonist or not. Muscle mass is our insurance policy as we age. Did you know frailty was one of the leading causes of morbidity/mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic?
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Make sure you are having daily bowel movements! It is one of our primary modes of detoxification. A good probiotic and some magnesium can do wonders for having a daily BM. My favorites are MegaSpore Probiotic from Microbiome Labs and Triple Mag from Vital Nutrients both of which can be purchased via Fullscript from our Soleil Fullscript Store. If you are constipated while using a GLP-1 agonist, or frankly ever, please speak to your healthcare provider to devise a plan for remediating this!
While GLP-1 agonists can be effective for weight loss, they’re not the only option available. For those who prefer alternative approaches or aren’t candidates for GLP-1 agonists, other treatments like MICM (Methionine, Inositol, Choline, and Methylcobalamin) and CoQ10 injections can support weight loss efforts. Let’s explore these options and how they might fit into your health journey.
Methionine, Inositol and Choline or MIC has recently been dubbed the “skinny shot”, this is because these nutrients act as lipotropic agents, lipotropic just being a fancy word for fat burning. Methionine works to prevent excess fat buildup in the liver and body. Inositol aids in the metabolism of fats and helps to reduce blood cholesterol. It also participates in the action of serotonin production. Choline supports the health of the liver in its processing and excretion of chemical waste within the body. It is required for the transport and metabolism of fats and cholesterol within the body which is important for the healthy support of the endocrine, cardiovascular and hepatic (liver) system. Add in methylcobalamin or B12 which is a critical B vitamin that is not produced by the human body and you have the infamous MICM injections. B12 helps to aid in the growth of healthy red blood cells, nerve cells and proteins, and it functions in the metabolism of macronutrients including carbs and fats.
In addition to the MICM injections, we also offer CoQ10 or ubiquinol injections. CoQ10 is integral in helping to generate energy in your cells. It is involved in making ATP which helps with energy transfer within cells. It is also crucial in its role as an antioxidant and helps to protect cells from oxidative damage. Some research has shown that CoQ10 may help with heart disease, infertility, reducing headaches/migraines, exercise performance and endurance, and diabetes.
We have combined MICM and CoQ10 into a protocol over 4 or 8 weeks, weekly or twice weekly. Research has shown that intramuscular or IM injections are more beneficial than giving these nutrients via an intravenous method because our muscles have a large surface area and are very vasculature, therefore, the absorption can be more optimal. As we are not a weight loss clinic, use of MICM and CoQ10 will certainly vary and results will be seen with optimal nutrition and exercise. Healthy and sustainable weight loss is noted to be one to three pounds a week.
whether you’re considering GLP-1 agonists, MICM and CoQ10 injections, or simply looking to optimize your nutrition, there are many pathways to achieving your health and weight loss goals. The key is finding an approach that works for your individual needs and lifestyle, always under the guidance of a healthcare professional. At Soleil, we’re committed to helping you navigate these options and supporting you on your journey to better health. Remember, sustainable weight loss is about more than just numbers on a scale – it’s about improving your overall health and quality of life.
