What is Medical Weight Loss in Downtown Chicago IL? Before we get to that... have you ever heard of Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro?

Maybe you have a friend or family member taking it, or you’ve been intrigued by the possibility of a magic weight loss medication.

To be honest, the data is impressive for these treatments – but as with all new medications, there are benefits and risks.

Doctors often prescribe Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro indefinitely, and many patients on these medications also experience a significant loss of muscle mass.

That said with adequate monitoring and lifestyle changes, these medications can be used short-term to kickstart weight loss effectively without losing too much of your all-important muscle. In fact, we are excited to launch our new Medical Weight Loss Program based on these principles to help folks lose the stubborn body fat they have been trying to get rid of for years.

So how does it work?

They are GLP-1 agonists, which means they mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which is produced in our bodies.

Today we are going to understand what GLP-1 is, then we’ll discuss two ways you can promote natural GLP-1 to maintain or lose weight in a healthy way!

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CONCEPT: GLP-1

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone produced in the intestines that helps regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon release. It also slows gastric emptying and promotes satiety, reducing overall food intake. GLP-1 is crucial for maintaining glucose homeostasis and is a key target in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

There are several reasons why maintaining and improving GLP-1 secretion is important:

• Enhances insulin secretion in response to meals, aiding in blood sugar control.
• Inhibits glucagon release, preventing excessive glucose production by the liver.
• Slows gastric emptying, contributing to prolonged satiety and reduced food intake.
• Promotes weight loss and improves overall metabolic health.
• Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with diabetes.
• Supports better glycemic control and reduces the need for other diabetes medications.

Now you can see why medications that mimic GLP-1 can be so effective! Next up we will discuss ways to boost your natural GLP-1, using GLP-1 agonist medications as a tool in our toolbox.

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ACTION 1: MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM in Downtown Chicago IL

At Biolyfe, we know weight loss can be tricky, especially when it feels like you’ve tried everything.

Since our goal here at Biolyfe is always to restore your body’s natural state of being, we have developed a program that will support your body’s ability to produce its own GLP-1 agonists.

It is a 3-month program where you will be administered one of the GLP-1 agonist medications short-term, along with individualized supplements that will help restore your body’s ability to produce GLP-1.

You will also be given an eating guideline to ensure you are getting the correct amount of nutrients, including protein to minimize muscle loss and achieve your ideal body composition.

If you are interested or want to learn more, give us a call at (312) 372-2411 to setup a consultation with our Family Nurse Practitioner, Alicia, on Mondays or Thursdays!

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ACTION 2: EAT LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX FOODS

One way you can start improving your GLP-1 production is to eat low glycemic index (GI) foods! This helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing spikes that can strain the body's insulin response and promote better overall metabolic health. These foods lead to slower digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, which enhances GLP-1 secretion from the intestines.

Ways to Eat More Low Glycemic Index Foods:

• Choose Whole Grains: Opt for whole grains like quinoa, barley, and oats instead of refined grains.
• Increase Fiber Intake: Incorporate more high-fiber vegetables, legumes, and fruits such as leafy greens, beans, and berries into your meals.
• Combine Carbohydrates with Protein/Fat: Pair carbohydrates with proteins or healthy fats to slow down their digestion and absorption.
• Avoid Sugary and Processed Foods: Replace sugary snacks and processed foods with nutrient-dense options like nuts, seeds, and yogurt.

Consistent consumption of low GI foods supports improved insulin sensitivity and increased GLP-1 levels, aiding in better glucose regulation.

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FUN FACT!