The Controversy Surrounding GLP-1 Agonists in Functional Medicine
By now, many of you have likely heard about the recent weight loss success stories emerging from Hollywood. Celebrities are stepping onto the red carpet looking noticeably slimmer, and social media is abuzz with mentions of semaglutide/GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
Amid the buzz, there’s also been a wave of criticism from the Functional Health community, arguing that relying on medication for weight loss is a shortcut and that individuals should put in the effort through traditional methods. While the sentiment behind this perspective is understandable, it often overlooks the complex realities that many people face in their health journeys and comes across as dismissive.
On this episode of the HBS podcast, I explain that GLP-1 agonists are NOT medications; they are natural peptides – that could make a world of difference to someone struggling with their health.
Join me as we explore the science behind GLP-1 agonists, their potential benefits, and the broader conversation beyond weight loss.
The Hypocrisy of Functional Medicine
For years the functional medicine community has been using and promoting natural peptides. BPC-157 is a prime example. So why, now that a peptide that's used for MANY things, not just weight loss, comes on the scene are functional medicine practitioners up in arms?
What makes one condition more deserving than the other? We're OK that people heal their gut with BPC-157 but we're not OK that people want to heal their busted metabolism with a GLP-1 agonist? What if both were busted due to poor diet and lifestyle choices? What gives anyone the right to play God here and decide who gets access to which peptide?
Let me be really clear; do I believe we should encourage people to shortcut their health in any way or side-step what it takes to become and stay healthy? Of course not. I obviously don't encourage laziness when it comes to losing weight and there are no shortcuts to optimal long-term health, but there will always be those who will never do what it takes. Should we disregard these people? Should we deny them a natural peptide that could save their life just because of our own self-righteousness? The thinking here blows my mind.
We don’t deny people life-saving medications so why deny them a natural and sometimes life-saving peptide that can replace a ton of medications and actually fix disease instead of living for years propped up by the pharmaceutical industry? That's what GLP-1 agonists have the potential to do: fix disease. So why are functional medicine practitioners up in arms about this?
And let's not forget, a healthy lifestyle must be maintained to prolong health once the GLP-1 agonist has done its job. Why not focus on this part of the equation?
Key Takeaways from this episode:
- Natural peptides like GLP one Agonists are not just about weight loss – they have a wide range of potential health benefits.
- Functional medicine practitioners should consider the potential of natural peptides to address conditions that conventional medications may not effectively treat.
- Prioritizing patient well-being over rigid beliefs can lead to more effective and holistic healthcare solutions.
Mentioned in this episode:
The Doctor Tyna Show Podcast: HERE
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The Hormone Balance Solution – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.
You might also enjoy these recent episodes:
EPISODE 54: Exercise, weight loss & fasting for the midlife woman with Chris DeHollander
EPISODE 49: How to lose & maintain a healthy weight in your 40's & beyond PART 1
EPISODE 63: Toxins: a big contributor to weight gain & the inability to lose weight
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Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast – a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.
Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years – plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.
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