Beyond Weight Loss- 7 ways GLP-1s can Benefit Overall Health

It is predicted that in the near future @ 50% of us in the US will be obese and 75% overweight. In my opinion, this statistic calls for an urgent need for solutions. I had a cardiologist tell me recently that he found it to be normal and expected that most of his patients were obese.

Yet, obesity brings serious health risks. We know that with a BMI of 30 or more, your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes is four to five times higher, and with a BMI over 35, that risk jumps to 12 times.  We’re getting bigger, more unhealthy, and life expectancy is on the decline.

Many people still struggle even with consistent exercise. Diet is the missing piece. Environmental factors, the availability of calorie-dense food, and even our brains’ survival instincts drive us to overeat and store fat.

Our genetic makeup goes back hundreds of thousands of years, when we did not eat consistently, and the body was programmed to store fat for survival at any chance it got.

At The Natural Path, we offer an individualized approach to weight loss.  We have found GLP-1 medications in the generic form, as well as  Wegovy^® and Zepbound®, are changing lives by helping with weight loss and addressing many areas of health.

6 Ways GLP-1 Drugs Can Benefit Your Health

1. Lower Risk Of Diabetes

GLP-1 medications were first created to help manage type 2 diabetes. They work well to lower blood sugar and improve how the body uses insulin. In some cases, the GLP-1s and a healthy lifestyle and diet can reverse the disease.

We have seen insulin-dependent diabetics able to release medications and live a healthy life free of a diabetes diagnosis.

2. Improved Heart Health

Obesity is one of the leading causes of heart disease,  and the GLP-1 drugs can help. These medications can lower inflammation, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart failure.  We have seen a significant benefit in heart health in our patients using the GLP-1s.

3. Kidney Protection and Liver Protection

Obesity and diabetes often lead to chronic kidney issues, which can result in dialysis.  We have seen improvements in our patients with kidney disease.

The liver is one of the first organs impacted by obesity and excess fat storage. The liver is often where we see early signs of damage, including fatty liver disease. If fatty liver disease is left untreated, it can lead to even more serious conditions such as cirrhosis.

We have seen the GLP-1 medications help with fatty liver.

4. Reduced Joint Pain- decrease inflammation

Being overweight puts a lot of strain on the joints, especially the knees and hips. We have seen significant improvements in joint pain in our patient population. This could also be due to the anti-inflammatory impact of these medications and weight loss.

We find that our patients begin to move more, further accelerating healing and optimal well-being.

5. Improved  Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is often related to obesity. This condition impacts restful sleep, which further impacts many body functions. GLP-1 drugs can reduce the need for CPAP machines as patients lose weight and improve their breathing.

Better sleep is a massive win for many patients and sets the foundation for improved energy and mood.”

6. Boost Brain Health

One of the most exciting research areas is the link between GLP-1 medications and brain health. Studies suggest these drugs slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and improve cognitive function. “We’ve found that these medications address inflammation and other factors contributing to cognitive decline.

7. Chemical Addiction

We have seen the GLP-1s help our patients suffering from addictive tendencies. This could be alcohol abuse, drug abuse, chronic shopping, chronic gambling, etc.

These medications aren’t a quick fix but part of a journey to better health.

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