What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications belong to a class of compounds that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut. This hormone plays a major role in appetite regulation, blood sugar control, and metabolic signaling between the gut, pancreas, brain, and liver.
Common GLP-1–based medications and peptides include:
- Semaglutide- MOST COMMON
- Tirzepatide (dual GLP-1/GIP activity)-2ND MOST COMMON
- Retatrutide (GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon activity – emerging data)-NEWEST
- Cagrilintide (amylin analog often paired with GLP-1s)-NEWEST
In functional medicine, these medications are not viewed as “shortcuts,” but as tools — used strategically alongside nutrition, movement, and body composition monitoring.
How GLP-1s Support Weight Loss & Metabolic Health
GLP-1 medications support metabolic health through several mechanisms:
- Reduce appetite and food noise by acting on the brain’s satiety centers
- Slow gastric emptying, leading to earlier fullness
- Improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control
- Reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes
- Support fat loss, particularly visceral (abdominal) fat
Beyond weight loss, GLP-1s show benefits in:
- Prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes
- Fatty liver disease
- Cardiovascular risk reduction
- Inflammation modulation and Autoimmunity
- Alzheimer’s Disease
When used appropriately, these medications can help patients reset metabolic signaling that lifestyle changes alone may not fully correct.
Common Side Effects to Know About
Like any medication, GLP-1s can cause side effects, particularly during dose escalation.
The most common include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite (sometimes too much)
- Fatigue or low energy early on
At P3, we reduce side effects by:
- Using slow, individualized titration schedules
- Supporting digestion and hydration
- Adjusting protein and micronutrient intake
Side effects are not inevitable, and many are preventable with proper medical oversight.
Muscle Loss Risk — and How to Prevent It
One of the most important conversations around GLP-1 therapy is lean muscle preservation. Rapid weight loss without adequate protein, resistance training, or muscle stimulation can lead to loss of lean body mass — which negatively impacts metabolism, strength, bone density, and long-term weight maintenance.
At P3, muscle preservation is a non-negotiable part of GLP-1 therapy.
Our approach includes:
- Protein targets tailored to body weight and goals
- Creatine supplementation when appropriate
- Resistance training guidance
- InBody scans to track fat vs muscle changes
- EmSculpt as an adjunct to stimulate muscle contraction and strength when patients are limited by joint pain, fatigue, or time
Weight loss should never come at the expense of strength.
GLP-1s vs Lifestyle Alone
Lifestyle matters — always. But for many patients, years of insulin resistance, hormonal shifts (especially in perimenopause and menopause), chronic stress, or genetics make weight loss biologically harder.
GLP-1s can:
- Lower the physiological “noise” that fights weight loss
- Improve adherence to lifestyle changes
- Make nutrition and movement effective again
The most successful outcomes occur when GLP-1 therapy supports — not replaces — lifestyle foundations.
Who Should NOT Use GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1s are not appropriate for everyone.
They may not be recommended for individuals with:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- MEN2 syndrome
- Severe gastrointestinal motility disorders
- Active eating disorders
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
This is why medical screening and ongoing monitoring are essential.
The P3 Approach to GLP-1 Therapy
Our GLP-1 programs may include:
- Medical evaluation and prescribing
- Ongoing dose titration and symptom management
- InBody composition tracking
- Protein and creatine protocols
- EmSculpt muscle-preservation support
- Lifestyle coaching and metabolic optimization
Our goal isn’t just weight loss — it’s strength, longevity, metabolic health, and sustainability.
