What You Should Know Before Asking for a GLP-1 Prescription

I recently received an email promoting GLP-1 support protocols. Without getting too deep into the science, glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, is a hormone produced in the gut when food enters the stomach. GLP-1 promotes the release of insulin to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels and appetite. You feel full longer, which helps reduce cravings and the urge to eat. 

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of prescription medications that essentially function the same way as GLP-1 produced in the body. They can be used to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of heart disease. Many practices are promoting GLP-1s as weight loss drugs for people without diabetes.

You may not be familiar with GLP-1 terminology, but I’m sure you’ve heard of the brands. And you’ve seen the commercials with long disclaimers about the potential side effects and health risks.

Ozempic. Victoza. Trulicity. And others.

These drugs are driving the biggest medical frenzy today. Pharmacies are having trouble keeping them in stock and patients are complaining that they can’t get them.

Yes, these drugs have been approved for type 2 diabetes treatment and weight loss. Yes, every medication has potential side effects and health risks, and these drugs are no different in that regard. 

But no medication is for everyone, including GLP-1 drugs. And medication should be used temporarily and sparingly whenever possible.

Health literacy is the key to longevity.

As healthcare consumers, we need to talk to our doctors. We need to do our own research. We need to develop a deeper understanding of our own health. And we need to recognize that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

When I see the GLP-1 craze, I think about how people’s lives have been ruined by opioids like Oxycontin. Just like you never saw me on the rooftop shouting that people shouldn’t take Oxycontin, you won’t see me on the rooftop shouting to not take Ozempic.

My concern is the habitual, long-term use and overutilization of prescription medication based on a lack of health literacy of the patient and, quite frankly, many of the doctors who prescribe medication.

Why an Integrative Model of Care Matters

Since day one, Natural Healthcare Center has operated as a truly integrative health center. For example, Jennifer Rae provides information and answers questions about prescription medication and can write prescriptions if needed. Our clinical nutrition team, led by Dr. Coetzee and me, develop personalized nutritional protocols. Anthony Baklouk programs personal training.

We all work together as a team to share information and insights internally, lean on each other’s expertise, educate each patient, and make personalized health recommendations based on the unique needs of the individual. This is what health literacy looks like in clinical practice.

Remember, we should never go to a doctor’s appointment seeking prescriptions. We should be seeking knowledge and guidance. Health literacy will help us make informed decisions about our treatment options. 

This may include prescription medication, but it doesn’t have to include prescription medication. 

Let’s focus on improving our own health literacy so we can feel better, function better, and live longer.