As GLP-1 medications continue to lead the weight loss conversation, users are becoming more savvy about leveraging tools and techniques to get the most out of their injections. From testing that personalizes weight loss plans to supplements addressing the nutritional changes these medications can cause, a growing range of options is making the journey more efficient and effective.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Rocio Salas-Walan is a board-certified endocrinologist in New York
- Dr. Johnny Franco is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Austin, TX
- Dr. Rajesh Dhirmalani is a board-certified gastroenterologist in Union, NJ
Body Composition Analysis
New York board-certified endocrinologist Rocio Salas-Whalen, MD recommends that users consider home body composition scales as a convenient way to track their progress. She sees it as an essential tool for users to track changes in fat, muscle and overall metabolic health beyond. “I definitely recommend that anybody starting a GLP-1 have a baseline body composition analysis and track their progress. It’s the best way to avoid muscle loss and ensure precision weight loss by targeting fat, particularly visceral fat.”
Phenome Testing
According to Austin, TX plastic surgeon Johnny Franco, MD, phenome testing has emerged as a game-changer for GLP-1 weight loss. “Phenome testing is super interesting. You swab, send it out and get results back in a couple of weeks. It puts you into categories like ‘hungry brain,’ ‘hungry gut’ or ‘slow metabolizer.’ You can actually tailor your treatments based on that.”
Dr. Franco uses the Mayo Clinic’s MyPhenome Hungry Gut test, which analyzes a patient’s genetic makeup to predict how well they will respond to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy. The test examines 22 genes related to brain-to-gut signaling and classifies patients as either “hungry gut” positive or negative. Those who are “hungry gut” positive are more likely to respond well to GLP-1 drugs, which slow gastric emptying, while patients who are “hungry gut” negative may need alternative interventions, such as bariatric surgery.
“For patients who have stalled out or where GLPs haven’t been as effective, phenome testing can help identify other causes and create different treatment algorithms,” says Dr. Franco. “It’s so great because it’s helping us understand that weight is much more complex than just calorie in and calorie out. There’s so much more to it than that.”
Supplements Designed for GLP-1 Users
While these drugs are highly effective for weight loss, they can also lead to challenges like muscle loss, digestive issues and skin laxity. Union, NJ gastroenterologist Dr. Rajesh Dhirmalani, a member of the Replenza advisory board, highlights the importance of addressing these concerns. “Digestive health and muscle recovery are vital areas often overlooked in a weight loss journey using GLP-1 medications. Replenza is designed to help nourish from within, made with amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics and essential nutrients.”
The Replenza Daily Supplement was formulated with GLP-1 users in mind, offering support for gut health and improved nutrient absorption.
Looking Ahead
Whether you’re just beginning or refining your journey, having the right tools can make all the difference. GLP-1s remain a powerful force in weight loss and overall wellness, and according to Dr. Franco, these products are here to stay. “People often say, ‘Oh, I missed the boat.’ I always tell them, ‘It’s just getting started.’ This is only going to keep expanding,” he says.
