Microdosing Ozempic (GLP-1 weight loss): A Safer Approach with Dr Lauren Fitzgerald
Dr. Jade Teta interviews Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald, an MD specializing in functional medicine, about the use of Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists for weight loss. Dr. Fitzgerald shares her personal experience with using these compounds and how they have helped her and her patients achieve significant weight loss. They discuss the history and mechanism of GLP-1 agonists, as well as the potential risks and benefits. Dr. Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of using low doses and implementing healthy habits alongside the medication for long-term success. Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald discusses the use of semaglutide for weight loss and shares her experience and insights. She emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, such as protein intake and weight training, in conjunction with the medication. Dr. Fitzgerald also explains her approach to dosing, starting with a low dose and adjusting based on individual response and weight loss progress. She highlights the benefits of using a compounding pharmacy and provides tips for maintaining weight loss after discontinuing the medication. Keywords: GLP-1 agonists, weight loss, functional medicine, microdosing, safety profile, Ozempic (semaglutide), weight loss, lifestyle changes, protein intake, weight training, dosing, compounding pharmacy, and maintaining weight loss. Dulaglutide (Trulicity®), Exenatide (Byetta®), Exenatide extended-release (Bydureon®), Liraglutide (Victoza®), Lixisenatide (Adlyxin®), Semaglutide injection (Ozempic®), Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®). Takeaways: GLP-1 agonists, such as Semaglutide (GLP) and Tirzepatide (GIP/GLP), are bioidentical hormones that regulate hunger and insulin sensitivity. Traditional dosing of GLP-1 agonists can lead to severe appetite suppression and potential side effects like nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis, and gastroparesis. Microdosing GLP-1 agonists, starting at 0.25 mg, can be a safer and more sustainable approach for weight loss. Slow and steady weight loss is more likely to be maintained in the long term. GLP-1 agonists have a good safety profile when used correctly, and concerns about thyroid cancer are not supported by evidence. Semaglutide can be an effective tool for weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. Protein intake and weight training are important for maintaining muscle mass during weight loss. Dosing of semaglutide should be individualized based on the patient's response and weight loss progress. Using a compounding pharmacy can provide more flexibility in dosing and cost. Maintaining weight loss requires ongoing lifestyle changes and a gradual reduction in medication dosage. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to GLP-1 Agonists and Functional Medicine 08:59 The Need for Effective Weight Loss Tools 12:38 Understanding GLP-1 Agonists as Bioidentical Hormones 17:24 The Importance of Low Doses and Safety Profile 21:21 Addressing Concerns about Thyroid Cancer 24:56 Introduction to semaglutide for weight loss 29:19 The importance of measuring data and non-negotiables 31:33 Using a compounding pharmacy for semaglutide 34:13 Benefits and success with compounded semaglutide 36:14 Transitioning to trisepatide if needed 40:32 How to work with Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald 42:25 Connect with Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald online Dr Lauren Fitzgerald: FB: @Dr. Lauren Fitz & Club FITz Fitness IG: @drlaurenfitz www.larimarmed.com
