Dosing Download: How much? When? Is It Working?

Join Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright on Fat Science as they unpack the complexities of dosing GLP-1 medications for metabolic health and weight management. Dr. Cooper emphasizes the importance of an individualized approach, debunking the myth that higher doses or faster titration always lead to better outcomes. 

The team addresses listener questions about how and when to increase doses, highlight the risks of rapid escalation, and discuss the nuanced ways these drugs impact metabolic health beyond just weight loss. Real-life experiences and thoughtful, science-backed guidance will help you navigate your own journey with metabolic dysfunction and medication.

Key Takeaways:

• Dosing of GLP-1 medications should always be tailored to the individual, considering response, side effects, and other health factors—not just the speed of weight loss.
• Starting at the lowest dose and titrating slowly increases medication tolerance and long-term effectiveness.
• Lab markers such as A1C, glucose, cholesterol, and muscle mass are key indicators in determining if the medication and dosing are "working."
• Rapidly escalating to the highest dose can backfire, causing side effects and limiting future treatment options.
• Dieting mindsets and using medication solely as an appetite suppressant can lead to loss of lean mass and suboptimal health outcomes.
• Ongoing patient-provider relationships and regular lab work ensure medication strategies remain safe and effective.

Personal Stories & Practical Advice:

• Andrea reflects on her initial desire for quick fixes and shares lessons learned about patience, nourishment, and long-term progress. 
• Mark discusses insurance-driven medication switches and finding the “sweet spot” for dosing with Dr. Cooper’s guidance.

Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to explain where our fat really comes from and why it won’t go and stay away. We are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

If you have a question for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@diabesityinstitute.org or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.

Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute which is on a mission to increase access to effective, science-based medical care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/