Medical Weight Loss & Metabolic Health

According to the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), nearly 40% of the U.S. population now suffers from obesity, and 45% suffer from either prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. There is considerable overlap between these diseases, with more than 85% of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes also suffering from overweight or obesity. What does that have to do with insulin resistance? Long before type 2 diabetes and even prediabetes is recognized, insulin resistance is already creeping up. Obesity and insulin resistance are interconnected in a variety of ways.

Obesity and Insulin Resistance – What Is Insulin?

Insulin is a hormone that plays a central role in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Insulin determines how the body stores glucose and fat. It helps control blood glucose levels by signaling liver, muscle, and fat cells to take in glucose as fuel from the blood. Insulin is the “gate keeper” unlocking or allowing glucose entry to cells for energy use.

Obesity and Insulin Resistance – What Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance happens when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin and ever-increasing amounts of it are required to have the same “unlocking” effect on body cells. Insulin resistance is a precursor to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Obesity and Insulin Resistance – Why Does Insulin Resistance Happen?

Insulin resistance can happen due to a combination of genetics and lifestyle leading to an inflammatory process in the body. There are many biological stress factors that can set insulin resistance in motion, including excess nutrition.

When this happens, the body struggles to maintain blood sugar at the correct level. In an effort to keep blood sugar in the normal range, more insulin is secreted from beta cells in the pancreas. A veritable tug-of-war ensues between forces attempting to remove and store sugar in the body’s cells, and those cells themselves that are “full” and becoming less sensitive to the actions of insulin. At some point, tests for fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugars (blood sugar checked after a meal) and/or HgbA1c will start to increase. Elevated triglycerides as well as LDL-C (bad cholesterol) may also be seen.

Diet and exercise of typically what is needed to reduce weight but occasionally this is not enough and medication can be used to help decrease weight to allow for decreased cholesterol, decreased risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Work on decreasing chronic stress

Get a good night’s sleep

Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and added sugars

Moderate your processed carbohydrate intake (all carbohydrates are NOT created equal!)

Move or get NEAT (non-exercise activity time)

Many studies now show that decreasing chronic stress can decrease cortisol hormone levels thereby lowering blood sugar. A good night’s sleep not only leaves you with more energy for NEAT, but also decreases the hunger hormone, ghrelin, so you feel less of an inclination to eat. Movement sensitizes muscle to insulin thereby decreasing insulin resistance. Finally, taking care to limit processed foods lessens blood sugar and insulin spikes that can occur with sugar-sweetened beverages and sugars added to foods.

Peptide Therapy

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. They are naturally occurring in the body and play crucial roles in various physiological processes. Peptides can function as hormones, signaling molecules, or enzymes, influencing numerous bodily functions including metabolism, immune response, and cell repair.

Peptides in Metabolic Health:

Peptides have gained attention for their potential benefits in metabolic health. They can help regulate various metabolic processes and improve overall metabolic function. Here are some key ways peptides are used in metabolic health:

  1. Weight Management:

    • Peptide YY (PYY): This peptide helps regulate appetite and can promote feelings of fullness, aiding in weight management and preventing overeating.

    • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1): GLP-1 enhances insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying, which can help control blood sugar levels and support weight loss.

  2. Muscle Growth and Repair:

    • Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptides (GHRPs): These peptides stimulate the release of growth hormone, which can aid in muscle growth, fat metabolism, and overall body composition.

    • IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1): IGF-1 promotes muscle growth and repair, supporting a healthy metabolism by increasing muscle mass and reducing fat stores.

  3. Fat Metabolism:

  4. Blood Sugar Regulation:

  5. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

Lux Health's Use of Peptides in Metabolic Health:

At Lux Health, peptides are utilized as part of a comprehensive approach to improving metabolic health. Here's how Lux Health incorporates peptides:

  1. Personalized Treatment Plans:

    • Each patient receives a tailored treatment plan based on their specific metabolic health needs and goals, which may include peptide therapy.

  2. Advanced Diagnostics:

    • Lux Health uses advanced diagnostic tools to identify metabolic imbalances and determine the most appropriate peptides for treatment.

  3. Holistic Approach:

    • Peptide therapy is integrated with other treatments such as nutritional counseling, exercise plans, and lifestyle modifications to optimize metabolic health.

  4. Monitoring and Support:

    • Continuous monitoring and support ensure that patients respond well to peptide therapy and make necessary adjustments for optimal results.

By incorporating peptides into their treatment protocols, Lux Health aims to enhance metabolic function, support weight management, improve muscle health, and regulate blood sugar levels, ultimately promoting overall metabolic health and well-being.