The dark side of popular weight loss drugs

Good morning amigos,

Yesterday, I had a late night (later than usual, anyway). I was at a client’s (now friend’s) place with a bunch of cool people. As you can imagine, every time I step into a social gathering, the questions start flowing: What’s the best diet? What’s the best exercise? How do you get rid of visceral fat? Yesterday, though, an interesting topic came up.

Who Hasn’t Heard About Mounjaro?

It’s been called a miracle for weight loss and diabetes—but I’ve also heard terrible stories from people using it. For some, these drugs not only fail to deliver sustainable results but can set you up for long-term challenges like muscle loss and metabolic slowdowns.

A Breakthrough for Health, with Key Precautions

Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are transforming lives. They’ve helped many lose weight, manage type 2 diabetes, and improve overall health metrics. These GLP-1 agonist drugs reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and even support heart health.

However, their steep cost—averaging $1,500 per month—places them out of reach for many. Thankfully, alternatives are emerging, but they require careful navigation.

The Affordable Alternative: What You Need to Know

Compounding pharmacies now provide cost-effective versions of these medications by creating tailored injectable compounds. These often include added nutrients like B vitamins to support wellness and reduce side effects. While promising, this approach comes with potential risks.

As trusted health advisors, here’s how to make the right choice:

1. Work with an experienced, licensed physician who understands these medications.

2. Verify pharmacy credentials: Ensure they are FDA-registered and compliant with safety standards.

3. Check the ingredient list: Avoid “semaglutide sodium,” which isn’t FDA-approved or clinically tested.

4. Confirm shipping regulations: Pharmacies should be licensed for sterile compound shipping across states.

PS: How did 2024 treat your metabolism and health goals? If you’re ready to reset and build a smarter, data-driven plan for 2025, I’ve got just 3 slots open for January. Click here to book a free introductory call and take the first step toward lasting results.

Safeguard Your Progress with the Reverse Path

Whether you’re using GLP-1 medications or not, reclaiming metabolic health is achievable through a strategic reset. Here’s how:

Step 1: Calculate Your Maintenance Calories

Step 2: Track and Understand Your Current Intake

• Use an app or food journal to log your meals for 1 weeks. This will uncover where you are in relation to your maintenance calories.

Here’s where the real magic happens: Most people with slow metabolisms are under-eating. If you’re consuming 700 calories or more below your maintenance level, chances are you’re losing muscle mass—which will rapidly slow your metabolism, compounding the effects of aging.

Step 3: Gradually Adjust Protein and Calories

• Set a protein target of 1.6–2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight to preserve muscle.

• Weekly, adjust calorie intake toward your maintenance level—or maintenance minus 200 calories—for sustainable fat loss without metabolic damage.

If You Are Using Weight Loss Medication - Watch for These 3 Red Flags

Keep an eye out for potential warning signs:

1. Rapid Weight Loss: Losing more than 1–2 pounds per week increases the risk of muscle loss.

2. Ongoing Fatigue: Persistent weakness or reduced stamina may indicate insufficient protein or calories.

3. Stalled Progress: A plateau in weight loss or metabolism might suggest a need to reassess your strategy.

That’s it for today, amigos!

Remember, be an asset, not a liability to those around you.

PS: How did 2024 treat your metabolism and health goals? If you’re ready to reset and build a smarter, data-driven plan for 2025, I’ve got just 3 slots open for January. Click here to book a free introductory call and take the first step toward lasting results.