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  What is Medical Weight Loss? Medical weight loss (MWL) is a structured program that helps assist in weight loss with the guidance of a healthcare professional. Medical weight loss can improve your health, and boost your confidence. It's a non-surgical option that can include diet, exercise, medication, and behavior changes. 

Health Improvements and Benefits: may include reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, lipid disorders, fatty liver disease and more. MWL may help to lower blood pressure, blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, improve insulin resistance, improve mood and sleep, improve self-esteem, sex drive, increase energy levels, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes, improve kidney function reducing the risk of kidney disease, reduce inflammation in the brain, which may improve brain health and reduce the risk of dementia. 

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) are a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

Mechanism of Action: GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. GLP-1 agonists mimic this hormone and work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, slowing down the digestion of food, lowering inflammation, and suppressing the appetite. 

Examples of GLP-1 Medications: Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon), Liraglutide      (Victoza, Saxenda), Albiglutide (Tanzeum), Dulaglutide (Trulicity), Semaglutide      (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy), Lixisenatide (Lixumia)

Side Effects: can include, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain. 

Precautions: GLP-1 medications should not be used by people with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease. They should also be used with caution in people with kidney problems. 

Tirzepatide: is a unique medication that is an acylated peptide engineered to activate the GIP/GLP-1 receptors. It is the first dual action GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonist approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. In clinical trials, Tirzepatide was significantly more effective in reducing hemoglobin A1C, body weight, and weight loss. It has similar side effects as well, mainly with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Tirzepatide was found to improve insulin sensitivity and insulin secretory responses to a greater level as well. 

Conclusion:It is important to be aware of potential side effects and to consult with a healthcare professional before taking these medications. You will need regular check-ins, support, and guidance with medical professionals while on treatment. 

What it is, What it does, Symptoms, Benefits and Side Effects

What is Testosterone? Simply put, Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles. It stimulates the development of male characteristics and is essential for sperm production. Testosterone helps to maintain and develop sex organs and genitalia, sexual and reproductive function, facial and body hair, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone density, muscle mass, fat distribution, and a sense of well-being. 

Testosterone levels peak during adolescence and early adulthood and decline naturally with age on average about 1% yearly after age 30. There could be medical conditions that cause testosterone levels to decline, such as hypogonadism or damage/trauma to the testes. It is important to know if these levels are declining naturally or due another cause. Hypogonadism hinders the ability to produce normal volumes of testosterone due to either problems with the testes (trauma/damage) or with the pituitary gland that controls testosterone production. 

Symptoms of Low T: Symptoms can vary, especially with age. Some symptoms may include: reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low of body hair, shrinking testicles, low sperm count, hot flashes, depressed mode, difficulties with concentration and memory, fogginess, increased body fat, decrease in muscle strength and mass, decrease in endurance, enlarged male breast tissue. 

How to test Testosterone levels: A simple blood test is used to diagnose low testosterone levels. A medical provider will ask questions about your medical history, medications you take, and any symptoms you currently have. 

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): Is the medical practice of supplementing exogenous testosterone (hormones from outside the body) that replaces declining levels of endogenous testosterone (the hormones produced naturally inside the body). For individuals who receive exogenous testosterone via TRT, their bodies then respond by using exogenous testosterone as if it were the natural hormone produced. The ease in which the body utilizes exogenous testosterone is because the synthetic testosterone used in therapy is “bioidentical” to human-produced testosterone. This means that the synthetic testosterone you receive in therapy is molecularly identical to natural testosterone-- meaning your body can’t tell the difference. This specific type of therapeutic approach using bioidentical hormones is called “bioidentical hormone replacement therapy,” or BHRT. 

Benefits of Testosterone Therapy: Some benefits may include: lowered risk of heart attack or stroke, higher energy levels, increased bone density (i.e., preventing or delaying the development of osteoporosis), greater lean muscle mass, restored sex drive, greater sperm quality/fertility, renewed ability to achieve erection, improved cognitive functioning, reduced mental health symptoms, red blood cell production, better immune system function and more. 

Side Effects of treatments: Side effects of testosterone replacement therapy may include: acne or oily skin, breast enlargement or tenderness, smaller testicles, decreased sperm count, worsening sleep apnea, aggression, changes in mood, high blood cell counts, decrease in urination, fluid retention, cardiovascular risks and more. 

Forms of TRT: Testosterone replacement therapy comes in a variety of forms including injections, pellets, patches, gels/creams, and tablets/capsules.  

Some natural ways to boost testosterone: weight loss, increasing muscle mass through resistance exercise and supplements. 

Is Testosterone Therapy Safe? TRT is safe and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for men with a testosterone deficiency. You must follow your doctor’s orders and NEVER seek testosterone out on your own as it requires regular monitoring by your doctor.

While there are several myths about testosterone therapy and the risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer, however, there is no conclusive evidence and ongoing research is needed.