The popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists—such as semaglutide (brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (brand names: Mounjaro, Zepbound)—has skyrocketed in recent years as powerful tools for medical weight loss. These medications, originally designed for managing type 2 diabetes, have demonstrated impressive weight reduction effects, prompting widespread interest from patients and providers alike.
Regular bloodwork is important – it provides a window into how well our bodies are working, and can guide us in making more informed decisions related to our health and wellness. It’s also an invaluable resource before starting a new medication or treatment plan – including medical weight loss with GLP-1s.
Bloodwork is important for two main reasons – to ensure that you don’t have an underlying health condition that could be exacerbated by treatment, and to establish a baseline of your overall health upon initiation of treatment.
Reason #1: Identifying Contraindications and Safety Concerns
GLP-1s aren’t for everyone, and they can be particularly dangerous for patients with a handful of conditions which make treatment with them require more caution, or contraindicated entirely. The following blood tests can identify potential red flags that should be thoroughly evaluated by a patient and their physician:
- Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, T3, T4): Often omitted from weight loss panels, thyroid function tests can be important to rule out undiagnosed thyroid disorders. Not only can thyroid disorders have a significant impact on weight loss success, GLP-1s carry a warning for increased risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (thyroid cancer) – so it’s a good idea any way you slice it.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: A CMP packs a whole suite of tests in one package – including liver function tests like ALT and AST, and kidney function tests like creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Since GLP-1s are cleared through the kidneys and can occasionally cause liver-related side effects, a CMP is vitally important to make sure your liver and kidneys are in good shape before starting treatment.
Reason #2: Assessing Metabolic Health and Nutrient Status
The second reason bloodwork is important before starting a medical weight loss program with GLP-1 is because it can establish a baseline in regard to your health and help guide treatment objectives. Particularly, the following are important to keep in mind:
- Fasting Glucose and A1C: It’s important to gauge whether you could be diabetic or pre-diabetic prior to starting your weight loss journey – not only is blood sugar closely linked with overall health, GLP-1 dosing can vary depending on your status.
- Lipid Panels: GLP-1s can improve cholesterol levels, but baseline readings help measure progress and tailor overall dosing strategies.
- Vitamin B12 and Folate: Though rare, long-term use of GLP-1s can affect B12 absorption. Starting with a baseline ensures deficiencies are caught early. In addition, B12 is an important component of the pathways that convert food to energy – that’s why it’s part of the weekly vitamin shot provided in our medical weight loss program!
- Electrolytes and hydration markers: Nausea, vomiting, and reduced appetite are possible side effects from GLP-1 treatment that, in severe cases, can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance – especially early in treatment. A baseline helps monitor and manage these issues.
The Takeaway
Treatment with GLP-1s is a very safe and effective solution for weight loss when administered under the care of an experienced medical provider. Part of any consultation when considering starting treatment should involve a thorough review of recent labwork.
The medical weight loss program offered by New Leaf Restorative Medicine is designed to be one of the most effective, safe, and convenient options in Asheville, and our initial consult with review of bloodwork is a big part of that. Haven’t had bloodwork done recently? Not a problem! We can draw your blood from the comfort of our clinic during your initial consultation – it’s only $75, and you’ll be credited the amount if you decide to join our medical weight loss program. What are you waiting for?
To schedule your free initial consultation, give us a call at (828) 552-4668 today!