What Not to Do on GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® (semaglutide), Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) have created a paradigm shift in weight loss and metabolic medicine. They help control appetite, improve insulin function, and support sustainable fat loss.
But here’s what many people in Los Angeles are missing: these medications are powerful tools, not magic pills. Misusing them—or relying on them without the right support—can undermine your results and long-term health.
Let’s break down what NOT to do while using GLP-1 medications and what you should focus on instead to get better results with fewer side effects.
Mistake #1: Skipping Exercise Because the Scale Is Moving
Weight loss from GLP-1 medications often includes loss of muscle, not just fat. Without regular strength training, you risk reducing your metabolic rate and setting yourself up for weight regain.
What to Do Instead:
Build a movement plan that fits your lifestyle in LA—whether that’s Pilates in Santa Monica, strength classes in West Hollywood, or hiking in Runyon Canyon. Prioritize:
2–4 days/week of resistance training
Light cardio like walking or cycling to improve insulin sensitivity
Mobility work to prevent injuries during weight loss
Mistake #2: Not Eating Enough Protein
GLP-1s suppress appetite, which is great—but it often leads to people under-eating protein. This slows recovery, increases the risk of fatigue, and promotes muscle breakdown.
What to Do Instead:
Make protein your #1 macronutrient. Aim for:
0.8–1.2 grams of protein per pound of goal weight
High-quality sources like wild-caught fish, grass-fed meats, pastured eggs
Protein shakes or collagen for low appetite days
This helps you preserve lean muscle, support your immune system, and improve satiety.
Mistake #3: Not Pairing GLP-1s with Insulin-Sensitizers like Metformin
GLP-1s improve insulin response, but in many cases, combining them with medications like metformin results in better metabolic outcomes—especially if you're insulin resistant, prediabetic, or have PCOS.
What to Do Instead:
Ask your provider about dual therapy. Metformin may:
Lower the required dose of GLP-1s
Reduce side effects like nausea or blood sugar crashes
Improve long-term insulin sensitivity
At our Los Angeles functional medicine clinic, we also offer support with berberine, inositol, and targeted metabolic supplements.
Mistake #4: Thinking Weight Loss Equals Health
It’s easy to be misled by the scale. But metabolic health is about more than weight—it’s about nutrient status, energy, hormones, inflammation, and cellular function. Rapid weight loss on GLP-1s may result in nutrient deficiencies, especially if your diet is low in calories or restricted.
What to Do Instead:
Work with a licensed provider to monitor:
B vitamins, iron, zinc, magnesium
Thyroid and adrenal function
We support our GLP-1 patients with IV nutrient therapy, medical-grade supplements, and functional lab testing—right here in West LA.
Mistake #5: Treating GLP-1s Like a Quick Fix
You didn’t gain weight overnight. Long-term weight loss should include metabolic healing, not just calorie restriction.
What to Do Instead:
Think long-term vitality, not short-term weight loss. We help patients:
Improve gut health and microbiome balance
Detox safely during fat loss
Restore hormonal and mitochondrial function
Integrate movement, mindset, and recovery for resilience
In a city like Los Angeles, where stress, environmental toxins, and fast-paced lifestyles are the norm, a holistic approach is essential.
How We Support GLP-1 Patients in Los Angeles
We build a full wellness framework that includes:
Personalized GLP-1 dosing strategies
Combination therapy with metformin or functional medicine alternatives
Functional lab testing & body composition tracking
Exercise and protein nutrition plans IV therapy, peptide support, and recovery modalities
Ongoing 1:1 support from a naturopathic doctor
Want to Optimize Your Weight Loss Results in LA?
Whether you’re just starting semaglutide or tirzepatide—or you’re not seeing the results you hoped for—Dr. Brendan and our team are here to guide your transformation with care, education, and evidence-based solutions.