Drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have become household names for weight loss. But they weren’t originally designed for that. These medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, mimic a hormone your body already produces, and their impact goes far beyond the scale.
In functional medicine, we view GLP-1s as powerful tools. But we don’t stop at weight loss. We use them strategically for metabolic improvement, insulin resistance, inflammation, and even longevity — including more individualized protocols for patients who don’t “need” to lose weight.
Let’s break it down.
What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone secreted by your gut in response to food. It helps:
Slow gastric emptying (you feel full longer)
Stimulate insulin release (helps control blood sugar)
Suppress glucagon (prevents spikes in blood sugar)
Reduce appetite (via action on the brain)
GLP-1 agonists mimic this hormone, amplifying its effects. That’s why they help regulate blood sugar in diabetics, and why they became popular for weight loss in non-diabetics.
The Real Power Is Metabolic Rewiring
At Catalyst, we focus less on the superficial “before and after” and more on what’s happening under the hood.
GLP-1s have been shown to:
Improve insulin sensitivity
Reduce chronic inflammation
Support cardiovascular health
Normalize blood pressure
Potentially improve liver fat content and NAFLD
We often track these changes directly: through labs, continuous glucose monitoring, and patient-reported outcomes.
Not Just for Weight Loss: Longevity Protocols
Here’s where things get interesting. Some of our healthiest, leanest patients still benefit from GLP-1 therapy - not for weight loss, but for aging-related metabolic decline.
In these cases, we may use lower or intermittent doses to improve:
Glucose regulation
Inflammation markers (like hsCRP)
Mitochondrial efficiency and energy levels
Satiety and appetite control, especially with age-related leptin resistance
It's a longevity tool, not a crash diet.
Risks and Side Effects
These drugs aren’t without risk, especially when not carefully supervised. Side effects can include:
Nausea, constipation, and bloating
Muscle loss if used without resistance training or protein intake
Gallbladder issues
Rare thyroid concerns
That’s why our protocols always include:
Baseline labs and gut function review
Muscle preservation strategies (resistance training + amino acids)
Lab follow-ups every 90 days to assess need and safety
Should You Try a GLP-1 Drug?
Not if you’re just looking for a shortcut.
But if you’re:
Struggling with blood sugar control or energy dips
Seeing rising insulin or visceral fat
Dealing with food noise, cravings, or hunger regulation
Focused on long-term performance, not just the next 10 pounds
…then yes, it might be one tool among many in a comprehensive protocol.
How We Do It at Catalyst
GLP-1 therapy is only one layer of what we offer. We run advanced diagnostics, from inflammation and glucose markers to hormone panels and body composition. Then we design protocols tailored to your biology, not one-size-fits-all dosing.
That’s the Catalyst difference.
