GLP-1 Medications: Whole Health Partners’ Approach
Co-Founders Kait Atkinson, MS, RD, LDN, Dr. Kate Queen, MD and Jenni Grover, MS, RD, LDN
We founded Whole Health Partners to serve as a collaborative practice which works closely with our patients’ primary care providers. With the rise in use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, we thought it was important to share with you how we approach this important but relatively new class of drug.
So here’s the overview:
We Never Prescribe or De-prescribe Medicines
We believe that primary care providers are best positioned to make the decision on what medications are right for their patients. That’s why we never prescribe or de-prescribe medicines, including GLP-1s, and it is also why we work closely with you to share treatment plans and communicate any issues that our shared patients may be having.
Medicines Can’t Replace Lifestyle Change
There have been some promising results from the use of GLP-1s for some patients. Yet we firmly believe that the best way to ensure lasting, sustainable results is to encourage actual behavior and lifestyle changes—including eating a metabolically healthy diet and incorporating regular exercise.
That’s why we encourage a focus on lifestyle change as the first, second and third line of treatment, with medications or surgery serving as a tool for patients where other options fail to show results.
We Are Keeping a Close Eye on GLP-1 Side Effects
We have read several studies which point to concerning side effects, including significantly decreased muscle mass, as well as significant weight gain if a patient ceases to take their medications. While they may help a patient to reduce their food intake, these drugs do not necessarily promote a shift to healthy, quality food intake, which is necessary for optimal metabolic health on the cellular level.
Ultimately, our bottom line is this: As a primary care provider, you are best positioned to handle your patients’ medication. If you have determined that GLP-1 is a good fit for one of our shared patients, then we are here to support that decision.
We can help to monitor progress, troubleshoot any side effects they may have, and communicate them to you. We will also help them continue working toward sustainable lifestyle changes that will ensure that any benefits from the medication are sustained for the long term.
What would you like help with?
Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance
Blood Glucose Management, Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Thyroid Disease, Hormonal Health
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Perimenopause/Menopause
