Healthy Jon Journey

What is a GLP-1

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) medications work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone your body produces naturally. Your body produces GLP-1 after you eat to help decrease spikes in blood sugar, regulate your appetite, and slow down your digestion.
When you take any of the GLP-1 weight loss medications, such as Semaglutide (aka Ozempic or Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (aka Zepbound or Mounjaro), you tend to feel full sooner, so you eat less. These medications work by influencing both the gut and brain to regulate hunger and food intake:

  • Slows digestion – Food stays in your stomach longer, helping you feel full for longer.
  • Reduces cravings and “food noise” – Helps quiet obsessive food and drink thoughts and reduce emotional eating.
  • Regulates blood sugar – Makes it easier for your body to burn fat efficiently, especially visceral fat (the fat stored around your waist and abdomen).
  • Supports sustainable weight loss – Makes weight loss more manageable without relying on willpower alone.
  • Improves metabolic health – Helps how your body processes and uses energy—especially from food—at the cellular and hormonal level.

GLP-1s are a tool, not a magic fix. They work best when combined with nutrient-rich eating, regular exercise, and mindset shifts.

Is GLP-1 Right for You?

GLP-1 medications are effective for weight loss, but they’re not suitable for everyone.

Is your BMI greater than 28 or less than 28 with at least one weight-related health condition (e.g., high blood pressure, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, PCOS, joint pain)?
Is your BMI less than 28 with no weight-related health conditions? If so, consider microdosing.
Have you tried multiple diets and exercise routines but struggled to lose weight or keep it off long term?
Do you carry more visceral fat (the fat stored around your waist and abdomen), which increases metabolic risks?
Do you experience intense hunger, cravings, or emotional eating that feels difficult to control?
Do you feel like your metabolism is working against you, making weight loss harder despite your efforts?
Do you feel frustrated or stuck despite consistent exercise and healthy eating habits?
Are you ready to make lasting lifestyle changes, understanding that GLP-1 is a tool, not a magic fix?
Are you open to improving your nutrition, exercise, and mindset, along with taking a GLP-1?
Do you understand that stopping GLP-1s—without making lifestyle changes—may lead to weight regain?
Do you understand that a GLP-1 may be long-term, for maintenance?

Did you answer mostly Yes, then GLP-1s could be a great option for you!

Did you answer a mix of Yes & No, then you may need more information before making a decision. Let’s chat to see what might be the best solution for you.

Did you answer mostly No, then GLP-1s may not be the best fit for you right now.

GLP-1 medications work best when paired with a strong support system, a balanced nutrition plan, a workout plan, and the right mindset shifts. You don’t have to do this alone! Whether GLP-1 is right for you or not, sustainable success comes from learning how to work with your body, not against it.

So what are my options?

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide

Semaglutide (GLP-1 only)

  • Reduces appetite, delays gastric emptying, improves insulin sensitivity
  • Well-studied for cardiovascular risk reduction
  • Strong choice for people focused on glucose control and weight loss

Tirzepatide (GLP-1 + GIP)

  • GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) may amplify fat loss and enhance muscle preservation
  • Better blood sugar control than Semaglutide in head-to-head trials
  • May cause stronger appetite suppression, but sometimes more GI side effects

Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide

Standard Dose vs Microdosing

Microdosing GLP-1s vs taking a standard clinical dose is a growing topic, especially for people who want fewer side effects, gentler appetite control, or maintenance dosing after weight loss.

Potential Benefits of a Standard Clinical Dose of GLP-1

Substantial Weight Loss

  • Average weight loss is 15–22% of body weight.
  • Fat loss is often disproportionately visceral, potentially reducing disease risk.

Appetite Suppression and Caloric Control

  • Promotes early satiety, even with smaller meals.
  • Acts on the hypothalamus to reduce hunger and food cravings.

More Noticeable Side Effects

  • Some users note more significant side effects.

Improved Blood Sugar Control

  • Reduces postprandial glucose spikes.
  • Delays gastric emptying, leading to steadier glucose absorption.

Increased Insulin Sensitivity

  • Reduces insulin resistance in the liver and muscle.
  • Lowers fasting insulin levels, especially in insulin-resistant individuals.

Reduced Visceral Fat

  • Targets the dangerous fat around internal organs associated with inflammation and metabolic syndrome.
  • Leads to improvements in waist circumference, independent of total weight lost.

Cardiovascular Benefits

  • Lowers blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
  • Improves endothelial function and reduces arterial inflammation.

Potential Neuroprotective and Cognitive Benefits

  • Some evidence suggests GLP-1s may reduce brain inflammation and improve cognitive function, especially in insulin-resistant individuals.
  • Being studied for Alzheimer’s disease prevention and treatment.

Hormonal and Inflammatory Balance

  • May improve reproductive hormone function by reducing central adiposity and insulin resistance.

Potential Benefits of a Microdosing GLP-1

Gentler Weight Loss

  • Slower, steadier fat loss—especially helpful for those aiming to preserve lean muscle mass or avoid rapid body changes.
  • Often reduces visceral fat first, even with modest weight loss.

Mild Appetite Suppression

  • Can help reduce food cravings and the desire to snack.
  • Helps with portion control and mindful eating without dramatic appetite loss.

Fewer Side Effects

  • Minimal nausea, bloating, or reflux, which are common at higher doses.
  • Easier on digestion and more sustainable long term.

Improved Blood Sugar Stability

  • Even at low doses, GLP-1s can blunt post-meal glucose spikes, especially after high-carb meals.
  • Helps reduce insulin output and improves insulin sensitivity.

Metabolic “Priming”

  • May gently enhance fat oxidation and mitochondrial efficiency.
  • Can be used alongside lifestyle changes to reverse early-stage insulin resistance.

Behavioral Recalibration

  • Can support mindset shifts around food and hunger cues.

Stacking Synergy

  • A microdose may synergize well with berberine, cinnamon, inulin, or intermittent fasting for improved metabolic health.
  • Easier to integrate into daily life with supplements or hormone optimization protocols.