A New Wave in Weight Loss
Weight loss has never been simple. For years, the advice was clear: eat less, move more, and
stay consistent. That was the “old-school” way. Now, the spotlight has shifted to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. They promise fast results without as much struggle. I see patients every day asking: which path is smarter? Should I trust the methods we’ve always used, or jump into this new trend?
Old-School Habits That Still Work
Healthy habits may not sound flashy, but they remain powerful. Balanced meals, exercise,
quality sleep, and stress management continue to shape metabolism.
When you eat whole foods, avoid sugar, and support your gut health, your body responds. You
can improve energy, reduce cravings, and create long-lasting change. These habits build health
in every system, not just your waistline.
The downside? They require effort, time, and patience. Progress is steady, not dramatic. And in
a world of instant gratification, that can feel frustrating.
The Rise of GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 drugs change appetite signals in the brain. They help people eat less, feel full sooner,
and drop weight quickly. For many, it feels like the solution they’ve been waiting for.
But here’s the truth: these medications don’t fix root causes. They don’t teach your body how to
handle blood sugar, stress, or sleep. If you stop, the weight often comes back. And for some,
side effects make them unsustainable.
The Hidden Downside: Eating Too Little
Here’s what I see most often: whether patients are using GLP-1s or old-school calorie
restriction, they end up not eating enough. At first, the scale moves. But over time, the body
adapts.
When you don’t fuel yourself properly, metabolism slows. Your body senses starvation, flips into
survival mode, and weight loss stalls. No matter how disciplined you are, no one continues to
lose weight when their body is in fight-or-flight mode.
This is why so many people feel stuck. It’s not that they aren’t trying hard enough—it’s that their
bodies are protecting them from what feels like famine.
Where Micro-Dosing Fits In
Some patients find that micro-dosing GLP-1s is a gentler approach. The appetite isn’t
suppressed so dramatically, which means metabolism stays healthier. Weight loss may be
slower, but it’s often more sustainable—whether someone decides to stay on the drug long term
or simply use it to get started.
As a naturopathic doctor, I cannot prescribe these medications. But I do work closely with
patients who are on them. My role is to support them—making sure they’re eating enough,
protecting metabolism, and building habits that make weight loss last.
More Than the Scale: Fat vs. Muscle
Another piece that often gets overlooked is what you’re losing. It’s not just about the number on
the scale. Losing muscle along with fat slows metabolism even more and makes weight regain
more likely. Protecting muscle mass while reducing body fat is the key to real, lasting success.
What This Means for You
If you’re thinking about weight loss, don’t chase a shortcut alone. Focus on fueling your body
with the right foods, not starving it. Support your metabolism with consistent sleep, stress
management, and movement.
And if GLP-1 medications are part of your journey, you don’t have to navigate them on your
own. I work with patients who want support while they’re on these drugs—or who are ready to
come off and don’t want to gain the weight back. Together, we focus on protecting muscle,
preserving metabolism, and creating habits that last.
That way, your results aren’t just temporary—they become part of your long-term health.
Here is the link to our last blog titled 3 Surprising Reasons You’ve Got Perimenopausal Symptoms