It’s rare for a medication to dominate headlines. But GLP-1 receptor agonists have done just that. 

Going by names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, GLP-1s have captured the world’s imagination and redefined how we think about weight. 

If you’ve struggled with obesity, you may see these injections as the first ray of hope to come along in your lifetime. And you’re not alone. To date, one in eight adults have used GLP-1s, according to a recent KFF poll. [1]

The data is clear that these medications do a lot of good. But as with any drug, there are the effects you want, and the ones you don’t. Successful treatment often boils down to maximizing the benefit while reducing the cost.

To that end, there are several biomarkers you should be aware of. Biomarkers are molecules that circulate in your blood and tell the story of your health. They explain the inner workings of your heart, metabolism, muscles, gut, immune system, and more.

For people taking GLP-1s, biomarkers can reveal how well your medication is working and whether it’s having any undesirable effects. 

Whether you’re currently taking GLP-1s or considering them in your future, be sure to keep these biomarkers on your radar.

Biomarkers to monitor for GLP-1 safety

Experts consider GLP-1s safe. But that does not mean they’re risk-free. These are the markers to monitor for the best possible treatment.

Gut health markers

Measures of: Gastrointestinal health

Digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion are among the most common GLP-1 side effects. 

There’s a simple explanation for this: A key feature of the medication is that it slows the speed at which food leaves your stomach. And food that lingers is more likely to cause trouble. (Learn more about how GLP-1 medications work.)

Slow-Moving food can lead to an achy stomach or even vomiting. It can also increase the risk of pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). [2]

That’s why it’s smart to keep an eye on your gut health. At InsideTracker, we calculate your gut health score on a scale of 0 to 100 by measuring six biomarkers:

• hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) 
• HDL-cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein)
• Cortisol
• HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c)
• Glucose
• Triglycerides

These markers are proxies for a healthy gut. By tracking them, you can ensure your gastrointestinal system stays strong during treatment.

Muscle mass and VO2max

Measures of: Strength and cardio fitness

Technically, these are physiomarkers—not blood biomarkers. But they’re important enough that we need to mention them.

Along with the rapid weight loss associated with GLP-1s, muscle mass and VO2max—two indicators of longevity—often decrease. [3] 

This occurs because you’re taking in fewer calories. As a result, your body may struggle to maintain tissues in your heart, muscle, liver, bone, and kidney.

To minimize the damage to these markers, it’s smart to exercise for an hour every day. This duration has proven to be beneficial.

In a 2018 study, researchers found that 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day (walking, jogging, cycling) helped preserve lean mass and VO2max during caloric restriction.

White blood cells

Measure of: Immune health

White blood cells are your immune system’s fighter cells, and in some cases, they may increase during GLP-1 treatment. 

If this happens, it’s likely due to an increase in heart rate. GLP-1s activate your autonomic nervous system, and that can cause your heart to beat faster. And a faster heart rate can increase your white blood cell count. 

In a study of people with diabetes, GLP-1s increased heart rate by about 3 beats per minute. [4] In most cases, this increase is nothing to worry about. (It’s notable that, in general, inflammation is more likely to fall during GLP-1 treatment.)

But to be safe, it’s worth watching your white blood cells. In addition to driving inflammation, a high count is linked with poor sleep. So you want to do what you can to keep this biomarker optimized.

Originally Published on https://blog.insidetracker.com/

InsideTracker Longevity by Design by InsideTracker

Longevity by Design is a podcast for individuals looking to experience a longer, healthier life. In each episode, Dr. Gil Blander joins a co-host and an industry expert to explore a personalized health journey. The show helps you access science-backed information, unpack complicated concepts, learn what’s on the cutting edge of longevity research and the scientists behind them. Tune into Longevity by Design and see how to add years onto your life...and life onto your years.