EVND has created a unique weight loss program based on current research and newer strategies designed to restart your metabolism. If your mindset around weight loss and maintenance still revolves around the idea that success is only achieved by monitoring caloric intake and expenditure, then your thought process is outdated and may be time for a reboot in your thinking. There are several personal and environmental factors that cause weight gain and hinder weight loss. The leading concern is elevated insulin as a result of high blood glucose levels from eating refined carbohydrates. The second leading cause is a slowing metabolism as a result of declining sex hormones, thyroid dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, and imbalanced lifestyle. The third leading cause is a result of living in what is now being exposed as a toxic world with research supporting toxin laden fat as a major culprit to the challenges of unexplained weight gain. Even with our best efforts in managing diet, lifestyle, toxic exposure, and the natural aging, a patient may still benefit from newer injectables called GLP-1 agonists. Injectables such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have helped many patients override poor genetics, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation to achieve great results. No matter the root causes and treatment needs the doctors at EVND can help you create and individualized approach to achieve your goals.
Weight Loss and Peptide Therapy
STEP 1. Eat clean!
The first rule of weight loss has been a constant for years, and that is “burn more calories than you consume”. Exercising can increase burned calories and food restricting can reduce calories. Either restriction of total calories, or of total carbohydrates from grains to less than 50 grams daily, or reduction of fat to less than 20 grams daily results in weight loss in nearly every case. Any dietary program that is successful plays off these main ideas resulting in a general reduction in processed and refined carbohydrates or inflammatory fats, both of which contribute generally to inflammation, caloric excess, slowed metabolism, and weight gain. Choose a diet plan such as Keto, Paleo, Whole 30, Low Carb diet, low-fat diet, or any past successful diet or routine. Better yet meet with our in-house holistic nutrition practitioner for a focused lifestyle plan tailored to you. A clean diet is more than just eating enough protein or avoiding bad fats. In our toxic world it also means choosing organic and avoiding products and foods that contain obesogens(more on that later). One of the more popular options to kickstart a weight loss program begins with the quick start detox Core Restore weight loss program. The plan, provided as a kit, includes a meal plan, a meal replacement shake, and the supporting nutrients for 7-10 days of detoxification. Patients report losing 5-8 lbs in the week of detox and also improved energy levels.
Consider fasting!
Another way to eat clean of course is not to eat. All jokes aside, intermittent fasting OR multi-day fasting are research validated methods for slowing aging and boosting the metabolism. Fasting research is just beginning to shed light on these effective methods for reversing disease and aging, adding between 10-15 years to the average life expectancy. This method is not only free but saves money as well. As we age our body has difficulty in removing all aging cells. These cells known as senescent cells create inflammation and increase the aging of all cells. Fasting in its varied forms is known to disrupt and use the aging cells as a source of energy during a period of caloric restriction. Fasting improves the metabolism and rids the body of sluggish aging cells. In addition, it modifies the microbiome in such a way as taking antifungal or antibiotic nutrients or medications. We live in an overabundant society and our gut health and the constant exposure to chemicals, additives, processed foods, and just extra calories is leading to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and weight gain. We might need to practice a little scarcity. Fasting in the form of intermittent fasting, caloric restriction, or multi-day fasting such as 5 days with food and 2 days with no food(5:2 fast) once monthly, can help reset the metabolism and heal the body from the inside out. How interesting it is to think that we can heal and reverse aging and possibly resolve diseases by avoiding food, and without the use of medications or supplements. Choose a form of fasting that fits your current health and abilities. For a complete discussion on fasting visit our webpage and instructional video. Due to the differences in fasting in women when compared to men, we recommend our female patients who are considering fasting, to get one on one coaching with our on site holistic nutritionist.
STEP 2. Cleanse!
The second leading concern is based on more current research into the microbiome or the living environment of the intestinal tract. The variety of bacteria that live within the intestinal tract determine whether or not we are able to lose weight. The microbiome is affected by what we eat and how these foods support different species of bacteria and yeast. When we over-consume refined processed foods and avoid wholesome natural foods we favor bacteria and yeast that cause weight gain. We especially support the growth and abundance of yeast species, such as Candida. There are many effective methods for modifying the gut microbiome in favor of weight loss which are often part of our cleanse and detox diets.
The most effective method of changing the microbiome is of course changing what you feed it. But even with eating a clean diet, bacteria and yeast forms such as Candida can persist leading to digestive complaints such as bloating, acid reflux, fatigue after eating, and of course weight gain or difficulty with weight loss. With a change in the type of foods we consume and a reduction in allergenic foods, the next best choice is to assist the body in reducing the negatively impacting “bug” population. Medications such as Fluconazole or Nystatin can effectively reduce yeast and candida. Herbs such as garlic, caprylic acid, Horopito, Oregano can also reduce yeast populations. Medications such as Xifaxin or Neomycin can reduce negative bacteria which result in bloating, IBS, fatigue, and weight gain. Herbs such as Berberine, Oregano, Olive Leaf, Garlic, and many others effectively reduce “bad” bacteria. Through a prescription or dosing of specific or combined herbals, the microbiome can be quickly modified, resulting in greater energy, motivation, and weight loss. It seems smart while doing any type of caloric or dietary change to also modify the microbiome at the same time, as doing so provides quicker and more obvious benefits, and helps to maintain our hard-earned results.
Choose among the following options for cleaning up the microbiome. If you are working with a physician you can request they fill a prescription for:
- Fluconazole 200mg and dose 1 tablet day OR
- Nystatin and dose 3 tablets 2 times daily OR
- Elim-A-Cand (herbal tincture) dose 30 drops 2 times daily AND
- Berberine 500mg and dose 1 capsule daily 2 times daily while taking Fluconazole, Nystatin, or Elim-A-Cand.
STEP 3. Detoxify!
Research now adds support that weight gain isn’t all about just your dietary and exercise habits. The third unfortunate contributor to weight gain or difficulty with weight loss can be connected to toxic burden in the body. Our bodies are exposed daily by chemicals in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Our genetics determine the efficiency in which we detoxify. Because of that, some of us living in the same environments will have a greater toxic load than others. Individuals with poor detox ability will need to be more proactive than others. The first step is to learn which toxins we are being exposed to and how. A new category of toxins known as obesogens are being studied for their direct effect on weight gain.
An obesogen is a chemical compound that can disrupt the body’s normal metabolism and contribute to obesity. These compounds can interfere with the regulation of fat storage and energy balance, leading to increased fat accumulation and weight gain. Obesogens can be found in various sources, including certain plastics, pesticides, and even some personal care products.
The top 5 most prevalent obesogens are:
- Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in plastics and food containers, BPA can disrupt hormones and contribute to weight gain.
- Phthalates: These chemicals are used to make plastics more flexible and are found in products like toys, food containers, and personal care items.
- Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA): Commonly used in non-stick cookware and water-resistant fabrics, PFOA can interfere with metabolism.
- Tributyltin (TBT): Used in marine paints and as a pesticide, TBT can affect fat storage and metabolism.
- Atrazine: A widely used herbicide, atrazine has been linked to weight gain and metabolic issues.
Our intention in bringing these to light is to recognize that we do have some control in reducing our exposures to these chemicals by making more informed decisions about what is in our food, and beauty products. But being mindful of decreasing the toxic exposure is not enough. Our bodies today require more action through detoxification strategies in order to reset our system. We can not expect to have a high metabolism when individual cells are sluggish due to blocked hormone and neuro receptors from BPA, Phthalates, and toxic metals. We suggest starting with eating as many whole foods that are organic as possible. Also RO or other filtered water systems can reduce exposures to drinking a slew of chemicals in your water. EWG.org is another great resource to identify beauty products that may be harming you while offering suggestions for less toxic options. For anyone interested we also utilize the TOXDetect Profile® urine test by Mosaic Labs. A personal look at your individual burden can help create a detox treatment plan that may encompass infra-red sauna therapy, Frequency Specific Microcurrent detox treatments, and supportive supplements.
Step into Infra-red Sauna Therapy!
We live in a very toxic world, with exposure to pesticides, toxic metals, environmental pollution, and GMOs to name a few. Even with our best efforts it is impossible to avoid all toxins. Our body has organs and pathways all focused on the task of eliminating toxins. Sweating, a pathway through the skin, is one of the major, and underutilized pathways for elimination of toxins. Studies indicate sweating is a major method of excreting pesticides, toxic metals, including cadmium, lead, and aluminum, Bisphenol A (BPA), and mycotoxins associated with mold exposure.
Detoxing happens as infrared heat energy penetrates tissues, triggering mobilization of chemicals from subcutaneous fat storage, directly into the sweat. Detox programs built around infrared sauna therapy are the most effective and efficient methods of whole body detox. Besides infrared sauna’s ability to detoxify the body, which helps with weight loss, research indicates you can burn up to 600 calories in one 30-minute sauna session, as published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Saunas are able to heat your core body temperature, increasing blood flow and heart rate much like exercise. In other research conducted by Binghamton University they found that participants who spent 45-minute sessions in an infrared sauna 3 times a week, lost 4% body fat in just 16 weeks. Schedule infrared sauna therapy 3 times weekly for a length of 18 sessions. Depending on goals for weight loss this may be repeated as often as needed until reaching the desired weight loss goal. Consider adding vitamin and mineral supplements to improve liver function and detox pathways. We recommend Mitocore at 2 capsules twice daily. If doing the 7 days Core Restore program or Ultra Clear 10 detox program, the required supplements are included in the kits for the first 7-10 days. Consider more robust support by adding Detox IV therapy once weekly to energize the mitochondria and support liver detox pathways with high doses of glutathione.
STEP 4. Move more!
The greatest contributor toward metabolism is muscle mass. Muscles arise naturally in children and teenagers as a result of elevated growth hormone and sex steroids. As we age these muscle promoting hormones decline leading to a gradual loss of muscle and subsequent decline in metabolism. The only way we can combat this loss is to be more active. It is absolutely true about muscle, if we fail to use it we will lose it. We can take hormones to slow the process and perhaps reverse it to some degree, but no herb or prescription can ever replace the benefits of straight up exercise and activity. When we are active we will have more muscle. That muscle leads to a higher metabolism and as a result weight loss and easier weight maintenance. We all need to move more for a host of other reasons including cardiovascular health, mental health, prevention of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and dementia. There are very few chronic illnesses that fail to improve as a result of regular physical activity which raises the heart rate.
STEP 5. Start Peptide Injections!
Even with our best efforts we may not be reaching our goals in a way we desire. In that case we may succeed with injectable peptides. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues that work by helping the pancreas release the right amount of insulin in response to elevations in blood sugar. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other tissues in the body where the cells use it for energy. Insulin resistance occurs when the cells stop responding normally to insulin which is common in Type 2 diabetes and Prediabetes, and this contributes to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide also work by slowing the movement of food through the stomach and helps with appetite control and feeling full longer. This also helps reduce food cravings.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide were originally made for Type 2 Diabetes and are sold under the name Ozempic and Monjauro respectively, and then later the FDA approved the brand name Wegovy for weight loss in people with a BMI over 30.
In a double-blind control trial of Semaglutide, 1,961 adults with a BMI over 30, lost an average of 15% of their body weight during the 68-week trial of using the once-weekly injections. Other benefits included reductions in cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, HgA1c, blood sugar, lipids, and high sensitive CRP-a marker of inflammation.
For patients that have struggled with losing weight and are frustrated despite various diets, exercise, and other therapies, are good candidates for peptide injections. We often encourage patients to continue injections until goal weight is achieved and to focus on continuing a healthy diet and exercise regimen to maintain. If healthy habits are not maintained it is important to know the weight could be regained after stopping treatment. We recommend consulting with a holistic nutrition practitioner for an individualized nutrition approach to help with maintaining your goal weight.
Common side effects as the body is adjusting to the medicine include nausea, heartburn, abdominal discomfort, and constipation or diarrhea. These side effects usually are self-limiting and lessen as the body adjusts to the medicine. Serious side effects could occur in people who have hypoglycemia or history of pancreatitis. If someone has a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or medullary thyroid cancer they should not use Semaglutide. Patient’s report Tirzepatide is generally more tolerable with less side effects compared to Semaglutide.
Your prescribing physician will send in a 6 week dosing vial with instructions on how much to dose each week. The injections are tapered slowly upward every 4-6 weeks based on benefit and response. You will follow up with your physician every 4-6 weeks to determine the next appropriate dosing and frequency.