July 9, 2025 • 15 mins
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have taken the weight loss world by storm—but with their rapid rise comes a hidden danger. In this episode of The Health Pulse, we expose the growing number of online services offering quick access to these powerful drugs—often without essential safety checks.
We break down the three types of GLP-1 providers you’ll encounter online—from legitimate telehealth practices to risky overseas sellers—and help you spot red flags that could put your health at risk. Most alarming? Many of these services skip critical lab tests needed before starting treatment.
You’ll learn why tests for kidney and liver function, thyroid markers, and blood glucose are non-negotiable—and how skipping them could lead to serious complications, including muscle loss, blood sugar crashes, or unmonitored side effects.
We also share how at-home blood testing through mobile services can empower safer GLP-1 use, even when working with telehealth providers. This episode is your go-to guide for protecting your body while navigating the world of prescription weight loss.
📞 Need lab work done from the comfort of home? QLM offers fast, reliable mobile phlebotomy services—no clinic visit required.
📅 Book your appointment or learn more at:
👉 Quick Lab Mobile
📧 Contact us: info@quicklabmobile.com
💬 Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover next! Your feedback helps us bring you the content that matters most.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The content discussed is based on research, expert insights, and reputable sources, but it does not replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. We strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, medical research is constantly evolving. Listeners should always verify details with trusted health organizations, before making any health-related decisions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, such as severe pain, difficulty breathing, or other urgent symptoms, call your local emergency services immediately. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that The Health Pulse and its creators are not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this episode. Your health and well-being should always be guided by the advice of qualified medical professionals.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Nicolette (00:01):
Welcome to the Health Pulse, your go-to source for
quick, actionable insights onhealth, wellness and diagnostics
.
Whether you're looking tooptimize your well-being or stay
informed about the latest inmedical testing, we've got you
covered.
Join us as we break down keyhealth topics in just minutes.
Let's dive in.
Mark (00:26):
You've probably heard someone say it recently.
Right, oh yeah, I startedOzempic last month.
I got it online, didn't evensee a doctor.
Rachel (00:32):
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, it's everywhere now.
Mark (00:36):
It really is.
That phrase is becomingincredibly common.
You know GLP-1 weight lossinjections like Ozempic, wagovi,
moonjaro they've just surged.
They're pretty mainstream nowin the fight against obesity and
metabolic disease.
Rachel (00:49):
Absolutely Mainstream is the word.
Mark (00:52):
And well, with that surge we're seeing this whole new wave
Online prescription services,ads all over social media, these
telehealth startups promisingsuper quick access.
Rachel (01:02):
Yeah, the convenience factor is huge.
Mark (01:05):
But that brings us to the big question what we really need
to unpack today.
Is it actually safe Starting apowerful metabolic medication
like semaglutide without seeinga doctor in person?
What labs might get skipped?
What risks are being overlookedjust for convenience?
Rachel (01:21):
That's the core issue really Convenience versus safety
.
Mark (01:24):
Exactly so.
That's our deep dive missiontoday.
We're going to pull back thecurtain on how these online
GLP-1 prescriptions really work.
What separates a legit providerfrom, well, a questionable one?
Rachel (01:36):
Right.
Mark (01:37):
And what are the crucial lab tests you absolutely need
before starting?
And, importantly, how cansomething like at-home lab
testing help you stay safe?
Rachel (01:46):
It's definitely needed.
The demand for these drugssemaglutide, tear's appetite
it's just skyrocketed and that'sfueled this.
Well, this explosion of onlineservices.
They all promise easy accessbut, like you said, the level of
oversight it varies a lot.
Generally, you can sort ofgroup these platforms into three
main buckets.
Mark (02:05):
Okay.
Rachel (02:06):
So first you've got the legitimate telemedicine clinics.
These guys operate fully withinUS telehealth laws.
They connect you with alicensed provider.
Mark (02:15):
Right, the proper channels .
Rachel (02:16):
Exactly.
They'll evaluate your medicalhistory, usually through a
secure video call or maybe areally detailed online form.
Think of places like Sequence,which Weight Watchers actually
bought, or Row Health, calibrateHealth those types.
These clinics are generallypretty thorough.
They'll usually want a detailedhealth intake form, a live
consult video or audio, and thisis key recent lab results,
(02:38):
often within the last, say, 6 to12 months, makes sense and they
typically offer ongoingfollow-up with clinical staff,
which is also really important.
Mark (02:45):
Got it.
So that's category one.
What's next?
Rachel (02:48):
Next we get into sort of a gray zone.
These are the compoundingpharmacies, or sometimes they
call themselves wellness clinics.
Mark (02:56):
Uh-huh, heard of those yeah.
Rachel (02:58):
They offer compounded regions of semaglutide or
tirazepatide through partnerpharmacies.
Now, technically this can belegal under FDA guidelines
during shortages.
But the quality control, theoversight, it can really vary
how so.
Well, some might not requirelab work at all, or they might
not check your full medicationlist properly or look for
(03:19):
contraindications and, honestly,sometimes you don't know if a
licensed pharmacist is evenoverseeing the formulation.
It's a spectrum and it's toughfor people to know what they're
actually getting.
Mark (03:28):
That sounds risky.
Ok, what's the third category?
Rachel (03:32):
And then you've got the the truly sketchy side the
questionable or totallynoncompliant sellers.
Mark (03:39):
Ah, the Wild West.
Rachel (03:40):
Pretty much.
These are websites sellingGLP-1s without asking for any
prescription or they're shippingfrom overseas.
With these guys, you canbasically guarantee they're
skipping labs, bypassing anykind of real provider review.
Mark (03:53):
And who knows what's actually in the vial.
Rachel (03:54):
Exactly.
Ingredient sourcing is totallyunclear.
It's dangerous territory.
Mark (04:03):
Okay, so that breakdown is really helpful For someone
trying to navigate this.
Maybe they land on a site thatlooks okay, maybe one of those
wellness clinics.
What's a subtle red flag?
Beyond the obvious, noprescription needed thing.
Rachel (04:13):
That's a really good point because they can look
professional.
Here's a key insight we hearfrom clinicians If you're being
offered a weekly injection withbasically no real consult, maybe
just a quick form, no clearprescription process and
absolutely zero review of anylab work, that's a huge red flag
.
It's not just about tickingboxes.
These drugs samaglutide,terzepatide.
(04:34):
They affect multiple organsystems.
They're powerful metabolicmodulators.
Skipping labs means you couldmiss serious underlying issues
or potential complications.
You're essentially flying blind.
Mark (04:46):
Flying blind.
Yeah, that really puts it intoperspective.
It's not just about losingweight, it's changing your whole
metabolic function, preciselywhich leads us right to baseline
labs.
If these drugs are so powerful,what information do we
absolutely need before starting?
Let's get into the specifics.
Rachel (05:02):
Yes, let's do that.
It's critical for safety andmaking sure the medication is
even right for you.
So let's walk through the keyblood tests.
Okay, first up, fasting glucoseand A1C.
The A1C gives you that pictureof your average blood sugar over
the last few months.
Mark (05:17):
Right See if you're diabetic, pre-diabetic or normal
range.
Rachel (05:20):
Exactly and here's why it matters so much with GLP-1s.
These drugs directly impactblood sugar.
If your levels are already lowor maybe borderline starting,
these could risk hypoglycemiadangerously low blood sugar,
especially if you combine itwith other meds or say intense
fasting.
Mark (05:37):
Okay, critical first step.
What else?
Rachel (05:39):
Next are your liver function tests.
We usually look at ALT, ast andGGT.
Your liver is processing mostmedications right and some
people might already haveelevated liver enzymes, maybe
from fatty liver disease, whichis common, or certain
supplements, even alcohol.
You need to know your baselinebecause these GLP-1s can also
(06:01):
influence liver enzymes.
Starting with existing stresscould cause problems.
Mark (06:05):
Right Makes sense.
Check the processor.
What about kidneys?
Rachel (06:08):
Absolutely Kidney function is next Looking at
creatinine, EGFR, maybe cystatinC.
These drugs are primarilycleared out by the kidneys.
So if your kidneys aren'tworking well, the drug could
build up potentially increasingside effects or toxicity.
That's why these meds usuallyaren't recommended.
If someone has advanced kidneydisease, it's a crucial check.
Mark (06:26):
Got it Liver kidneys.
What else is essential?
Rachel (06:29):
A lipid panel.
So cholesterol, HDL, LDL,triglycerides, Weight loss
itself and these medications canshift your lipid levels.
Knowing your starting pointhelps track those changes.
Make sure your things aremoving in the right direction
for heart health.
Mark (06:42):
Good point, track the impact.
Rachel (06:44):
And we also like to see electrolytes and a basic
metabolic panel or CMP.
This gives a broader look.
Kidney function, again bloodsugar, but also crucial
electrolytes like sodiumpotassium Really important if
you're changing your dietdrastically or fasting or maybe
already on blood pressure meds.
Mark (07:03):
OK, kind of a system check .
Rachel (07:04):
Exactly.
And then there's the thyroidpanel, usually TSH, free T3,
free T4.
Now there were some studies inrodents linking GLP-1s to
certain thyroid cell changes.
Mark (07:15):
I remember hearing about that.
Rachel (07:16):
Yeah, but importantly, that hasn't really been shown in
humans.
Still, knowing your thyroidbaseline is just smart,
especially if you already haveissues with energy or weight
regulation, why not have thedata?
Mark (07:28):
Fair point.
Better safe than sorry Anythingelse.
Rachel (07:30):
Well, sometimes MLS and LAPASE are recommended.
These check for pancreaticinflammation.
Pancreatitis is a rare sideeffect, but it can be serious,
so getting a baseline can bereassuring, especially if there
are other risk factors.
Mark (07:43):
Okay, that's a comprehensive list.
Rachel (07:44):
It really covers the key systems these drugs interact
with.
And here's a pro tip Even ifthe online place you're
considering doesn't require labs, you can, and probably should,
take the initiative yourself.
Yeah, services like QuickLabMobile, for instance.
They offer at-home blood draws.
A phlebotomist comes to yourhouse.
You can often get these testsdone even without a specific
(08:07):
doctor's order beforehand.
It puts you back in control ofgetting that baseline data.
Mark (08:12):
That's really empowering because, like we said, these
aren't trivial drugs.
They're powerful.
Rachel (08:16):
Very powerful.
Mark (08:17):
And skipping that proper screening, skipping the
oversight.
It obviously comes with risks.
Let's talk about thosepotential consequences.
What actually happens whenpeople skip the labs or use
these less reputable sources?
What are the dangers peoplemight not even realize.
Rachel (08:33):
Yeah, let's get into that because the risks are real
and sometimes hit them First bigone undiagnosed kidney or liver
issues.
We just talked about how theseorgans clear and process the
drugs.
If you start with compromisedfunction you didn't know about,
you're risking toxicity, fatigue, other side effects.
There was actually a 2023review in clinical diabetes that
hammered this point Monitorrenal and hepatic labs before
(08:56):
and during therapy.
That step gets skipped way toooften online.
Mark (09:00):
Wow, okay, so existing problems get worse.
What else?
Rachel (09:03):
Then there's the risk of hypoglycemia and nutritional
crashes.
If you're not actually insulinresistant, or if you combine
semi-glutide with really strictdiets or fasting, your blood
sugar can just plummet.
Mark (09:15):
Especially for non-diabetics using it just for
weight loss.
Rachel (09:17):
Exactly.
We see people getting superfatigued, dizzy, almost fainting
.
They crash because their bloodsugar drops too low and they had
no idea that was even a riskfor them.
Mark (09:26):
Scary, okay, what's another hidden danger?
Rachel (09:28):
This one surprises people Muscle loss instead of
just fat loss, Because GLP-1suppresses appetite so well.
It's easy to drastically cutcalories and protein without
realizing it.
You lose weight, yes, but achunk of it might be valuable
muscle mass.
Mark (09:43):
Right, I've heard about that.
People feel weaker.
Rachel (09:45):
Yes, we see it clinically.
Patients feel thrilled with thescale number, but then after a
few months they're justexhausted, weak.
It's often because they've losttoo much lean tissue.
Regular monitoring, eventracking protein intake, helps
avoid this.
But you need awareness.
Mark (10:00):
Awareness you don't get from a quick online form.
Rachel (10:02):
Precisely.
You also risk missing thyroidor pancreatic red flags.
Again, rare issues likepancreatitis or thyroid nodules
exist.
For people with a personal orfamily history of things like
MEN2, that's multiple endocrineneoplasia, these drugs might be
contraindicated.
Basic labs and a proper medicalhistory can catch these.
Skipping them.
(10:22):
It's a gamble.
Mark (10:23):
A serious gamble.
Rachel (10:25):
And maybe the biggest practical risk no one is
monitoring your side effects.
Going doctor-free often meansgoing follow-up free.
Nausea, vomiting, severeconstipation, dehydration these
are common side effects that canget serious if not managed.
So if you have a bad reaction,you're basically on your own
Many of these quick onlineplatforms.
They don't offer structuredfollow-up unless you pay extra,
(10:48):
if at all, so things can spiralwithout any guidance.
Mark (10:52):
It really paints a picture of why cutting corners is so
risky here.
Rachel (10:55):
It truly is.
So the big takeaway here pleasedon't let convenience trump
your health.
You can use these medicationseffectively, but you need to
protect yourself, and thingslike at-home labs, like from
QuickLab Mobile, they can helpyou do that even without needing
a clinic visit.
Mark (11:11):
That's a crucial point.
It's not about not usingtelemedicine, it's about using
it safely.
Rachel (11:16):
Exactly.
Mark (11:16):
So let's pivot to actionable advice.
If someone wants to exploreGLP-1s, maybe using an online
service, how can they do it theright way?
How can they prioritize safetyand actually get better results?
Rachel (11:28):
Okay, yes, let's break down the steps for doing this
safely from home.
Perfect Step one choose areputable online provider.
Look for one that requires aconsult with a licensed provider
, not just filling out a form.
Mark (11:39):
A real conversation.
Rachel (11:40):
Right.
They should review your fullhealth history, your current
meds.
They should give you guidanceon side effects, nutrition and,
critically, they should offerongoing follow-up or check-ins.
Mark (11:50):
And if they don't require labs.
Rachel (11:52):
That's a flag.
Ask them why and seriouslyconsider just getting the labs
done yourself anyway.
Mark (11:56):
Okay, solid advice.
Step one choose wisely what'sstep two.
Rachel (12:02):
Step two order those baseline lab tests.
We've hammered this, but it'svital Know your starting point,
whether they require it or not.
Mark (12:09):
Remind us of the key ones again.
Rachel (12:10):
Yep, fasting insulin and glucose definitely.
Kidney and liver function tests, thyroid markers, maybe some
inflammatory markers like CRP,ferritin and your lipid panel.
Right and again that pro tipservices like quick lab mobile
mean you don't need to leavehome or wait for a doctor's
order.
You can book it yourself.
Get that data.
Mark (12:29):
OK, baseline labs done, what next?
Rachel (12:32):
Step three is crucial for day-to-day management Track
your symptoms and adjust thesemeds change appetite, digestion,
blood sugar you need to payattention.
Mark (12:40):
How specifically?
Rachel (12:41):
Monitor how much you're actually eating, especially
protein.
Track your energy levels, yourmood.
Keep an eye on bowel habits.
Constipation is common.
Note any nausea or vomiting.
Maybe even keep a simplejournal for the first few weeks.
Mark (12:54):
Be mindful of the changes.
Rachel (12:56):
Exactly and communicate issues to your provider.
If you have one Step four, thenfollows naturally Retest your
labs every 8 to 12 weeks.
Mark (13:05):
Why retest so relatively soon?
Rachel (13:08):
Because things change as you lose weight.
Labs like your liver enzymes,alt kidney markers, creatinine
and your A1C can shift.
Retesting helps catch anynegative trends early.
It helps measure real progressbeyond the scale and it helps
you and your provider fine-tunethings maybe adjust the dose,
tweak your nutrition, addsupplements.
Mark (13:26):
So it's about ongoing monitoring, not just a one-time
check.
Rachel (13:29):
Absolutely Clinically, we see it all the time Patients
who test regularly.
They tend to get better overallresults, not just faster fat
loss, but less muscle loss,fewer side effects and better
improvements in their actualhealth markers.
It gives you a roadmap.
Mark (13:43):
A roadmap based on data, not just hope.
Rachel (13:45):
Precisely.
Mark (13:46):
Okay, so let's try and bring this all together.
These medications Oz, thesemedications Ozempic, wigovi,
monjaro they are, without adoubt, powerful tools.
They can really help withobesity, insulin resistance,
inflammation.
Rachel (13:59):
Huge potential benefits yes.
Mark (14:01):
But and it's a big but they come with real risks if not
used carefully, definitely.
And yes, starting them fromhome via telemedicine is
possible now it's a reality butthe difference between a safe,
effective journey and, frankly,a risky shortcut really boils
down to a few key things.
Rachel (14:20):
Lab testing, proper medical oversight and just being
educated about what you'retaking.
Mark (14:24):
Exactly you, the listener.
You deserve to know how yourbody is actually responding,
what underlying risks you mighthave, how to optimize your plan
using real data, not justguessing.
So test smart, track yourhealth.
Rachel (14:35):
Because this journey weight loss, metabolic health
it's deeply personal and whenyou're dealing with powerful
medications, being informed isalways, always better than being
rushed.
Mark (14:45):
Well said, and just that practical reminder again.
Services like QuickLab Mobilecan bring those certified
phlebotomists right to your homefor blood work, Whether you
have that provider's orderalready or not.
It makes getting today easier.
Rachel (14:58):
Definitely removes a barrier, and just our standard
note here the information we'vediscussed in this deep dive
today is really for educationaland informational purposes.
It's not a substitute forprofessional medical advice,
diagnosis or treatment.
It's not a substitute forprofessional medical advice,
diagnosis or treatment.
Always, always, talk to yourown qualified physician or
health care provider beforemaking any medical decisions
(15:18):
based on anything you hear.
Please don't rely just on thiscontent for your health choices.
Mark (15:24):
Of course, if you think you have a medical emergency,
seek immediate care.
Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearestemergency room.
Nicolette (15:35):
Thanks for tuning into the Health Pulse.
If you found this episodehelpful, don't forget to
subscribe and share it withsomeone who might benefit.
For more health insights anddiagnostics, visit us online at
wwwquicklabmobilecom.
Stay informed, stay healthy.
No-transcript.
Welcome to the Health Pulse, your go-to source for
quick, actionable insights onhealth, wellness and diagnostics
.
Whether you're looking tooptimize your well-being or stay
informed about the latest inmedical testing, we've got you
covered.
Join us as we break down keyhealth topics in just minutes.
Let's dive in.
Mark (00:26):
You've probably heard someone say it recently.
Right, oh yeah, I startedOzempic last month.
I got it online, didn't evensee a doctor.
Rachel (00:32):
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, it's everywhere now.
Mark (00:36):
It really is.
That phrase is becomingincredibly common.
You know GLP-1 weight lossinjections like Ozempic, wagovi,
moonjaro they've just surged.
They're pretty mainstream nowin the fight against obesity and
metabolic disease.
Rachel (00:49):
Absolutely Mainstream is the word.
Mark (00:52):
And well, with that surge we're seeing this whole new wave
Online prescription services,ads all over social media, these
telehealth startups promisingsuper quick access.
Rachel (01:02):
Yeah, the convenience factor is huge.
Mark (01:05):
But that brings us to the big question what we really need
to unpack today.
Is it actually safe Starting apowerful metabolic medication
like semaglutide without seeinga doctor in person?
What labs might get skipped?
What risks are being overlookedjust for convenience?
Rachel (01:21):
That's the core issue really Convenience versus safety
.
Mark (01:24):
Exactly so.
That's our deep dive missiontoday.
We're going to pull back thecurtain on how these online
GLP-1 prescriptions really work.
What separates a legit providerfrom, well, a questionable one?
Rachel (01:36):
Right.
Mark (01:37):
And what are the crucial lab tests you absolutely need
before starting?
And, importantly, how cansomething like at-home lab
testing help you stay safe?
Rachel (01:46):
It's definitely needed.
The demand for these drugssemaglutide, tear's appetite
it's just skyrocketed and that'sfueled this.
Well, this explosion of onlineservices.
They all promise easy accessbut, like you said, the level of
oversight it varies a lot.
Generally, you can sort ofgroup these platforms into three
main buckets.
Mark (02:05):
Okay.
Rachel (02:06):
So first you've got the legitimate telemedicine clinics.
These guys operate fully withinUS telehealth laws.
They connect you with alicensed provider.
Mark (02:15):
Right, the proper channels .
Rachel (02:16):
Exactly.
They'll evaluate your medicalhistory, usually through a
secure video call or maybe areally detailed online form.
Think of places like Sequence,which Weight Watchers actually
bought, or Row Health, calibrateHealth those types.
These clinics are generallypretty thorough.
They'll usually want a detailedhealth intake form, a live
consult video or audio, and thisis key recent lab results,
(02:38):
often within the last, say, 6 to12 months, makes sense and they
typically offer ongoingfollow-up with clinical staff,
which is also really important.
Mark (02:45):
Got it.
So that's category one.
What's next?
Rachel (02:48):
Next we get into sort of a gray zone.
These are the compoundingpharmacies, or sometimes they
call themselves wellness clinics.
Mark (02:56):
Uh-huh, heard of those yeah.
Rachel (02:58):
They offer compounded regions of semaglutide or
tirazepatide through partnerpharmacies.
Now, technically this can belegal under FDA guidelines
during shortages.
But the quality control, theoversight, it can really vary
how so.
Well, some might not requirelab work at all, or they might
not check your full medicationlist properly or look for
(03:19):
contraindications and, honestly,sometimes you don't know if a
licensed pharmacist is evenoverseeing the formulation.
It's a spectrum and it's toughfor people to know what they're
actually getting.
Mark (03:28):
That sounds risky.
Ok, what's the third category?
Rachel (03:32):
And then you've got the the truly sketchy side the
questionable or totallynoncompliant sellers.
Mark (03:39):
Ah, the Wild West.
Rachel (03:40):
Pretty much.
These are websites sellingGLP-1s without asking for any
prescription or they're shippingfrom overseas.
With these guys, you canbasically guarantee they're
skipping labs, bypassing anykind of real provider review.
Mark (03:53):
And who knows what's actually in the vial.
Rachel (03:54):
Exactly.
Ingredient sourcing is totallyunclear.
It's dangerous territory.
Mark (04:03):
Okay, so that breakdown is really helpful For someone
trying to navigate this.
Maybe they land on a site thatlooks okay, maybe one of those
wellness clinics.
What's a subtle red flag?
Beyond the obvious, noprescription needed thing.
Rachel (04:13):
That's a really good point because they can look
professional.
Here's a key insight we hearfrom clinicians If you're being
offered a weekly injection withbasically no real consult, maybe
just a quick form, no clearprescription process and
absolutely zero review of anylab work, that's a huge red flag
.
It's not just about tickingboxes.
These drugs samaglutide,terzepatide.
(04:34):
They affect multiple organsystems.
They're powerful metabolicmodulators.
Skipping labs means you couldmiss serious underlying issues
or potential complications.
You're essentially flying blind.
Mark (04:46):
Flying blind.
Yeah, that really puts it intoperspective.
It's not just about losingweight, it's changing your whole
metabolic function, preciselywhich leads us right to baseline
labs.
If these drugs are so powerful,what information do we
absolutely need before starting?
Let's get into the specifics.
Rachel (05:02):
Yes, let's do that.
It's critical for safety andmaking sure the medication is
even right for you.
So let's walk through the keyblood tests.
Okay, first up, fasting glucoseand A1C.
The A1C gives you that pictureof your average blood sugar over
the last few months.
Mark (05:17):
Right See if you're diabetic, pre-diabetic or normal
range.
Rachel (05:20):
Exactly and here's why it matters so much with GLP-1s.
These drugs directly impactblood sugar.
If your levels are already lowor maybe borderline starting,
these could risk hypoglycemiadangerously low blood sugar,
especially if you combine itwith other meds or say intense
fasting.
Mark (05:37):
Okay, critical first step.
What else?
Rachel (05:39):
Next are your liver function tests.
We usually look at ALT, ast andGGT.
Your liver is processing mostmedications right and some
people might already haveelevated liver enzymes, maybe
from fatty liver disease, whichis common, or certain
supplements, even alcohol.
You need to know your baselinebecause these GLP-1s can also
(06:01):
influence liver enzymes.
Starting with existing stresscould cause problems.
Mark (06:05):
Right Makes sense.
Check the processor.
What about kidneys?
Rachel (06:08):
Absolutely Kidney function is next Looking at
creatinine, EGFR, maybe cystatinC.
These drugs are primarilycleared out by the kidneys.
So if your kidneys aren'tworking well, the drug could
build up potentially increasingside effects or toxicity.
That's why these meds usuallyaren't recommended.
If someone has advanced kidneydisease, it's a crucial check.
Mark (06:26):
Got it Liver kidneys.
What else is essential?
Rachel (06:29):
A lipid panel.
So cholesterol, HDL, LDL,triglycerides, Weight loss
itself and these medications canshift your lipid levels.
Knowing your starting pointhelps track those changes.
Make sure your things aremoving in the right direction
for heart health.
Mark (06:42):
Good point, track the impact.
Rachel (06:44):
And we also like to see electrolytes and a basic
metabolic panel or CMP.
This gives a broader look.
Kidney function, again bloodsugar, but also crucial
electrolytes like sodiumpotassium Really important if
you're changing your dietdrastically or fasting or maybe
already on blood pressure meds.
Mark (07:03):
OK, kind of a system check .
Rachel (07:04):
Exactly.
And then there's the thyroidpanel, usually TSH, free T3,
free T4.
Now there were some studies inrodents linking GLP-1s to
certain thyroid cell changes.
Mark (07:15):
I remember hearing about that.
Rachel (07:16):
Yeah, but importantly, that hasn't really been shown in
humans.
Still, knowing your thyroidbaseline is just smart,
especially if you already haveissues with energy or weight
regulation, why not have thedata?
Mark (07:28):
Fair point.
Better safe than sorry Anythingelse.
Rachel (07:30):
Well, sometimes MLS and LAPASE are recommended.
These check for pancreaticinflammation.
Pancreatitis is a rare sideeffect, but it can be serious,
so getting a baseline can bereassuring, especially if there
are other risk factors.
Mark (07:43):
Okay, that's a comprehensive list.
Rachel (07:44):
It really covers the key systems these drugs interact
with.
And here's a pro tip Even ifthe online place you're
considering doesn't require labs, you can, and probably should,
take the initiative yourself.
Yeah, services like QuickLabMobile, for instance.
They offer at-home blood draws.
A phlebotomist comes to yourhouse.
You can often get these testsdone even without a specific
(08:07):
doctor's order beforehand.
It puts you back in control ofgetting that baseline data.
Mark (08:12):
That's really empowering because, like we said, these
aren't trivial drugs.
They're powerful.
Rachel (08:16):
Very powerful.
Mark (08:17):
And skipping that proper screening, skipping the
oversight.
It obviously comes with risks.
Let's talk about thosepotential consequences.
What actually happens whenpeople skip the labs or use
these less reputable sources?
What are the dangers peoplemight not even realize.
Rachel (08:33):
Yeah, let's get into that because the risks are real
and sometimes hit them First bigone undiagnosed kidney or liver
issues.
We just talked about how theseorgans clear and process the
drugs.
If you start with compromisedfunction you didn't know about,
you're risking toxicity, fatigue, other side effects.
There was actually a 2023review in clinical diabetes that
hammered this point Monitorrenal and hepatic labs before
(08:56):
and during therapy.
That step gets skipped way toooften online.
Mark (09:00):
Wow, okay, so existing problems get worse.
What else?
Rachel (09:03):
Then there's the risk of hypoglycemia and nutritional
crashes.
If you're not actually insulinresistant, or if you combine
semi-glutide with really strictdiets or fasting, your blood
sugar can just plummet.
Mark (09:15):
Especially for non-diabetics using it just for
weight loss.
Rachel (09:17):
Exactly.
We see people getting superfatigued, dizzy, almost fainting
.
They crash because their bloodsugar drops too low and they had
no idea that was even a riskfor them.
Mark (09:26):
Scary, okay, what's another hidden danger?
Rachel (09:28):
This one surprises people Muscle loss instead of
just fat loss, Because GLP-1suppresses appetite so well.
It's easy to drastically cutcalories and protein without
realizing it.
You lose weight, yes, but achunk of it might be valuable
muscle mass.
Mark (09:43):
Right, I've heard about that.
People feel weaker.
Rachel (09:45):
Yes, we see it clinically.
Patients feel thrilled with thescale number, but then after a
few months they're justexhausted, weak.
It's often because they've losttoo much lean tissue.
Regular monitoring, eventracking protein intake, helps
avoid this.
But you need awareness.
Mark (10:00):
Awareness you don't get from a quick online form.
Rachel (10:02):
Precisely.
You also risk missing thyroidor pancreatic red flags.
Again, rare issues likepancreatitis or thyroid nodules
exist.
For people with a personal orfamily history of things like
MEN2, that's multiple endocrineneoplasia, these drugs might be
contraindicated.
Basic labs and a proper medicalhistory can catch these.
Skipping them.
(10:22):
It's a gamble.
Mark (10:23):
A serious gamble.
Rachel (10:25):
And maybe the biggest practical risk no one is
monitoring your side effects.
Going doctor-free often meansgoing follow-up free.
Nausea, vomiting, severeconstipation, dehydration these
are common side effects that canget serious if not managed.
So if you have a bad reaction,you're basically on your own
Many of these quick onlineplatforms.
They don't offer structuredfollow-up unless you pay extra,
(10:48):
if at all, so things can spiralwithout any guidance.
Mark (10:52):
It really paints a picture of why cutting corners is so
risky here.
Rachel (10:55):
It truly is.
So the big takeaway here pleasedon't let convenience trump
your health.
You can use these medicationseffectively, but you need to
protect yourself, and thingslike at-home labs, like from
QuickLab Mobile, they can helpyou do that even without needing
a clinic visit.
Mark (11:11):
That's a crucial point.
It's not about not usingtelemedicine, it's about using
it safely.
Rachel (11:16):
Exactly.
Mark (11:16):
So let's pivot to actionable advice.
If someone wants to exploreGLP-1s, maybe using an online
service, how can they do it theright way?
How can they prioritize safetyand actually get better results?
Rachel (11:28):
Okay, yes, let's break down the steps for doing this
safely from home.
Perfect Step one choose areputable online provider.
Look for one that requires aconsult with a licensed provider
, not just filling out a form.
Mark (11:39):
A real conversation.
Rachel (11:40):
Right.
They should review your fullhealth history, your current
meds.
They should give you guidanceon side effects, nutrition and,
critically, they should offerongoing follow-up or check-ins.
Mark (11:50):
And if they don't require labs.
Rachel (11:52):
That's a flag.
Ask them why and seriouslyconsider just getting the labs
done yourself anyway.
Mark (11:56):
Okay, solid advice.
Step one choose wisely what'sstep two.
Rachel (12:02):
Step two order those baseline lab tests.
We've hammered this, but it'svital Know your starting point,
whether they require it or not.
Mark (12:09):
Remind us of the key ones again.
Rachel (12:10):
Yep, fasting insulin and glucose definitely.
Kidney and liver function tests, thyroid markers, maybe some
inflammatory markers like CRP,ferritin and your lipid panel.
Right and again that pro tipservices like quick lab mobile
mean you don't need to leavehome or wait for a doctor's
order.
You can book it yourself.
Get that data.
Mark (12:29):
OK, baseline labs done, what next?
Rachel (12:32):
Step three is crucial for day-to-day management Track
your symptoms and adjust thesemeds change appetite, digestion,
blood sugar you need to payattention.
Mark (12:40):
How specifically?
Rachel (12:41):
Monitor how much you're actually eating, especially
protein.
Track your energy levels, yourmood.
Keep an eye on bowel habits.
Constipation is common.
Note any nausea or vomiting.
Maybe even keep a simplejournal for the first few weeks.
Mark (12:54):
Be mindful of the changes.
Rachel (12:56):
Exactly and communicate issues to your provider.
If you have one Step four, thenfollows naturally Retest your
labs every 8 to 12 weeks.
Mark (13:05):
Why retest so relatively soon?
Rachel (13:08):
Because things change as you lose weight.
Labs like your liver enzymes,alt kidney markers, creatinine
and your A1C can shift.
Retesting helps catch anynegative trends early.
It helps measure real progressbeyond the scale and it helps
you and your provider fine-tunethings maybe adjust the dose,
tweak your nutrition, addsupplements.
Mark (13:26):
So it's about ongoing monitoring, not just a one-time
check.
Rachel (13:29):
Absolutely Clinically, we see it all the time Patients
who test regularly.
They tend to get better overallresults, not just faster fat
loss, but less muscle loss,fewer side effects and better
improvements in their actualhealth markers.
It gives you a roadmap.
Mark (13:43):
A roadmap based on data, not just hope.
Rachel (13:45):
Precisely.
Mark (13:46):
Okay, so let's try and bring this all together.
These medications Oz, thesemedications Ozempic, wigovi,
monjaro they are, without adoubt, powerful tools.
They can really help withobesity, insulin resistance,
inflammation.
Rachel (13:59):
Huge potential benefits yes.
Mark (14:01):
But and it's a big but they come with real risks if not
used carefully, definitely.
And yes, starting them fromhome via telemedicine is
possible now it's a reality butthe difference between a safe,
effective journey and, frankly,a risky shortcut really boils
down to a few key things.
Rachel (14:20):
Lab testing, proper medical oversight and just being
educated about what you'retaking.
Mark (14:24):
Exactly you, the listener.
You deserve to know how yourbody is actually responding,
what underlying risks you mighthave, how to optimize your plan
using real data, not justguessing.
So test smart, track yourhealth.
Rachel (14:35):
Because this journey weight loss, metabolic health
it's deeply personal and whenyou're dealing with powerful
medications, being informed isalways, always better than being
rushed.
Mark (14:45):
Well said, and just that practical reminder again.
Services like QuickLab Mobilecan bring those certified
phlebotomists right to your homefor blood work, Whether you
have that provider's orderalready or not.
It makes getting today easier.
Rachel (14:58):
Definitely removes a barrier, and just our standard
note here the information we'vediscussed in this deep dive
today is really for educationaland informational purposes.
It's not a substitute forprofessional medical advice,
diagnosis or treatment.
It's not a substitute forprofessional medical advice,
diagnosis or treatment.
Always, always, talk to yourown qualified physician or
health care provider beforemaking any medical decisions
(15:18):
based on anything you hear.
Please don't rely just on thiscontent for your health choices.
Mark (15:24):
Of course, if you think you have a medical emergency,
seek immediate care.
Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearestemergency room.
Nicolette (15:35):
Thanks for tuning into the Health Pulse.
If you found this episodehelpful, don't forget to
subscribe and share it withsomeone who might benefit.
For more health insights anddiagnostics, visit us online at
wwwquicklabmobilecom.
Stay informed, stay healthy.
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