Description

With the increasing use of weight loss medications to help with weight management it is important to have monitoring of labs to watch for complications. Although weight loss medications tend to be rather safe it is helpful to monitor blood sugar response, liver enzymes, hemoglobin A1c as it is typically elevated at the onset of treatment. Monitoring labs every 3 months are at the request of your provider. This can help decrease the chances of complications from medication as you proceed on your weight loss journey.

This panel includes the following test:

Amylase

C-peptide

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)

Lipid Panel

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Fasting recommended.

Additional information about each test is listed below:

Amylase is important for weight loss because it breaks down complex carbohydrates (starches) into simpler sugars, which can potentially help with weight management by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates, leading to a feeling of fullness and potentially reducing overall calorie intake, especially when combined with an amylase inhibitor found in certain foods like white kidney beans; essentially, by slowing down the digestion process, it can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote satiety. 

C-peptide is important for weight loss because it acts as a marker for the body's insulin production, and by monitoring C-peptide levels, individuals can understand how well their body is managing blood sugar, which is crucial for effective weight loss, particularly in individuals with conditions like type 2 diabetes where insulin resistance can hinder weight management; significantly reducing weight can often lead to a decrease in C-peptide levels as insulin sensitivity improves and the body requires less insulin production. 

A complete blood count (CBC) is important for weight loss because it can reveal underlying conditions like anemia, which can significantly impact your energy levels and make it harder to lose weight by limiting your body's ability to efficiently utilize oxygen due to a low red blood cell count; this can lead to fatigue, hindering exercise and overall activity levels that are crucial for successful weight loss. 

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures 14 substances in your blood to provide a picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism.

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures key components of your metabolism, liver, and kidneys. It can help identify health conditions that may impact weight loss, and can help you and your healthcare provider create a personalized weight management plan. 

A lipid panel is important for weight loss because it measures the levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood, which can significantly improve with weight loss, indicating a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, a major concern for individuals trying to lose weight, especially if they are overweight or obese; essentially, monitoring your lipid panel helps you track the positive impact of weight loss on your heart health by showing decreases in "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and increases in "good" cholesterol (HDL) levels. 

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are important for weight loss because they indicate the levels of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism.