FAQ | Potere Health MD

Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable weight loss goals and celebrate milestones along the way.
AVOID drastic weight loss: Weight loss of 1 pound per week is ideal. More than this can make the body go into starvation mode and may result in hair loss or other hormonal abnormalities which are usually temporary.

3) Adopt a Balanced Diet:

Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: Emphasize whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods are not only lower in calories but also provide essential nutrients.
Control Portion Sizes: Even healthy foods can contribute to weight gain if eaten in large quantities. Use portion control to manage calorie intake.
Limit Processed Foods: Reduce consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages.

4) Incorporate Regular Physical Activity:

Aim for Consistency: Engage in a mix of aerobic exercises (like walking, running, or cycling) and strength training (like weight lifting or resistance exercises) for overall fitness.
Set Realistic Goals: Start with manageable exercise goals and gradually increase intensity and duration as your fitness improves.
Stay Active Daily: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking during breaks.

5) Monitor Your Progress:

Track Your Weight Loss: Keep a record of your weight and measurements to monitor progress and stay motivated.
Journal Your Food and Activity: Maintain a food and activity journal to identify patterns and make adjustments as needed.

Tips

Why Am I Not Losing Weight While Taking Semaglutide/Tirzepatide?

If you're not seeing the results you expected from GLP-1 therapy, here are some potential reasons why:

1) Medication Dosage Is Too Low

Incorrect Dosage: If you're on too low of a dose, you may not see the full effect. Make sure you're on the right dose, and talk to your doctor if you're unsure.
Inconsistent Use: Missing doses or not following the prescribed schedule can reduce effectiveness.

2) Diet and Caloric Intake

Still Eating Too Much: Even with reduced appetite, overeating or consuming more calories than you burn can prevent weight loss.
Diet Quality: A diet high in processed foods, sugars, or unhealthy fats can offset the effects of the medication. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods.

3) Exercise

Lack of Activity: Semaglutide and tirzepatide aren’t substitutes for physical activity. Regular exercise is essential for boosting metabolism and supporting weight loss.

4) Underlying Health Conditions

Thyroid Issues or Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like hypothyroidism, PCOS, or insulin resistance can make weight loss more difficult.
Other Health Issues: Chronic conditions or medications (like antidepressants or steroids) may also impact weight loss.

5) Individual Differences

Slower Response: Everyone’s body reacts differently to medications. It may take some time to see significant weight loss.
Genetics: Your genes can affect how well semaglutide or tirzepatide works for you.

6) Plateaus Are Normal

Weight Loss Plateaus: It’s common to hit a plateau during weight loss. Your body may adapt to the medication, and weight loss may slow down. This doesn’t mean the medication isn’t working.

What Can You Do?

Talk to Your Doctor: If you’re not losing weight, your doctor can check if your dosage needs adjustment or if there are underlying health issues.
Track Your Habits: Keep a food and activity journal to see if changes in diet or exercise might help.
Review Your Diet and Exercise: Even with medication, a balanced diet and regular exercise are key for successful weight loss.
Be Patient: Weight loss takes time. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are tools to support your journey, but lifestyle changes are also necessary for long-term success.

No Weight Loss

Constipation

CONSTIPATION

Constipation is a common side effect of semaglutide and tirzepatide. Here are some strategies you might consider to alleviate constipation during your treatment:

1) Increase Fiber Intake:

Eating more fiber can help keep things moving in your digestive system. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Foods like apples, pears, berries, beans, and oats are particularly beneficial.

2) Stay Hydrated:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes constipation can be alleviated simply by increasing your fluid intake.

3) Exercise Regularly:

Physical activity can stimulate your digestive system and help alleviate constipation. Aim for regular exercise, like walking or jogging.

4) Laxatives and Stool Softeners:

Over-the-counter options like psyllium husk, docusate sodium, polyethylene glycol, or 400 mg of magnesium (magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate) can help.

5) Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals:

Instead of large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the burden on your digestive system.

6) Avoid Processed Foods:

Foods high in fat and sugar and low in fiber can contribute to constipation. Try to minimize your intake of processed foods.

7) Consult Your Healthcare Provider:

If constipation persists or is severe, consult your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and might adjust your semaglutide dosage or suggest additional treatments.

Remember, individual responses can vary, so it might take a bit of experimentation to find what works best for you.

Diarrhea

DIARRHEA

Diarrhea is a common side effect of semaglutide and tirzepatide. Here are some strategies you might consider to minimize diarrhea during your treatment:

1) Start with a Low Dose

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are often started at a lower dose, and then gradually increased to minimize side effects. If diarrhea is bothersome, it might help to slow down the titration schedule under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

2) Hydrate Properly

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water, to replace any lost fluids and electrolytes. Consider oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replenish both water and essential electrolytes.

3) Eat Small, Frequent Meals

Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help reduce the burden on your digestive system. Avoid large, heavy meals that might exacerbate symptoms.
Try to focus on bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, rice, applesauce, and bananas (the BRAT diet).

4) Adjust Your Diet

Limit Fatty and Spicy Foods: These can be more difficult to digest and may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms.
Increase Fiber Gradually: While fiber can help form stool, introducing too much too quickly can aggravate diarrhea. Increase fiber in your diet slowly and monitor your symptoms.
Avoid Dairy Products: Some people experience worsened diarrhea with dairy intake, especially if they are lactose intolerant.

5) Consider Anti-Diarrheal Medications

Over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) can help reduce the frequency of diarrhea. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking these to ensure they are appropriate for you.
Probiotics may also help by restoring the balance of good bacteria in your gut.

6) Monitor for Other Side Effects

If you experience diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting consistently, or if the symptoms become severe, contact your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage, recommend additional treatments, or explore alternative medications.

7) Be Patient During the Adjustment Period

It’s common for side effects like diarrhea to be more severe during the first few weeks of treatment as your body adjusts to the medication. Symptoms may improve over time. However, always check with your healthcare provider if diarrhea persists or worsens.

8) Track Your Symptoms

Keep a symptom diary to track how often you experience diarrhea and any foods or activities that may make the symptoms worse or better. This will help your healthcare provider make more informed recommendations about your treatment.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Persistent or Severe Diarrhea: If diarrhea lasts more than a few days or becomes severe, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider. Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and other complications.

Signs of Dehydration: If you notice signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine, or reduced urination, seek medical attention immediately.

Other Gastrointestinal Symptoms: If you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in your stool, contact your healthcare provider right away.

ACID REFLUX (HEART BURN)

Managing GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) caused by semaglutide and tirzepatide can involve several strategies, as the medication can sometimes exacerbate reflux symptoms. Here are some tips to help manage GERD while on semaglutide:

1) Dietary Adjustments:

Avoid Trigger Foods: Common GERD triggers include spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty or fried foods. Identifying and avoiding your specific triggers can help.
Eat Smaller Meals: Larger meals can increase stomach pressure and reflux. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals.
Avoid Eating Late: Try not to eat within 2-3 hours of bedtime to prevent nighttime reflux.

2) Lifestyle Changes:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can exacerbate GERD symptoms. If overweight, working towards a healthy weight through diet and exercise might help.
Elevate the Head of Your Bed: Raising the head of your bed by 6-8 inches can help prevent nighttime reflux.
Avoid Tight Clothing: Tight belts or clothing around the abdomen can put extra pressure on the stomach and exacerbate symptoms.

3) Medications:

Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids such as calcium carbonate can help neutralize stomach acid.
H2 Receptor Antagonists: Medications like ranitidine or famotidine can reduce acid production.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Medications like omeprazole or esomeprazole can decrease stomach acid and may be recommended if antacids aren’t sufficient.

4) Dosage of Semaglutide:

Take Medications as Directed: If you suspect it's worsening your GERD, discuss with your healthcare provider whether adjusting the dosage might help.

GERD

NAUSEA

Nausea is a common side effect associated with semaglutide and tirzepatide. It is often temporary and can decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication.

1) Start with a Lower Dose:

If you’re new to semaglutide, starting with a lower dose can help your body adjust more gradually. Your healthcare provider can guide you on dose escalation.

2) Eat Small, Frequent Meals:

Eating smaller amounts of food more frequently throughout the day can prevent your stomach from being empty and help reduce nausea.

3) Avoid Foods Heavy in Fat:

Fried food and fatty meals decrease the rate at which food moves through your gastrointestinal tract and can lead to worsening nausea.

4) Choose Bland Foods:

Opt for bland foods that are easier on your stomach, such as crackers, toast, or applesauce.

5) Avoid Strong Odors:

Strong smells can worsen nausea. Try to stay in well-ventilated areas and avoid cooking or eating foods with strong odors.

6) Ginger or Peppermint:

Ginger tea, ginger ale (with real ginger), ginger candies, or peppermint tea and peppermint oil can help soothe nausea. Ginger and peppermint can also be taken in capsule form. These remedies are known for their anti-nausea properties.

7) Over the Counter Medication:

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be effective for managing nausea. Some of the more common ones include meclizine, dimenhydrinate, and diphenhydramine.

7) Rx Medication:

Prescription medication can be provided by your healthcare provider to help alleviate this side effect.

If nausea persists or becomes severe, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. They can assess whether the dosage needs adjustment or if other treatments are necessary.

Nausea

SULFUR BURPS

Sulfur burps, characterized by a rotten egg smell, can be an unpleasant side effect of taking semaglutide and tirzpepatide. Here’s how to manage and reduce them:

1. Adjust Your Diet:

Avoid Sulfur-Rich Foods: Reduce intake of foods that are high in sulfur, such as garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), and eggs.
Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals: Large meals can contribute to digestive issues. Eating smaller, more frequent meals might help reduce sulfur burps.

2. Digestive Health:

Probiotics: Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your diet. Probiotics can help balance gut bacteria and improve digestion.
Fiber Intake: Eating a balanced amount of dietary fiber can aid digestion. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good sources.
Avoid Carbonated Drinks: Carbonated beverages can increase bloating and burping. Opt for non-carbonated drinks instead.

3. Medications and Supplements:

Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids can help neutralize stomach acid and may reduce the occurrence of sulfur burps.

4. Eating Habits:

Eat Slowly and Chew Thoroughly: Eating too quickly can lead to swallowing air, which can contribute to burping. Take your time to chew your food thoroughly.
Avoid Drinking Through a Straw: Drinking through a straw can increase the amount of air you swallow, potentially leading to more burping.

5. Monitor and Adjust:

Track Foods and Symptoms: Keep a food diary to identify any patterns between your diet and the occurrence of sulfur burps. This can help you pinpoint specific triggers.

Consult your healthcare provider if sulfur burps persist or are severe, discuss them with your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjustments to your semaglutide dosage or explore other causes.

Sulfur