The weight loss effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications like Wegovy are well known. In studies, patients taking a 2.4-mg dose of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, lost about 6% of their body weight in 12 weeks and 12% in 28 weeks. Combining targeted ingredients like those provided by the Healthy Weight Pack with GLP-1 can enhance these effects by supporting metabolic health and helping to enhance GLP-1’s therapy benefits.
Packed with nutrients like carnitine tartrate for fat metabolism and green tea extract for metabolism, as well as berberine and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) for blood sugar control, each dose can help improve weight loss outcomes whether you’re taking a GLP-1 drug or simply as a booster to general, non-medication weight loss efforts.Â
What Is the Healthy Weight Pack and How Does It Work?
Each Healthy Weight Pack dose contains:
- Alpha-lipoic acid (500mg)
- Berberine (500mg)
- Green Coffee Bean Extract (500mg)
- Carnitine tartrate (500mg)
Below, we’ll explore each ingredient and how it may enhance GLP-1 therapy.
Alpha-lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in the body by helping to turn food into energy and protecting cells from damage. For those using GLP-1 medications, ALA can be an excellent addition. As an antioxidant, it supports overall health and can complement weight management efforts.
Some studies suggest that alpha-lipoic acid might help with blood sugar control, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. They found that the nutrient helped lower blood sugar and insulin resistance.
Research also suggests that ALA might have a small but significant impact on weight loss. For example, a review of 12 studies showed that participants taking ALA supplements lost about 1.5 pounds over 14 weeks compared to those on placebos. Another review of 47 studies reported an average weight loss of 5 pounds.
Important Safety Precautions
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) can interact with some diabetic medications, so do not use it without first consulting a healthcare provider. For example, ALA may improve insulin sensitivity, which could lower blood sugar levels. If you are taking diabetes medications like metformin, insulin, or sulfonylureas, this could increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Be sure to monitor blood sugar levels carefully if you are using ALA along with these drugs.Â
Berberine
Berberine is a natural compound found in plants like Goldenseal, the Amur cork tree, and shrubs from the Berberis family. For centuries, it’s been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to help with infections and other health problems. One of the key benefits of berberine is its ability to boost metabolic health due to its ability to help manage blood sugar levels. Berberine can help lower blood sugar in several ways. These include improving how the body uses insulin, assisting the body to produce more insulin, regulating how the body processes energy by breaking down glucose more effectively, and reducing how much glucose the liver makes. Berberine also slows the speed at which carbohydrates are absorbed in the gut and increases nitric oxide, which helps widen blood vessels.Â
Berberine’s benefits have earned it the internet nickname “Nature’s Ozempic” for its weight loss effects, but it works very differently from GLP-1 medications. GLP-1 medications mimic a hormone called GLP-1, which helps lower appetite by increasing insulin, reducing glucagon, and slowing down how quickly the stomach empties. Berberine can promote weight loss through other processes. It activates a pathway called AMP-activated protein kinase, which helps regulate energy use and fat metabolism while improving insulin sensitivity.
Important! Safety Precautions
Berberine is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, if you are taking medications for diabetes, talk to a doctor before using it, as it can interact with other drugs. For example, it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when combined with medications that lower blood sugar, such as GLP-1, metformin, and insulin. Berberine may also interact with medications processed by the liver, so caution is advised.
Green Coffee Bean Extract
Green coffee beans, also known as raw coffee beans, are often used in supplements. The benefits of green coffee bean extract may include potential weight loss and health perks such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These benefits come from the antioxidants and active compounds found in the unroasted beans.
Green coffee bean extract has chlorogenic acids, a type of antioxidant that may offer several health benefits. Studies suggest that green coffee bean extract may reduce blood sugar levels and aid in weight loss.Â
A 2017 study on obese women found that taking 400 mg of green coffee bean extract for 8 weeks, combined with a calorie-restricted diet, led to more weight loss than just following the diet alone. Those using the extract also showed lower total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and free fatty acids. Researchers believe the benefits of this extract come from how it helps break down fat in the body, which may support weight management.
Carnitine Tartrate
Carnitine tartrate is a specific form of L-carnitine and one of the best for boosting exercise performance. It helps the body produce energy by moving fatty acids into the cells’ mitochondria (which make energy), where they’re burned for fuel. This process makes it a popular choice for weight loss and fat metabolism.
Carnitine is found in animal-based foods like meat and dairy. However, people following restrictive diets may not eat enough of it. Considering that GLP-1 often reduces appetite, carnitine may be a worthwhile addition as a supplement to ensure people on this medication are getting their required amount even with a restricted eating plan.
A 2021 review showed that taking carnitine daily for at least two weeks supported weight loss. A 2023 review found that carnitine supplements may lower fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels while improving how the body uses insulin. It works by changing insulin receptors and affecting genes that control how the body processes sugar. Carnitine may also improve the function of beta cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin.
Are there any other supplements I should consider apart from Healthy Weight Pack with GLP-1?
Other supplements to consider would be a good quality multivitamin made specifically for men or for women and a fiber/probiotic supplement. The multivitamin would be useful for covering any nutritional gaps that come with a reduction in food intake and appetite, and the fiber/probiotic supplement may help to alleviate some of the side effects that are common with GLP-1 medications, such as digestive issues.
Final Thoughts on Supporting a GLP-1 Journey
Incorporating GLP-1 medications like Wegovy with supportive supplements, such as the Healthy Weight Pack, can enhance weight loss results and improve overall metabolic health. With ingredients that aid fat metabolism, boost metabolism, and regulate blood sugar, this combination offers a comprehensive approach to achieving weight loss goals more effectively.
FAQ
Does green coffee keep you awake?
Green coffee beans, like roasted coffee, naturally have caffeine. While consuming caffeine in moderation is generally considered safe for most healthy individuals, excessive amounts may cause issues like anxiety, disrupted sleep, and elevated blood pressure.
Does green coffee bean extract have long-term effects?
Scientists don’t yet know the long-term effects of green coffee bean extract as a supplement because research is limited. However, studies so far show that it’s generally safe to use. However, since it contains caffeine, taking too much can lead to side effects.
Does carnitine affect sleep?
Carnitine supplementation may be beneficial for sleep. Some studies show that taking 500 to 510 mg of Carnitine daily might help manage narcolepsy, a condition that disrupts normal sleep patterns.
Is carnitine good for PCOS?
Some research suggests that L-carnitine may help lower body weight, BMI, and belly fat in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Who should not take carnitine?
People taking certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants should talk to their doctor before using L-carnitine, as it might interact with these medications.Â
What food has the most alpha-lipoic acid?
Foods that contain alpha lipoic acid antioxidant (ALA) include organ meats like liver and kidneys, along with green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.
Does alpha-lipoic acid burn belly fat?
Some studies show that while alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplements helped overweight people lose a little weight, they didn’t reduce the size of their waists.
What does berberine do to hormones?
Berberine supports GLP-1 medication users for its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and lower insulin levels, helping to balance hormones. It can also reduce high androgen levels, a common issue for women with PCOS. These berberine benefits make it especially helpful for those using GLP-1 medications to manage weight and metabolic health.
How should I take the Healthy Weight Pack with GLP-1?
Take one pack daily in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program. As the pack contains green coffee bean extract, it may be a good idea to take it in the morning so it does not affect sleep.
Are there any side effects to these supplements?
Taking a Healthy Weight Pack with GLP-1 usually has no issues. However, it’s important to check with a doctor, especially if taking GLP-1 medications or if there are any other health conditions, to make sure they’re safe.
How soon can I see results from Healthy Weight Pack with GLP-1?
Results vary from person to person, but most people notice more energy, better digestion, and improved weight loss within a few weeks of consistent use of the healthy weight pack. These results will likely be much faster in combination with GLP-1 medications.
