GLP-1 and Weight Loss Peptides Panel
Weight loss peptides like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Retatrutide, Cagrilintide, Mazdutide, Survodutide, and SLU-PP-332 are game-changers—they curb hunger, torch fat, and rev up metabolism by mimicking hormones like GLP-1, GIP, or glucagon. Semaglutideslows digestion and cuts cravings, Tirzepatide doubles down with GIP for extra fat-burning, and Retatrutide triples the action with glucagon for even more weight loss. But these powerhouses tweak —blood sugar, organs, even muscles—so it’s important to monitor the effects of these products. These lab panels ensure liver and kidneys aren’t overworked, glucose is steady, and fat is being lost, not muscle. They catch side effects like inflammation or electrolyte dips early, so weight can be reduced safely while keeping energy levels up.
What’s Included:
Amylase and Lipase
- Reason: Monitors pancreatic function. GLP-1 agonists (Semaglutide, Mazdutide) and related peptides may rarely cause pancreatitis, a known side effect. Testing ensures pancreatic safety, especially with gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, common with these drugs.
Fasting Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
- Reason: Measures short- and long-term blood sugar control. GLP-1 agonists (Semaglutide, Mazdutide) and dual/triple agonists (Tirzepatide, Retatrutide) enhance insulin secretion and sensitivity, lowering glucose. This panel ensures glycemic control is optimized without tipping into hypoglycemia, especially critical for non-diabetic users focused on weight loss.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Reason: Assesses overall health, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Weight loss peptides like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide can influence metabolism and hydration status, potentially affecting blood cell counts. This test ensures no anemia, infection, or dehydration occurs due to rapid weight loss or gastrointestinal side effects.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Reason: Evaluates liver (ALT, AST) and kidney function (creatinine, BUN), glucose, and electrolytes. These peptides are metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys, and they alter glucose dynamics. Monitoring ensures organ safety, detects metabolic imbalances (e.g., hypoglycemia from insulin sensitization), and tracks electrolyte shifts from fluid changes.
Lipid Panel (Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides)
- Reason: Tracks cardiovascular health and fat metabolism. Peptides like Tirzepatide and Survodutide promote fat loss and may improve lipid profiles (e.g., lower triglycerides), but rapid weight loss can temporarily elevate lipids. This test confirms cardiometabolic benefits and ensures heart health isn’t compromised.
Insulin and C-Peptide
- Reason: Assesses insulin production and sensitivity. Peptides like Semaglutide and Retatrutide (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonists) enhance insulin release and fat metabolism. Monitoring prevents overcompensation (hyperinsulinemia) or resistance, ensuring metabolic efficiency aligns with weight loss goals.
Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)
- Reason: Evaluates thyroid function, which regulates metabolism. Glucagon-based peptides (Survodutide, Retatrutide) and rapid weight loss can influence thyroid hormone levels. This panel ensures thyroid stability, as imbalances could amplify fatigue or hinder weight loss progress.
Cortisol
- Reason: Measures adrenal stress response. Weight loss peptides can alter energy expenditure (e.g., SLU-PP-332’s ERR agonism, Retatrutide’s glucagon activity), potentially stressing adrenals. Monitoring cortisol prevents overactivation that could counteract fat loss or cause fatigue.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
- Reason: Gauges systemic inflammation. Peptides like Cagrilintide (amylin analog) and GLP-1 agonists reduce inflammation tied to obesity, but rapid fat loss can transiently increase it. This test confirms inflammation is decreasing, supporting overall health benefits.
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium)
- Reason: Checks mineral balance critical for muscle and nerve function. Rapid weight loss and appetite suppression (e.g., from Tirzepatide or Cagrilintide) can shift fluids and electrolytes, risking cramps or arrhythmias. This panel ensures stability during metabolic changes.
Vitamin B12 and Folate
- Reason: Supports energy and red blood cell production. GLP-1 agonists slow gastric emptying, potentially reducing nutrient absorption, while weight loss diets may limit intake. This test prevents deficiencies that could sap energy or mimic peptide side effects like fatigue.
