Mailbag: Understanding Insulin Resistance Testing and GLP-1 Medication Side Effects

Have you been told insulin resistance testing doesn't exist or wondered if you're increasing your GLP-1 dose too quickly?Dr. Cooper, Andrea, and Mark tackle listener questions from around the world, addressing common concerns about insulin resistance testing availability, managing severe GI side effects from higher doses, interpreting DEXA scan results, and developing sustainable maintenance strategies. They discuss the difference between hunger and food noise, explain why winter illness might stall weight loss, and share insights about visceral fat concerns even at normal weight.KEY TAKEAWAYSInsulin resistance can be tested through fasting insulin and glucose ratios, even in countries where insulin testing is less commonRapid weight loss rates above 15% annually may indicate no need for dose increasesSevere GI side effects warrant investigation beyond medication adjustment, including gallbladder evaluationDEXA scans provide valuable visceral fat measurements, but results should be interpreted alongside overall health markersMaintenance strategies should focus on nutritional stability before considering medication taperingNOTABLE QUOTE"It's not that the medicine causes the rebound weight gain, it's that with the medication in there, the body is getting better signals, and then you go and take the medication away and you're in the same boat." — Dr. Emily CooperLinks & ResourcesPodcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.comCooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.comResources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resourcesJoin Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcastSubmit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.comFat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.