Glycine in Combination with GLP-1 Medications
Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX and Westlake Hills, TX
Taking glycine in combination with GLP-1 medications is an emerging approach with potential for optimizing the endocrine system and enhancing weight loss results. Approximately 70% of adults in the United States are overweight or obese (1), and as of 2020, an estimated 1 billion people around the world are overweight or obese. (2) Losing weight is not just about aesthetics; being overweight can also affect your health, mobility, and daily performance. Injectable weight loss medications have helped many patients improve their health, and the addition of glycine can potentially help enhance their effects to optimize weight loss efforts.
The team at Austin Plastic Surgeon takes a holistic approach to weight loss to help support you during your weight loss journey, offering glycine as a supplement to weight loss medications.
Contact us online or call your closest Austin Plastic Surgeon office to schedule an appointment to learn more about how we can help you achieve your body and weight loss goals.
Contents
- 1 About Glycine in Combination with GLP-1 Medications
- 2 Benefits
- 3 Why Muscle Loss Happens with GLP-1 Medications
- 4 Candidates
- 5 Consultation
- 6 Preparation & Treatment Process
- 7 After Your Treatment
- 8 Results
- 9 Body Contouring After Weight Loss
- 10 Cost of Glycine and GLP-1 Medications in Austin
- 11 FAQ
- 11.1 How is medical weight loss different from dieting alone?
- 11.2 Can anyone take weight loss medications?
- 11.3 How long does it take to see the results of weight loss medication?
- 11.4 Can I combine medical weight loss with exercise?
- 11.5 How long will I need to stay on medical weight medications?
- 11.6 What is glycine?
- 12 References
About Glycine in Combination with GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications increase your body’s insulin production because your body registers the medication as the GLP-1 hormone. This helps to regulate your appetite, stabilize your blood sugar, and increase feelings of satiety. When used as a long-term treatment, these medications can help you achieve massive weight loss and reduce the risk of developing or worsening weight-related conditions. (3)
Glycine is a neurotransmitter that modulates intestinal hormone release, potentially making for more effective weight loss. (4) These weekly injections can reduce your risk of long-term health complications and help you achieve significant and sustainable outcomes.
Compounded Medication vs. Glycine
Receiving glycine in combination with GLP-1 medication is not the same as compounded weight loss medication. Compounded weight loss medication involves creating a version of GLP-1 that is commercially available using ingredients that a provider sources. This will allow a provider to customize the GLP-1 medication and allow providers to create a personalized formula tailored to each patient’s specific health concerns. It is customizable for your specific needs.
Benefits
There are several benefits of taking glycine in combination with GLP-1 medications. Under the guidance of the experts at Austin Plastic Surgeon, our patients regularly see improvements through:
- Effective weight loss: Combining semaglutide and/or tirzepatide with glycine can help you lose weight more effectively.
- Improved feelings of satiety: Semaglutide and/or tirzepatide can optimize your metabolism to help you feel full after smaller portion sizes.
- Potential enhancement of GLP-1 medication: Glycine is thought to have potential for stimulating natural GLP-1 hormone production, which could enhance the effectiveness of these medications.
- Increased insulin sensitivity: Increasing your insulin response can optimize your endocrine system to help your body process excess fat more quickly.
- Long-lasting results: If you maintain a stable weight, you can enjoy long-lasting results.
- Convenient treatment: Medications are delivered through quick, well-tolerated injections each week.
Why Muscle Loss Happens with GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1s suppress appetite and reduce calorie intake. Without adequate protein intake, resistance training, or anabolic support, the body may break down lean muscle mass along with fat. Studies show up to 30–40% of weight loss on GLP-1s can be lean mass if unaddressed.
How Glycine Helps Preserve Muscle Mass
1. Stimulates Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS)
- Glycine activates mTOR signaling, a key pathway for building and repairing muscle.
- Though not a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), glycine supports MPS indirectly by enhancing the effectiveness of other amino acids and promoting a favorable anabolic environment.
2. Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
- Glycine is anti-inflammatory and reduces oxidative stress, both of which can contribute to muscle catabolism during caloric restriction or weight loss.
- It supports glutathione production, enhancing cellular repair and resilience.
3. Improves Sleep & Growth Hormone Release
- Glycine enhances deep sleep, which correlates with higher growth hormone release, essential for muscle recovery and preservation.
- This is especially important during rapid fat loss phases when recovery is critical.
4. Enhances Collagen Synthesis
- Collagen is vital for muscle fascia integrity, tendon strength, and joint support—all of which play roles in functional muscle maintenance during weight loss.
- This can also reduce the risk of injury during increased physical activity.
5. Supports Glucose Regulation & Insulin Sensitivity
- Glycine helps improve insulin signaling, which is crucial for nutrient partitioning, directing nutrients toward muscle instead of fat.
- Helps GLP-1 patients maintain better metabolic flexibility.
Candidates
Suitable candidates for GLP-1 medications are typically struggling to lose weight and require an effective treatment to enhance their weight loss progress. Even with GLP-1 medications and glycine, weight loss takes time, and you should have realistic expectations about what you can achieve. Candidates should be prepared to make lifestyle changes such as eating healthy meals, exercising regularly, and getting adequate rest (7-8 hours each night) for optimal results. You must also make time to receive weekly injections at the same time each week.
Consultation
During your consultation, we will ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and current medications to determine an effective treatment plan. We can also discuss additional body contouring treatments to help you achieve your body goals. Open discussion of your goals allows us to tailor treatment to your individual needs.
Your medical history will help us determine whether you are a good candidate for semaglutide or tirzepatide, two different GLP-1 medications.
To learn more about the other treatments we offer, see the blog!
Preparation & Treatment Process
To prepare for treatment, you should stop drinking alcohol for 24 hours before and after your appointment, as alcohol may interfere with the body’s metabolic response to treatment. Injections can be received on the hips, thighs, or abdomen. Before administering your first injection, we will cleanse your skin and then carefully give you the medication. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the injection.
We will also instruct you on how to administer your injections at home; however, you are also welcome to come into the office each week to receive your injection if you prefer.
After Your Treatment
After your treatment, you can return to most of your normal activities immediately. However, if you are receiving your first injection, you should allow for downtime to monitor how your body responds. After the first treatment, some patients experience temporary nausea, headaches, and/or dizziness. It can take a few weeks for your body to adjust to the medication. You will need to avoid drinking alcohol for 24-48 hours after your treatment for optimal results.
Results
Results from semaglutide or tirzepatide may take several weeks to appear, gradually facilitating weight loss and appetite control. If you take good care of your body, you can enjoy long-lasting results. Regular exercise and healthy eating will help to optimize your results.
Body Contouring After Weight Loss
After weight loss, many patients are left with excess droopy skin and are unprepared for the way it affects their appearance. Since excess fat can stretch the skin, it will not necessarily “snap back” after weight loss, resulting in droopy pockets of tissue. Droopy skin can affect your mobility, making exercise difficult. Folds of skin can cause skin irritation and affect your ability to find clothing you feel comfortable in. We offer several different body contouring procedures that can help you achieve your ideal body image:
- Arm Lift: An arm lift is a treatment that reduces droopy skin on the arms for a smoother appearance.
- Thigh Lift: A thigh lift reduces excess skin on the thighs for a more slender, contoured figure.
- Tummy Tuck: We can remove excess abdominal skin for a smoother, more youthful-looking midsection.
- Liposuction: We can remove excess fat from the body with targeted suction removal techniques, sculpting your body to your ideal image.
- Butt Lift: We can remove excess skin from your buttocks to restore more youthful contours.
- Facelift: We can remove excess skin from the face an adjust underlying tissues for long-lasting rejuvenation.
Cost of Glycine and GLP-1 Medications in Austin
The cost of taking glycine in combination with GLP-1 medications will depend on the length of your treatment and the amount of weight you hope to lose. We can provide an all-inclusive quote during your consultation.
Contact us online or call your closest Austin Plastic Surgeon office to schedule an appointment to learn more about how we can help you meet your goals.
FAQ
How is medical weight loss different from dieting alone?
Medical weight loss supports your body’s natural hormone regulation, especially those involved in appetite control, blood sugar levels, and metabolism.
Can anyone take weight loss medications?
GLP-1 medications are generally well-tolerated, but suitability depends on individual health profiles.
How long does it take to see the results of weight loss medication?
The time it takes to enjoy results will depend on the amount of weight you plan to lose and your medical history. We can discuss the most effective treatment for your aesthetic goals during your consultation.
Can I combine medical weight loss with exercise?
Yes, patients who undergo medical weight loss should incorporate a healthy diet and regular exercise to support optimal outcomes.
How long will I need to stay on medical weight medications?
This depends on your aesthetic goals, and we can answer any questions you have during your consultation.
What is glycine?
Glycine is a non-essential amino acid that the body can produce on its own. Glycine contributes to metabolic health and may help regulate certain digestive hormones and support insulin function. When glycine is taken alongside GLP-1 medications, the effects of these medications might be enhanced, potentially achieving more successful weight loss.
References
- Sarwer DB, Grilo CM. Obesity: Psychosocial and behavioral aspects of a modern epidemic: Introduction to the special issue. American Psychologist. 2020;75(2):135-138. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000610
- Coutinho W, Halpern B. Pharmacotherapy for obesity: moving towards efficacy improvement. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome. 2024;16(1):NA–NA. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-023-01233-4
- A. Michael Lincoff, Kirstine Brown‐Frandsen, Colhoun HM, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2023;389(24). doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2307563
- Gameiro A, Reimann F, Habib AM, et al. The neurotransmitters glycine and GABA stimulate glucagon-like peptide-1 release from the GLUTag cell line. The Journal of Physiology. 2005;569(3):761-772. doi:https://doi.org/10.1113/jphysiol.2005.098962
