1. Cholesterol and blood sugar testing
Being overweight can increase your risk of high cholesterol and blood sugar. While there are many factors that can affect the relationship between weight and cholesterol, extra weight can make it harder for your body to remove LDL cholesterol (i.e., "bad" cholesterol) from your blood. It can also make it harder to manage blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance.
Research suggests that losing 5% to 10% of body weight may significantly reduce cholesterol levels, including triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Weight loss is also linked to lower blood sugar levels and a decreased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
To help monitor these important metrics, consider Labcorp OnDemand's Weight Management Tracking Test. This test measures your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months (HbA1c) and checks your cholesterol and lipid levels.
2. Heart health testing
Healthy lifestyle changes, including nutrition, exercise and weight loss, can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Tracking key heart health indicators can help you and your provider manage risks associated with heart disease and diabetes.
Important markers to monitor include apolipoprotein B (ApoB), a protein found on LDL particles that can cause plaque buildup in arteries, and glycoprotein acetylation (GlycA), which can indicate systemic inflammation and heart health risk.
Labcorp OnDemand's Complete Heart Health Test (with ApoB) measures these markers along with cholesterol, lipids and also includes the Diabetes Risk Index (DRI), which provides a score for insulin resistance and evaluates other factors that contribute to diabetes risk. This test can help you personalize your diet and lifestyle changes to improve your heart health.
3. Kidney function testing
Excess weight is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), as obesity is linked to conditions like Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which can harm your kidneys. Recent research suggests that GLP-1s may also help keep kidneys healthy.
To monitor your kidney health, consider Labcorp OnDemand's Kidney Health Test, which measures several markers of overall kidney function.
4. Liver function testing
About 1 in 4 U.S. adults has metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition involves too much fat in the liver and is often linked to excess weight and insulin resistance.
Losing weight through lifestyle changes and medication can help reduce liver fat and prevent complications. Testing your liver function can show how your weight loss efforts affect your liver health.
Labcorp OnDemand's Liver Health Test measures liver enzymes and proteins to screen for liver fibrosis (scarring) in people with risk factors. This test provides an advanced view of your liver health and can help detect signs of liver inflammation or disease.
5. Thyroid testing
Your thyroid gland produces hormones that affect many aspects of health, including heart rate and how quickly your body burns calories. Thyroid imbalances can impact your weight by speeding up or slowing down your metabolism. Thyroid disorders may be linked to conditions like diabetes and obesity.
While there are no specific guidelines for monitoring thyroid health while taking GLP-1s, it's generally recommended to include thyroid function tests in routine screenings to monitor for any changes that might call for further evaluation.
Labcorp OnDemand's Standard Thyroid Test measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and Free T4 (thyroxine) to assess thyroid function and screen for conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
6. Micronutrient testing
When changing your diet for weight loss, it's crucial to maintain a balance of essential nutrients. If you’re taking GLP-1s, it’s important to know that these medications can slow digestion, which may affect how your body absorbs certain vitamins and nutrients.
Testing your nutrient levels can help you optimize your diet and check for nutritional deficiencies. Labcorp OnDemand's Micronutrient Test measures six essential micronutrients in your blood: vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, magnesium, iodine and zinc.
Tailoring your weight loss approach: Collaborating with your healthcare provider
Working closely with your healthcare provider is crucial during your weight loss journey. Together, you can determine the best approach for managing your weight, which may include lifestyle changes, medication and other measures. Your healthcare team can recommend specific tests to track your progress and interpret results to understand how your weight loss journey affects different aspects of your health.
