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Functional Medicine Happiness Healthy Aging Mind & Body

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Tracy McCubbin, MD
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Mar 27

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Something about Ozempic that might surprise you?

💡 It ISN’T for casual weight loss.

Semaglutide, otherwise known as Ozempic, was designed for people struggling with metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, or significant weight challenges—not for someone who just wants to drop 5-10 lbs for an event.

So, who actually benefits? Let’s break it down.

Semaglutide may be helpful if you:
✔️ Struggle with insulin resistance or prediabetes – If your body isn’t responding properly to insulin, semaglutide can help regulate blood sugar and reduce cravings.
✔️ Have obesity or significant weight to lose – It’s been clinically tested for those with a BMI ≥ 30 (or ≥ 27 with metabolic conditions).
✔️ Have tried diet & exercise but still hit a wall – If you’ve made real, consistent efforts with nutrition, movement, and lifestyle changes but your metabolism isn’t responding, medication can provide additional support.
✔️ Struggle with intense hunger or food cravings – Some individuals have a strong biological drive for food intake due to hormonal imbalances.

It is NOT meant for:
❌ Anyone looking for a quick fix – If you’re not ready to commit to long-term nutrition, exercise, and metabolic health, semaglutide won’t provide lasting results.
❌ Those with minimal weight concerns – If you just want to lose a few pounds, optimizing diet, movement, and blood sugar balance is a smarter (and healthier) first step.
❌ People avoiding lifestyle changes – Medication can support your efforts, but if you’re not adjusting your habits, the weight is likely to return once you stop taking it.

Semaglutide is a tool, not a solution. It can be powerful for the right person, but it works best when combined with resistance training, blood sugar-friendly nutrition, quality sleep, and stress management.

Did you know semaglutide is not meant for casual weight loss? ...

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Mar 25

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True or false: semaglutide works without lifestyle changes?

🚨 Spoiler alert: It’s FALSE—at least if you want long-term success.

Yes, semaglutide (Ozempic) can help with weight loss by reducing appetite, slowing digestion, and improving blood sugar control.

But here’s the reality: 👇

If you rely solely on the medication without making sustainable lifestyle changes, weight regain is highly likely once you stop taking it. 🤷

This is why, and what you can do to make your results last:

1️⃣ Muscle Loss is a Big Risk
Weight loss with semaglutide isn’t just fat—you can lose muscle mass, too, which slows metabolism and makes it harder to keep the weight off.
🔹 Solution: Prioritize strength training & protein intake to maintain muscle and metabolic health.

2️⃣ Blood Sugar Balance Still Matters
GLP-1 medications help regulate blood sugar, but they don’t fix insulin resistance, high stress, or poor sleep—all of which impact your metabolism.
🔹 Solution: Focus on balanced meals, quality sleep, and stress management to prevent metabolic dysfunction.

3️⃣ Your Body Adapts Over Time
Many people experience appetite suppression early on, but over time, your body can adjust, meaning old habits (emotional eating, mindless snacking) might creep back in.
🔹 Solution: Build mindful eating habits and address the root causes of cravings so you don’t rely on medication alone.

👉 Bottom line? Medication is a tool, NOT a solution! Semaglutide can be a powerful jumpstart, but sustainable habits are the real key to lasting results:

✔️ Resistance training
✔️ Protein & whole foods
✔️ Blood sugar balance
✔️ Stress management
✔️ Quality sleep

These are non-negotiables for long-term success—whether you take semaglutide or not.

Tag a friend in the comments who would benefit from learning this information! ...

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Mar 19

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What exactly does semaglutide do in your body? 👀

By now, you’ve probably heard the buzz about semaglutide (Ozempic), but how does it actually work? Why does it help with weight loss and blood sugar regulation? And what’s really happening inside your body when you take it?

Allow me to explain!

Semaglutide isn’t just another weight loss drug—it’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the action of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone naturally produced in your gut. GLP-1 plays a huge role in:

✅ Blood sugar regulation
✅ Digestion
✅ And appetite control.

Let’s dive a bit deeper into these three factors:

1️⃣ It Regulates Blood Sugar by Controlling Insulin & Glucagon
Normally, when you eat, your body releases GLP-1 to:
✔️ Stimulate insulin secretion (helping glucose move into your cells for energy)
✔️ Suppress glucagon (which prevents excess sugar from being released into the bloodstream)
This means a steadier blood sugar response—less crashing, fewer spikes, and better metabolic control. If you’re insulin resistant or struggling with prediabetes, this is a BIG deal.

2️⃣ It Slows Digestion (a.k.a. Makes You Feel Fuller, Longer)
Ever feel like you’re always hungry, even after a big meal? That’s because food moves too quickly through your digestive system, leaving you hungry again sooner than you should be.
GLP-1 slows gastric emptying, meaning food stays in your stomach longer, leading to:
✅ Fewer hunger pangs
✅ More sustained energy
✅ Better nutrient absorption

3️⃣ It Communicates with Your Brain to Reduce Appetite
Here’s the game-changer: Semaglutide acts on appetite-regulating centers in your brain, specifically the hypothalamus.
🔹 It increases feelings of fullness
🔹 It decreases cravings
🔹 It helps rewire how your brain perceives food—less emotional eating, less mindless snacking
For many, this shift in appetite control is what makes semaglutide feel so effective.

So yes, semaglutide can work really well—but remember, it’s not a magic bullet. If you’re considering it, the best approach is one that’s tailored to your unique health blueprint.

Have questions? Leave them in the comments! 💗 ...

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Feb 26

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Heart health involves monitoring your cholesterol levels, incorporating healthy eating habits, and changes in your lifestyle.🫀

Contact us to get started on your heart health wellness journey with Radiance Functional Medicine.
You and your heart deserve it! 🫀
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#HeartHealth #FunctionalMedicine #WellnessJourney #HealthyLiving #HolisticHealing #PreventiveCare #LoveYourHeart #CardiovascularHealth #MindBodyConnection #HealthyHeart #CholesterolLevels #Cholesterol #LowerCholesterol ...

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Dr. Tracy is an incredible listener and diagnostician. I have seen so many doctors, Naturopaths, and Nutritionists regarding issues with my digestion and no one had figured out what the issue was but Dr. Tracy did. She is thorough, experienced, caring and a first-rate Dr. Her staff are wonderful and efficient as well. I have recommended over five people to Dr Tracy already!

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“I have experienced the highest level of functional medical concierge care from Dr. Tracy. The personalized treatment plan that she designed for me has eliminated the symptoms that I was previously experiencing. I have never felt better! The entire staff goes above and beyond in every area. They are always to respond to any question or request that I may have and are an absolute delight to work with. I have never experienced this level of professional and personalized care!”

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“I’m so thankful to have found Dr. Tracy as my functional medicine doctor. My skin is not flaring up with eczema anymore even when I don’t have the best diet! Since working with Dr. Tracy, I feel much healthier and can tell a huge difference in my skin! Definitely recommend her if you’re looking for a more holistic approach to your health!”

Katie W

Appreciate the thoughtful and focused time I get with Dr. McCubbin. She answers my questions and explains the why behind how I was feeling. In just a few months my energy levels completely turned around.” –

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Dear Dr. McC – I am constantly grateful that you are in my life.

Sharon

“Thank you so much for the holiday recipe booklet, so anxious to try your recipe for Thumbprint cookies, Shari! Such fun the other night, you two are amazing. Thanks for your knowledge and wisdom.”

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