From the FDA Drug Label
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From the Research
For resistant weight loss, a comprehensive laboratory panel is essential to identify underlying causes, and I recommend including thyroid function tests, fasting glucose, complete metabolic panel, lipid profile, complete blood count, cortisol levels, testosterone and estrogen tests, leptin and insulin levels, and vitamin D and B12 deficiency checks, as supported by recent studies 1, 2. When evaluating patients with resistant weight loss, it is crucial to consider the potential underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to their weight loss difficulties.
- Thyroid function tests (TSH, free T3, free T4) can help detect hypothyroidism, a common condition that can impair weight loss efforts.
- Fasting glucose and HbA1c can assess for diabetes, a condition that requires careful management to achieve weight loss.
- A complete metabolic panel can evaluate liver and kidney function, which can be affected by obesity and other metabolic disorders.
- Lipid profile can check cholesterol levels, which are often elevated in patients with obesity.
- Complete blood count can rule out anemia, a condition that can cause fatigue and impair weight loss efforts. Additionally, other tests such as cortisol levels to identify Cushing's syndrome, testosterone and estrogen tests to reveal hormonal imbalances affecting metabolism, leptin and insulin levels to identify resistance patterns that impair weight management, and vitamin D and B12 deficiencies can also be useful. For patients with specific symptoms, testing for inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) or celiac disease antibodies may be warranted, as these conditions can also impact weight loss efforts. These tests can help identify medical conditions that can make weight loss difficult despite appropriate diet and exercise, allowing for targeted treatment approaches that address the underlying physiological barriers to weight loss, rather than simply recommending more restrictive dieting, as highlighted in recent studies 3, 4, 5.