Recommended Tests for Patients Taking GLP-1s

What tests are recommended for patients who are taking GLP-1s for weight loss?

Most patients with obesity should have the following blood tests done to assess their overall health and obesity-related conditions. These tests can be repeated intermittently to see progress in a patients health metrics as they lose weight and get healthier.

• Complete blood count (CBC), including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin and hematocrit
• Comprehensive metabolic panel, including fasting blood glucose, liver enzymes, kidney function, and electrolytes
• Lipid panel, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides
• Hemoglobin A1C
• Thyroid function, including TSH and free T4
• Vitamin D levels

Selected patients may benefit from other blood tests, such as

• Urinalysis and/or urine microalbumin:creatinine ratio
• Fasting insulin
• Specialized testing for Cushing's Disease (a disease of too much cortisol either produced by the body or from another source—usually medications)
• Some women may benefit from tests to assess for PCOS (LH, FSH, DHEA-S, estradiol, prolactin)
• Some men may benefit from testing their testosterone levels
• People who have had bariatric surgery may benefit from testing for nutrient deficiencies (iron, calcium, copper, zinc, folate, B12, and vitamins A, E, and K)

Written by Tzvi Doron DO
Dr. Doron is Board Certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. He was raised in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in Psychology. He attended Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he graduated with highest honors and earned his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency in Family Practice at Westchester General Hospital. He holds a Diplomate from the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM).