GLP-1, Wearables & Longevity: What You Need to Know – AMA with Gil & Ashley

Listen to this episode of Longevity by Design on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. 

Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver dive into the science behind GLP-1 agonists, a class of drugs originally developed for type 2 diabetes but now widely used for weight management and longevity. They explore how these medications work, their effects on appetite, metabolism, and inflammation, and why they might be a game-changer for cardiovascular health, brain function, and fertility. While promising, they emphasize the importance of long-term research and consulting with medical professionals before considering these treatments.

The conversation shifts to the role of wearables in health tracking. Gil shares insights on devices like the Apple Watch, Oura Ring, and Whoop, highlighting their capabilities in tracking sleep, fitness, illness detection, and fall prevention—especially for older adults. They break down how different wearables cater to specific needs and the future of personalized health monitoring.

As the science of longevity evolves, Gil and Ashley stress the importance of staying informed, making data-driven decisions, and using technology wisely. Whether through cutting-edge pharmaceuticals or smart wearables, optimizing health is now more accessible than ever.

Host-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Gil Blander 

💡What he does: Founder and CSO

💡Company: InsideTracker

💡Noteworthy: Expert in longevity, nutrition, and personalized health optimization

💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

Host-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Ashley Reaver 

💡What she does: Lead Nutrition Scientist

💡Company: InsideTracker

💡Noteworthy: Specializes in metabolism, nutrition, and biomarker-based health strategies

💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn 

Episode highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction 
[00:02:02] Understanding GLP-1 Hormones
[00:04:26] GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Mechanism and Benefits
[00:06:50] Impact of GLP-1 on Weight and Health
[00:21:16] Side Effects and Considerations of GLP-1 Agonists
[00:26:31] The Future of GLP-1 Agonists
[00:34:54] Exploring Wearables for Health
[00:36:08] Choosing the Right Wearable
[00:40:29] Wearables for Detecting Illness and Falls
[00:47:12] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key Insights

GLP-1 Agonists: A Breakthrough for Weight and Metabolic Health

GLP-1 agonists, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, have become a game-changer for weight loss, appetite control, and longevity. These drugs mimic natural gut hormones that regulate hunger and insulin secretion, helping people feel full longer and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Studies show that GLP-1 agonists can reduce body weight by up to 25%, a level comparable to bariatric surgery. Beyond weight management, these drugs may lower inflammation, improve cardiovascular health, and even reduce the risk of certain cancers. However, long-term use is likely necessary, as stopping the medication often leads to weight regain. Gil and Ashley emphasize the importance of medical supervision and highlight ongoing research into how GLP-1 impacts cognitive function and fertility.

Long-Term Use of GLP-1 Agonists: Training the Body for Better Habits

Many wonder if GLP-1 medications are a short-term fix or a lifelong commitment. While the drugs suppress appetite, weight regain is common after stopping treatment. Gil suggests using this period as a training phase—learning to prioritize whole foods, avoid processed meals, and build sustainable habits. He also highlights the importance of exercise, especially strength training, as GLP-1 users risk losing muscle mass along with fat. Regular blood tests and nutrient monitoring are essential, as some users may experience vitamin deficiencies. The hosts caution against taking GLP-1 agonists solely for cosmetic weight loss and emphasize that obesity is a chronic, progressive condition requiring long-term management. This insight reinforces the idea that successful weight loss isn’t just about medication—it’s about lifestyle changes and long-term commitment.

Wearables: The Future of Personalized Health Tracking

Wearables are reshaping how individuals monitor their health from fitness to disease prevention. Gil and Ashley break down Apple Watch, Oura Ring, and Whoop, each catering to different needs. Apple Watch excels at fall detection and emergency response, making it ideal for older adults. Oura Ring provides early illness detection through temperature and heart rate variability tracking. Whoop is favored by athletes for its detailed recovery insights and sleep monitoring. Wearables aren’t just for data collection—they drive behavior change, encouraging users to improve sleep, exercise, and stress management. With AI-driven health coaching on the rise, the hosts predict that wearables will play a central role in proactive healthcare and longevity strategies.

The Science Behind GLP-1 and Its Role in Digestion

Gil breaks down how GLP-1 functions in the body, explaining that it’s a hormone produced in the gut that signals satiety, slows digestion, and regulates insulin secretion. When food is consumed, GLP-1 helps control glucose levels and prevents overeating by delaying stomach emptying. The conversation also touches on the historical discovery of GLP-1 and why it took decades for its significance to be fully understood.
"The GLP-1 inhibits the appetite via slowing down the movement of the gut. So, the gut and the stomach are moving much slower. And then it provides enough time for your brain to realize, hey, I'm full. Let’s stop consuming food."

The Ethical and Practical Implications of GLP-1 Use

As GLP-1 medications become widely used, Gil and Ashley discuss their ethical and societal impact, particularly concerns over people using them for cosmetic weight loss rather than medical necessity. While GLP-1 can be life-changing for obese and diabetic individuals, some are using it to shed a few pounds for events like weddings or vacations. This raises questions about who should have access to these drugs, whether they should be covered by insurance, and how economic factors play a role in availability.
"Obesity is a chronic, progressive condition that will get worse. It’s not necessarily something that goes away. So reaching your goal is not the end of it."

How Wearables Are Revolutionizing Health Tracking

Gil and Ashley explore how wearables like Apple Watch, Oura Ring, and Whoop have evolved from simple step counters to advanced health-tracking devices. They discuss how modern wearables can monitor heart rate variability, sleep patterns, early signs of illness, and even detect falls. Wearables are shifting from passive data collection to real-time health intervention, offering personalized insights that help users make smarter lifestyle decisions.
"The Apple Watch detects falls and can call emergency services immediately. The Oura Ring predicts illness before you even feel symptoms. These devices are transforming the way we monitor health and longevity."

The Future of GLP-1: Oral Medications and Next-Gen Treatments

With GLP-1 treatments currently available as injections, new oral versions are emerging, potentially making the drug more accessible and easier to use. The hosts discuss how this could broaden adoption but also present challenges, such as ensuring the drug remains effective when taken in pill form. They also touch on ongoing pharmaceutical developments and the next generation of weight-loss and metabolic treatments that may improve upon existing GLP-1 therapies.
"Very recently, the first oral GLP-1 came to the market. But it’s still the first one, and we don’t know a lot. This might be the next big revolution in weight management."

For science-backed ways to live a healthier longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

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