GLP-1, short for glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone released in the small intestine after eating

Highlights Understanding weight as a whole health ecosystem, not a willpower issue Ashleys journey and how generational experiences shape weight health The main weight-health hormones and how they influence the body GLP-1 medications: who they help, who they may harm, and what practitioners must screen for Understanding these medications system-wide effects as a practitioner Microdosing vs low-dose GLP-1 and why individualized dosing is critical A multifactorial framework for assessing weight-health hormone function Supporting long COVID, MCAS, endometriosis, autoimmune issues, and chronic pain How GLP-1 agonists may influence gut, immune, and receptor-level functioning Peptides, protein diversity, and their impact on pain and metabolic health Differences between short-acting and long-acting GLP-1 medications How to approach weaning off GLP-1s Examining internalized bias, ableism, and beauty standards in weight-related decisions Connect with Ashley Koff, RD The Better Nutrition Program GLP-1 Assessment Ashley Koffs Book | Your Best Shot: The Personalized System for Optimal Weight HealthGLP-1 Shot or Not Ashley Koff on Instagram @ashleykoffapproved About Ashley Koff, RD Ashley Koff, RD, is the founder of The Better Nutrition Program (BNP), the Nutrition Course Director for UC Irvines Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institutes Integrative and Functional Medicine Fellowship, and a faculty member at the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA), where she teaches An Integrative and Functional Nutrition Approach to Obesity and Weight Management. She is also the author of the upcoming book, Your Best Shot (Harper One, January 6, 2026)

Using for skin-whitening is often off-label, unsupported by robust large-scale trials
The idea behind oral-gut or chewable formats is that starting microbial contact in the mouth may support mucosal signaling
Each ingredient has been carefully chosen for its unique role in supporting skin health, detoxification, and overall wellness
You should only use sterile water if you plan to use the entire contents of the vial in a single instance