Category 1: Medical CEO Patient Scripts · Episode 04

5 Essential Baseline Labs to Demand Before Starting a GLP-1

Clinical Answer Capsule: Before initiating GLP-1 therapy, standard lipid panels should be supplemented with five specific biomarkers: Fasting Insulin and HOMA-IR (to quantify insulin resistance), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB, for cardiovascular atherogenic particle burden), Serum Ferritin (to rule out iron depletion before rapid weight loss triggers telogen effluvium), a Full Thyroid Panel (Free T3/T4), and hs-CRP.
Fasting InsulinHOMA-IR ScoreApolipoprotein B (ApoB)Serum FerritinFree T3/T4High-Sensitivity CRPAtherogenic Burden
Executive Action Script
"Please add Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR calculation, ApoB, Serum Ferritin, Free T3/T4, and hs-CRP to my baseline metabolic requisition order."

Full Video Dialogue & Clinical Context

Standard blood panels are a joke before starting a GLP-1. Before you take your first shot, demand these five essential labs so you actually know what your metabolism is doing: First, Fasting Insulin and HOMA-IR to map true insulin resistance. Second, ApoB for real cardiovascular health beyond basic cholesterol. Third, Serum Ferritin so you don't shed half your hair. Fourth, a Full Thyroid Panel with Free T3 and T4. Fifth, High-Sensitivity CRP to track systemic inflammation. Grab the printable GLP-1 Lab Order Sheet at bitchesandbesties.com/armory.

🔬 Verified Clinical Reference:
Consensus Statement on the Definition and Clinical Assessment of Metabolic Health Biomarkers. Endocrine Practice 2021; 27(6):615-625. PMID: 34092408
Access Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34092408/
Featured Armory Instrument
Tool 02: The Medical CEO Appointment Planner & Lab Guide
Printable 1-page Lab Order Cheat Sheet with clinical justifications for each biomarker to hand directly to your phlebotomist or primary care provider.
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