Health

Greg Bishop, Attorney of Park City, Discusses Intermittent Fasting During Retirement

Published

5 years ago

February 7, 2020

Intermittent fasting – currently in vogue in many diet and health circles – describes different approaches to fasting. As the term implies, intermittent fasting refers to periodically abstaining from food and drink (although water and non-caloric drinks are acceptable). There are several different categories of intermittent fasting, but the three most common are (1) time-restricted feeding, (2) alternate-day fasting, and (3) periodic fasting.

Time-restricted feeding refers to eating only within a prescribed block of time each day. For example, one common approach is the 16:8 diet, where you fast continuously for 16 hours and then eat only during an 8-hour block of time (such as between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM). The frequency of eating during that block of time – for example, 2 big meals versus 3 smaller meals with snacks – is largely a matter of personal preference.

Alternate-day fasting involves rotating between “fast days” and “feast days.” Under this method, a “fast day” can be thought of either as strict fasting (no food and only non-caloric drinks) or as limited to 25% of your normal daily caloric intake. A “feast day,” on the other hand, refers to a regular day of eating your normal caloric intake (in other words, the fast day does not offset going calorie crazy on the feast day).

Finally, periodic fasting is similar to alternate-day fasting in that it can refer to any occasional fasting for 24 or more consecutive hours, followed by a normal eating period. The 5:2 diet is an example of a common periodic fasting diet – eating five days each week and fasting on two non-consecutive days.

What’s the Point of Intermittent Fasting?

Attorney Greg Bishop, located in Park City, Utah, explains that the primary purposes of intermittent fasting are to lose weight and improve health. He notes that a December 2019 article published in the New England Journal of Medicine concludes that studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that intermittent fasting:

Is as effective for weight loss as standard diets (according to 6 short-term studies involving overweight or obese adults);
Promotes fat loss while maintaining muscle mass in those involved in resistance training;
Reduces the health risks associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers and neurologic disorders;
Improves multiple indicators of cardiovascular health, including blood pressure, resting heart rate, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance;
Increases neuronal stress resistance through multiple mechanisms, including bolstering antioxidant defenses and DNA repair;
Suppresses inflammation, which can be beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis; and
Increases verbal memory, executive function, global cognition and working memory.

Notwithstanding the growing evidence from clinical studies regarding the health benefits of intermittent fasting, there is still much that we do not know. For example, most of the clinical studies were short-term, conducted over a matter of months. Thus, the long-term impacts of intermittent fasting are not yet known. Similarly, most of the study participants were overweight young- and middle-aged adults. It remains to be seen whether the benefits demonstrated in these short-term trials of young- and middle-aged adults also apply to older adults over the long term.

In addition, even if the benefits were conclusively established, it will likely take time for people so ingrained in a culture of eating three meals per day (plus snacks) to make the transition to some form of intermittent fasting. Moreover, some may find fasting difficult because of early symptoms of hunger, irritability and reduced ability to concentrate (which should subside within a month).

About Greg Bishop, Attorney | Greg Bishop is a Park City, Utah-based attorney with extensive experience in litigation, corporate work, M&A, licensing, IPO preparation, and HR, as well as corporate and board governance. Personally, he is passionate about helping others, including spending seven years working closely with the largest organization helping the homeless in Washington, D.C. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, mountain biking and traveling, as well as helping others achieve personal and professional success.

Health

Finding Your Best Fit: Are GLP-1 Medications Right for Your Weight Loss Journey?

Published

1 week ago

July 2, 2025

Michelle Langton

Over the past few years, a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has been gaining attention, not only for treating type 2 diabetes but also in the field of weight management.

With obesity affecting “at least one in five adults (20%) in each U.S. state,” according to the CDC, many individuals are seeking effective solutions that can complement diet and exercise. Two of the most discussed options are GLP-1 injections for weight loss and GLP-1/GIP for weight loss, both of which have shown promising results.

However, deciding if these medications are right for you isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; it’s essential to determine if GLP-1s are right for you to get you to be your best self in 2025. SimpleFixRx — a healthcare service dedicated to personalized options — can help you explore GLP-1s therapy as part of your 2025 broader health plan.

Understanding GLP-1 receptor agonists

GLP-1 receptor agonists were initially designed to help regulate blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes by mimicking a hormone that controls insulin secretion, slows digestion, and reduces appetite. The recent spotlight on GLP-1 injectors for weight loss and GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss stems from studies showing that these medications can help many people achieve significant, sustained weight loss — often in the 10-15 percent range or more of their body weight — when paired with healthier eating habits and increased physical activity.

Key benefits:

Enhanced blood sugar control: For individuals with type 2 diabetes, these medications can significantly lower hemoglobin A1C levels.

Appetite regulation: By slowing gastric emptying and impacting appetite signals, GLP-1s can help reduce unhealthy food cravings.

Possible cardiovascular benefits: Some research suggests that certain GLP-1s may offer heart-protective effects, reducing the risk of cardiac events.

Who can benefit from GLP-1?

GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as a promising option for individuals facing various metabolic and weight-related challenges. Whether you’re dealing with type 2 diabetes or seeking a meaningful way to jump-start weight loss, therapies like GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss and GLP-1 injections for weight loss could help bridge the gap where traditional diet and exercise might fall short.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes

GLP-1s remain a staple in controlling high blood sugar for patients who’ve struggled with traditional oral medications or lifestyle measures alone. If you have type 2 diabetes, speak with your healthcare provider to see if adding a GLP-1 might improve your overall management plan.

Those with obesity or weight-related health concerns

If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above — or you’re overweight (BMI 25–29.9) and have additional complications like prediabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol — GLP-1s might be a strong consideration. The appetite-suppressing effects often help jump-start weight loss.

People seeking a catalyst for lifestyle changes

Even if you haven’t succeeded with traditional diets or exercise routines, medications such as GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss or GLP-1 injections for weight loss may help you regain momentum. Still, a commitment to long-term lifestyle improvements — such as more balanced eating and regular physical activity — is vital to achieving the best results.

Patients with hard-to-control metabolic factors

Some people face genetic or metabolic hurdles that make weight management exceptionally challenging. GLP-1s can help bridge that gap, providing extra support where willpower and standard lifestyle interventions might not suffice on their own.

By combining medical guidance, like that from the experts of SimpleFixRx, with regular follow-ups and a commitment to healthier habits, eligible patients may find these therapies to be a game-changer in achieving sustainable weight management and better overall health.

GLP Squared

Some compound pharmacies are now combining options for GLP medications, allowing for the microdosing of a combination of GLP and GLP1/GIP. Microdosing has numerous benefits for patients, including reduced nausea, a more steady release of medication, and decreased inflammation, among others. SimpleFix does offer GLP squared, and it is less expensive than GLP1/ GIP alone.

The SimpleFixRx approach

SimpleFixRx specializes in providing personalized healthcare solutions, including access to GLP-1 therapies, through a convenient, patient-centered platform. Their team of licensed healthcare providers works closely with patients to:

Assess eligibility: SimpleFixRx professionals review each patient’s medical history, lifestyle habits, and specific health goals to determine if GLP-1 therapy is appropriate.

Offer comprehensive care plans: Beyond prescribing medications, SimpleFixRx aims to create a holistic approach that includes nutritional guidance and exercise plans, ensuring GLP-1 therapy is supported by healthier daily habits.

Monitor progress: Through regular follow-up appointments, patients can collaborate with the SimpleFixRx team to fine-tune their regimen and address any side effects or emerging concerns.

Potential side effects and considerations

While GLP-1s offer noteworthy benefits, they aren’t free of potential drawbacks. The most frequently reported side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and, in some cases, vomiting — especially when first beginning treatment — but these often ease as your body adjusts. Other, more serious risks include pancreatitis or gallbladder issues, though these are generally less common.

Your medical history and personal goals should guide any decision to start GLP-1 therapy. Certain gastrointestinal or thyroid conditions, for instance, could make these medications less suitable. Women who are or might become pregnant also need specialized guidance, as safety data for pregnancy remains limited.

Making the decision with SimpleFixRx

Dr. Garrett H. Garner, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., a board-certified OB/GYN with over two decades of experience in North Texas, highlights the importance of individualized care. “We take the time to review each patient’s medical history, dietary habits, and long-term health objectives. Medications like GLP-1/ GIP or GLP-1 can be game-changers — but they work best within a broader strategy that includes nutrition, exercise, and regular follow-up.”

Before you opt for any GLP-1 medication, consider asking your healthcare provider or a service like SimpleFixRx these five questions:

“Am I a good candidate for GLP-1s based on my health profile?”
“How will this therapy interact with other treatments or conditions I have?”
“What lifestyle changes, if any, should I implement to maximize the benefits?”
“Which medication — GLP-1/ GIP vs. GLP-1 — would best suit my needs?”
“How often should I schedule follow-up appointments to assess progress and adjust my treatment plan?”

By partnering with a dedicated healthcare service like SimpleFixRx, you can gain access to expert guidance, personalized care plans, and ongoing support — all crucial components to long-term success.

These therapies are tools, not magic solutions, as sustainable progress often hinges on a combination of effective medication, mindful eating, regular physical activity, and consistent medical oversight. However, with the proper support structure and commitment, GLP-1 medications can be a transformative part of your journey toward better health.