LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Dr. Swathi Varanasi-Diaz
- S3E224
- 26:11
- February 28th 2025
Understanding GLP-1 Drugs and Supporting Muscle Health with Dr. Swathi Varanasi-Diaz
Guest Introduction
Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Dr. Swathi Varanasi-Diaz, a pharmacist with a postdoctoral residency in integrative medicine and co-founder of the Integrative Health Pharmacy Residency Program. Named one of the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy in 2023, Dr. Swathi is a trailblazer in healthcare innovation.
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
Dr. Swathi explains GLP-1 drugs, a class of medications derived from glucagon-like peptide 1 hormones. These medications regulate blood sugar and appetite and were initially FDA-approved for managing Type 2 diabetes. Popular drugs in this category include:
- Ozempic (semaglutide): Approved for Type 2 diabetes.
- Wegovy: A higher dose aimed at appetite suppression and weight loss.
Risks Associated with GLP-1 Drugs
Dr. Swathi discusses common and lesser-known risks of GLP-1 drugs:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, and delayed stomach emptying.
- Off-Label Misuse: Use by individuals outside approved populations.
- Mental Health Concerns: Potential adverse effects.
- Muscle Loss: Accelerated loss of muscle mass, impacting quality of life.
Supporting Muscle Health
Dr. Swathi highlights the importance of preserving muscle health, especially for aging individuals or those on GLP-1 drugs. Her recommendations include:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in salmon, chia seeds, or fish oil supplements.
- Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Prevent muscle breakdown and support protein synthesis.
- Fortetropin (MyosMD): A natural compound from fertilized egg yolks that boosts muscle protein synthesis.
Dietary Strategies
For individuals on GLP-1 drugs, Dr. Swathi recommends:
- Eating small, frequent meals with a focus on whole foods.
- Prioritizing high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Considering prebiotic fibers to support gut health.
New and Emerging Drugs
Dr. Swathi introduces other groundbreaking drug classes, such as PCSK9 inhibitors for managing cholesterol in individuals with familial high cholesterol.
Supplements and Clinical Research
Dr. Swathi emphasizes the importance of selecting supplements backed by clinical research and regulated for safety and efficacy.
Connect with Dr. Swathi Varanasi-Diaz
- Instagram and LinkedIn: Search for her name to stay updated.
- Website: Visit www.myosmd.com for educational resources on muscle health and longevity.
Closing Remarks
Dr. Allen Lycka thanks Dr. Swathi for her insights and encourages listeners to visit his website, www.drallenlycka.com, for more information on living a fantastic life.
BIO:
Dr. Swathi Varanasi-Diaz, Pharm.D., is a trailblazing healthcare innovator and the first U.S. pharmacist to complete a postdoctoral residency in integrative medicine. Co-founder of the Integrative Health Pharmacy Residency Program, she combines expertise in biotech, personalized medicine, and clinical research to revolutionize patient care. Named one of the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy in 2023, Dr. Swathi is a sought-after advisor, lecturer, and published researcher driving healthcare innovation forward.
Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/doctorswathi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swathi-varanasi/
Website: https://myosmd.com/ or https://myosmd.com/pages/medical-advisors
LIVE with The Famous Unshakeable™️ Dr. AL
Broadcast on syndicated radio and available as a podcast, LIVE with The Famous Unshakeable™ Dr. AL is where resilience, mindset, and personal transformation take center stage. Hosted by Dr. Allen Lycka — internationally acclaimed cosmetic dermatologist, bestselling author, and global keynote speaker — the show inspires listeners to thrive in health, business, and life.
Dr. Lycka is celebrated as a pioneer in modern cosmetic surgery, but his life took a dramatic turn in 2003 when he was misdiagnosed with ALS and given just six months to live. Choosing courage over fear, he embraced an Unshakeable™ mindset and not only survived but built a powerful second act as an author, mentor, and media personality. His journey inspired the bestselling book The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life with a foreword by Jack Canfield of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Now, with over 500 episodes of his original show behind him, Dr. Lycka brings his signature energy to a new stage. Each episode delivers high-impact conversations with thought leaders, entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, innovators, and celebrities — offering strategies for resilience, success, and reinvention.
Listeners can expect:
- Proven mindset tools for overcoming adversity
- Health, wellness, and lifestyle insights
- Business and leadership strategies
- Inspirational stories of transformation and triumph
If you’re ready to unlock your potential, rise stronger, and build an Unshakeable™ future, this show delivers the wisdom and motivation you need.
Meet the Unshakeable™ Host
Meet the Host: Dr. Allen Steven Lycka, The Famous Unshakeable™ Dr. AL
Dr. Allen Steven Lycka, known as The Famous Unshakeable™ Dr. AL, is a bestselling author, international speaker, and one of the world’s leading voices on resilience, reinvention, and personal growth. For over 30 years, he was celebrated as a top cosmetic dermatologist, pioneering advances such as laser-assisted tumescent liposuction and Moh’s Micrographic Surgery. He won the Consumers Choice Award for Cosmetic Surgery for 16 consecutive years, authored 17 books and 30+ academic papers, and hosted the #1 internet radio show Inside Cosmetic Surgery Today.
In 2003, Dr. Lycka’s life took a dramatic turn when he was misdiagnosed with ALS and told he had only six months to live. Choosing courage and the Unshakeable™ mindset, he continued practicing medicine while seeking answers, later discovering he was living with Chronic Lyme disease. His journey of resilience and reinvention inspired the international bestseller The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life (with Harriet Tinka), followed by The Pillars of Success (with Jack Canfield) and bLU Talks Presents: Business, Life and the Universe (with Corie Poirier).
Today, Dr. Lycka is recognized as a transformational coach, thought leader, and host of LIVE with The Famous Unshakeable™ Dr. AL, where he interviews bestselling authors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to share practical tools for success, health, and thriving through change.
Dr. Lycka is happily married to Dr. Lucie Bernier-Lycka for 44 years, and together they have four daughters and nine grandchildren. He proudly counts his family as his greatest accomplishment and the foundation of his Fantastic Life.