Blood work during a GLP-1 programme
If you are losing weight on GLP-1 medication, more changes than your weight. Muscle mass, blood sugar, lipids, kidney function and vitamin status all move with it. Tracking that change is the point of measuring periodically.
Many self-paid GLP-1 programmes do not include the interim blood work in the price. You get the medication and the coaching, but arranging the lab checks is on you. That gap is what this page fills.
Mario Test does not prescribe GLP-1, does not run a programme and does not adjust doses. What happens here is measuring and explaining. For your treatment you stay with the doctor or clinic running your programme.
Baseline or interim check?
Message where you are in your programme and what your provider has already measured. Mario will look at what is missing, so you do not pay twice for the same assay.
Reachable Monday to Saturday, 08:00 to 18:00. An appointment can usually be scheduled within a few days.
What to track, and why
Blood sugar and insulin
Fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR. This is the core of what the medication acts on, and the change here is usually the most visible.
Liver and kidneys
ALT, AST, GGT, creatinine with eGFR. Rapid weight loss and changed fluid intake affect these. Cystatin C gives a fairer read on kidney function when muscle mass is changing.
Lipids
The full profile with ApoB. Weight loss changes your lipids, usually favourably, and you want to see that rather than assume it.
Vitamins and iron
With a strongly reduced appetite you simply take in less. Vitamin B12, vitamin D and ferritin are the logical checks. See B12 and ferritin.
Blood count and protein
Full blood count and total protein. Rapid weight loss also costs muscle mass, which is why strength training and adequate protein are advised in nearly every programme.
All markers at a glance
How often to measure
| Moment | Why |
|---|---|
| Before starting | The baseline. Without it every later measurement says little. |
| After 8 to 12 weeks | HbA1c moves over roughly three months, so sooner shows little. |
| Then every 3 to 6 months | While your dose or weight is still changing. |
| Annually on maintenance | Once weight and dose are stable. |
Which package fits
The Health Baseline covers the core in one go. Vitamin B12, vitamin D and ferritin are added separately or through the vitamin package.
Frequently asked questions
Is blood work included in my GLP-1 programme?
In self-paid programmes, often not.
The medication and coaching are usually included, the interim lab checks are not. Ask what your programme covers before having anything done twice.
Which values matter most?
Blood sugar with insulin, liver and kidneys, lipids and vitamin status.
With rapid weight loss add the blood count and total protein, because you also lose muscle mass.
How often should I measure?
A baseline, then after 8 to 12 weeks, then every 3 to 6 months.
HbA1c moves over roughly three months. Repeating sooner shows too little difference to conclude anything.
Do you adjust my dose based on the result?
No.
Mario Test measures and explains. For treatment and dosing you stay with the doctor or clinic running your programme.
Do I need to fast?
Yes, for glucose, insulin and triglycerides.
At least 8 hours without food. Water is fine. Because the draw is at your home, you do not have to travel while fasting.
Note: a blood test gives you insight and direction. It does not prove or rule out a condition on its own. Results are meant for prevention and for tracking change over time, not as a diagnosis. For symptoms or values outside the reference range, see your GP.