Can Creatine Help You Protect Muscle on a GLP-1? w/ Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD

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If you're taking a GLP-1, you've probably heard plenty about protein and strength training. Where does creatine fit, and what does it mean if the scale rises after you start taking it? Ana Reisdorf talks with Kristin Kirkpatrick about muscle health, the practical choices involved in taking creatine, and what the research can and cannot yet tell us about benefits beyond the gym.

Kristin explains how creatine works alongside resistance training, why a loading phase may not be necessary, and what to consider when choosing a form. She and Ana also discuss bloating, water retention, early research on brain health, and whether you can build muscle after starting a GLP-1.

**IN THIS EPISODE**

- What creatine does in the body and why it comes up in the muscle-health conversation
- How creatine, protein, and resistance training fit together during GLP-1 weight loss
- What emerging research suggests about brain health and what it does not establish
- Creatine monohydrate, HCl, powders, and gummies: questions to consider when choosing a product
- Loading phases, dose, and timing, and why individual needs vary
- Water retention, bloating, and why a change on the scale may not mean fat gain
- Building strength and muscle after starting a GLP-1

**ABOUT THE GUEST**

Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic and president of KAK Consulting, LLC. She has worked in nutrition and integrative care for more than 20 years, contributes to TODAY.com, and co-authored Skinny Liver and Regenerative Health with gastroenterologist Ibrahim Hanouneh, MD.


**CONNECT WITH KRISTIN**

Website: https://www.kristinkirkpatrick.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuelwellwithkrissy/


**SPONSOR**

Tyde Wellness offers GLP-1 care with licensed providers, nutrition guidance, and ongoing support. Use code GLP1Hub50 for $50 off your first month.
https://tydewellness.com/GLP1Hub

Velogenix's Project Aeterna offers a free at-home mobility baseline and Pro assessments of strength, balance, and gait. Use code OFF for $50 off your first year of Pro.
https://velogenix.com

**CHAPTERS**

00:00 Why creatine is getting attention beyond the gym
01:30 Meet Kristin Kirkpatrick
03:22 Kristin's approach to integrative nutrition
06:09 What creatine does in the body
08:05 Creatine myths: Is it just for bodybuilders?
09:09 What the brain-health research can and cannot tell us
12:03 Creatine, strength training, and GLP-1 muscle health
15:13 Sponsor: Tyde Wellness
16:39 Monohydrate vs. HCl, dose, and timing
19:29 Gummies, powder, and the coffee question
23:24 Water retention, side effects, and the scale
26:07 Do you need a loading phase?
28:11 Sponsor: Velogenix
29:14 Muscle, mobility, and healthy aging
31:55 Can you build muscle after starting a GLP-1?
32:58 Connect with Kristin

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*The content of this show is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The goal of this show is to provide various points of view about GLP-1 Medications. The personal and professional opinion of the guests and their content does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Ana Reisdorf or GLP-1 Hub.