GLP-1 weight loss drugs
Thank you to our dietetic student intern Regan Collara for her work on this post and coordinating social media posts.
Obesity is a chronic, complex disease affecting more than two in five adults. The health challenges that come with obesity can be compounded by societal stigmas. It can be frustrating to be told to eat a healthy diet and exercise when you’ve been doing that for years with little results. Options like medication and bariatric surgery are legitimate tools to help treat obesity.
What are anti-obesity drugs?
Anti-obesity drugs are a group of medications that help people achieve a healthier weight. In this blog post we’ll be discussing Glucagon-like peptide-1 drugs (GLP-1 drugs). These injectable drugs act like the hormones we normally release after eating. Since Ozempic showed promise in helping people with diabetes lose weight, this form of medication has become increasingly popular.
Some other examples of GLP-1 drugs include Wegovy (Semaglutide Injection), Saxenda (Liraglutide), and Zepbound (Tirzapeptide).
What are the side effects of GLP-1 drugs?
GLP-1 drugs may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fatigue can also occur. Rarely there may be more severe side effects related to the digestive system like gallstones, gastroparesis (slow digestion), pancreatitis and bowel obstruction. Side effects vary based on age, weight, and medical history.
Other considerations
After taking an anti-obesity medication for a certain amount of time, a plateau of weight loss can occur, meaning the weight can remain stable over time. In some, stopping GLP-1 drugs can cause weight regain. For others, healthy lifestyle changes will help people maintain weight loss.
Anti-obesity drugs can be a great option for treating obesity. It is important to take an individualized approach. Our Registered Dietitians encourage clients to discuss these drugs with their doctors to help them decide if GLP-1 drugs are right for them.
We are here to support you every step of the way and see many clients taking GLP-1 drugs. While GLP-1 drugs may seem like a miracle for some, many will need advice on getting the right amount of protein, maintaining a healthy balance in their diet, and breaking through any weight loss plateaus on their journey. Click here to schedule an appointment if you’re ready for expert advice on your weight loss journey!
Resources:
Read about the changes that occur in your body when take weight loss medications from the journal, Obesity.
See what the the World Health Organization has to say about obesity and overweight.
Learn more about the types of GLP-1 drugs that are approved for weight loss from the Mayo Clinic.
Read what a Hopkins gastroenterologist thinks about popular weight-loss drugs.
Concerned about side effects? Check out Harvard Medical School’s article here.