GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and Rybelsus have become the talk of the town, sparking conversations everywhere. Originally designed for people with diabetes, these drugs are now making headlines for their appetite-suppressing powers, drawing in many who hope to shed a few extra pounds.
The idea that a single drug can have so many uses and treat several kinds of ailments sounds too good to be true. Researchers who are studying these types of medications are surprised and mystified by them. GLP-1 drugs have a host of benefits; they help with cognitive issues, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and even opioid addiction.
The Hard Truth
One of the most surprising things about these drugs is that they require a lifelong commitment. When used for weight loss, for example, celebrities who have tried to wean themselves off the medication found out that they couldn’t; that’s because they immediately gained back the weight. Case in point, Oprah Winfrey said that she stopped taking the drugs cold turkey in an interview with People magazine, she immediately gained back 20 pounds.
GLP-1 drugs are pricey, and many who stopped taking them said that they simply can’t afford them for life. When people go off the medications, food cravings and appetite can surge back, that’s because the body’s metabolism slows down, raising the risk of gaining the weight back.
The Hidden Dangers
Contrary to what most people think, these medications can take a toll on your body. One of the most common is malnutrition. According to a study examining over 460,000 individuals, patients prescribed GLP-1 medications developed nutritional deficiencies within 12 months of starting treatment. Most notably, vitamin D deficiency was common, affecting 13 per cent of patients. But the deficiency went beyond a single vitamin; it included vitamins A, C, and B, as well as reduced calcium and zinc levels.
When the body lacks these vitamins, it can manifest in a host of ways, including hair loss, fatigue, muscle weakness, slow wound healing, and more. These symptoms should be taken seriously, because if left untreated, they can lead to malnutrition.
Many doctors are recommending that people taking GLP-1 supplement it with a robust vitamin regimen. Some of these include taking vitamin D and calcium in gummy or pill form. It is also advisable to take a healthy protein supply, that’s because you need to preserve muscle mass during rapid weight loss. Doctors recommend 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight daily. That’s not to undermine other supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids and electrolytes like potassium and magnesium.
Addressing the Root Cause of Obesity
Although GLP-1 medications can suppress the appetite and cause you to eat less and lose weight, they don’t address the root cause of weight gain. Some of the causes of weight gain include stress eating, poor sleep hygiene, and several other inadequate coping mechanisms.
Nevertheless, if you are suffering from obesity or simply want to stay in shape, suppressing appetite isn’t the solution. You will need to take proactive steps to change your physical and psychological behaviour to lose weight, which involves having a regular exercise regimen and working with a registered dietitian to plan your nutrition.
A nutritionist examines your health, medical history, eating habits, and allergies, and develops a food plan that meets your nutritional requirements to help you stay in shape. They can also help you make wise food choices, set realistic weight-loss goals, and track your progress.
GLP-1 medications are likely to remain popular, with hundreds of thousands of people using them around the world. As more people take them, we’ll learn even more about their effects. But if you can’t afford these medications, don’t feel bad about it. A healthy exercise routine and a balanced diet are still the best ways to lose weight naturally and effectively.
David Messiha | Staff Writer
