Weight loss drugs can help you lose more weight
The popular GLP-1 agonist class of weight loss drugs aren’t the only way to lose weight. Many overweight and obese people manage to do it via lifestyle interventions. But many also struggle to lose enough weight that way. Weight loss pills combined with lifestyle changes lead to significantly more weight loss.
They can help you take less medication
This combo of improving diet and lifestyle while taking weight loss drugs means people are very likely to reach 15 – 20 % of body weight lost. This is important because at this range, it’s common to go into remission for several weight-related health problems:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Fatty liver disease
- Sleep apnoea
If weight loss drugs help you resolve some of these issues, you may end up taking a lot fewer drugs overall and reduce the side-effects associated with them.
GLP-1 mimicking drugs improve health even with no weight loss
Research indicates that GLP-1s may reduce the risk of or heart disease and in people with diabetes, they seem to improve kidney function. The theory is that organs throughout the body have GLP-1 receptors on their cells. When these drugs attach to these receptors in the kidneys and heart, they seem to protect these organs from damage. For this reason, in 2023, the American Heart Association listed GLP-1 receptor agonists as one of the year’s top advances in cardiovascular disease treatment.
They may even help with addictive behaviour
Weight loss drugs like Semaglutide (Ozempic) have gained attention for their potential to curb addiction. Researchers are exploring their effects on substance use disorders. Early trials are showing promise in reducing cravings for alcohol, nicotine, and other addictive substances. However, ongoing research is still needed to fully understand their potential and integration into addiction treatment programs.
Consider the side effects
The above-mentioned beneficial effects of these weight loss drugs are certainly impressive, but like with any drug, there are always side-effect to consider.
The most commonly reported ones have to do with digestion. The slowed gastric emptying from GLP-1 agonists can lead to nausea, constipation, and other GI issues. This can be particularly hard to deal with when you’re also trying to improve your diet.
Another concerning effect of the weight loss associated with these drugs is that about 30 – 40 % of the weight lost comes lean mass. This means that for every 10 kg someone loses, about 6 – 7 kg come from fat and 3 – 4 kg from muscle, bone, and other non-fat tissues.
Most of these side effects are manageable, especially with the help of a few key strategies which we will cover in the next article in the series. But there are also concerns about the long-term use of these drugs, or whether the benefits will remain if you stop taking them.
What happens when you stop taking the weight loss medicines?
Your weight won’t change as soon as you stop taking GLP-1s but the hunger, cravings return, and food noise likely will. If you don’t work on changing your eating and exercise as well as other lifestyle factors, it will be an uphill battle to maintain the new weight. This is why some studies are showing that people that stopped taking Ozempic regained over 66 % of the lost weight. This is reason enough to always combine weight loss drugs with lifestyle interventions.
Should you take weight loss drugs?
In Europe, drugs like Ozempic are mostly prescription only, so you can’t really make the decision on your own. You have to consult your doctor, as you should when it comes to major health decisions. But this article can help you come to your doctor prepared. Now, you understand the potential benefits, side-effects and drawbacks. You can go to your doctor with the right questions in mind.
