GLP-1 medications are popular, but are they right for you?
Anti-obesity medications were a common topic of discussion this past year. While they may seem like a great option for weight loss, they aren’t appropriate for everyone, and they certainly come with their own risks.
Glucagon-like agonists (GLP-1s) mimic the body’s glucagon-like peptide hormone and produce insulin after eating to help lower blood sugar. The medication slows the movement of food into the small intestine, making you feel fuller longer. Generally, GLP-1s should only be used temporarily as a bridge to healthier eating and lifestyle changes that will support both losing weight and keeping it off. For some patients, long-term use may be necessary to sustain benefits, similar to how medications are used for other chronic conditions, like hypertension.
The success that some achieve using GLP-1s can come with a price – both financially and physically. Many insurance carriers do not cover the costs associated with GLP-1 medications or only do so for a limited amount of time. It’s also important to consider the side effects of GLP-1s and discuss any concerns with your health care provider before starting the medication. Some side effects include pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, muscle loss, eye complications, kidney failure and severe gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, weight loss from GLP-1s is temporary, with nearly 80% of people regaining the lost weight within six months to a year after stopping the medication.
Fortunately, GLP-1 medications aren’t necessary for weight loss. There is truly no substitute to healthy eating, portion control and exercise. Even if you do utilize GLP-1s to support your weight loss journey, diet and exercise remain the key to success. Although they do not replicate the potent effects of GLP-1 medications, berberine and apple cider vinegar are dietary supplements that provide a nice alternative to those medications when combined with other lifestyle changes.
While GLP-1 medications are effective for many people, they are not appropriate for everyone. Talk with your health care provider to determine the best way for you to safely achieve your weight loss goals. You should never feel ashamed about wanting to make positive changes and take charge of your health.
Dr. Tony Hampton is a family medicine physician at Advocate Health Care.
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About the Author
Dr. Tony Hampton, MBA, CPE is Board Certified in Obesity Medicine and Family Medicine. He currently is the physician lead for Advocate's Healthy Living Program as well as Regional Medical Director for the South Region of Advocate's Medical Group. He is an inspirational public speaker, blogger, coach, and has authored a book entitled Fix Your Diet, Fix Your Diabetes. He has led multiple programs and works with AdvocateAurora to coach patients on their journey to achieve their health care goals by balancing nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, increased sleep, and needed medical interventions. He believes that a shift is needed in healthcare where we all work together focus on prevention and wellness. He is married and a father of two college-aged boys.
I would like to try GLP-1 medications but with cost and no guarantee I don’t know if I can. I’ve done Weight watchers, Noom, herbal life, slim fast and multiple other diets and even living in FL swimming and walking every day no one can tell me why I’m not losing weight. How do you join a weight loss program, and they look at your daily logs of your food and cannot tell you what to do or change! The only thing I haven’t done is joining a gym, because even as adult people are rude.
I can tell you firsthand that GLP-1 medications work! Today is the first time that my BMI is less than 25. It took eight months to lose seventy-three pounds. What they say is true. The medication can be difficult especially if you have a slow GI system. The cost is learning to control my GI system because lots of fiber causes problems like belching. I had to give up fresh fruits. I eat much smaller quantities. None of my clothes fit so I need a new wardrobe. I do not recognize myself in the mirror because I did lose muscle mass. The positives are that my blood pressure is better managed, my A1C is now 5.5 and I have few aches and pains. You will have to decide what is important and how much weight you want to lose and check with your doctor. By the way, I did not get full disclosure concerning my GI system and its impact.