Obesity Drugs - Think before you try them
At the start of 2023, Time magazine took a look at wellness trends for 2023 and through consultation with various experts decided there were a few that should be ditched. Among them are the hot new drugs designed to combat obesity. Oh, if only it were that easy…get a shot and drop the weight.
I focus on nutrition and lifestyle and I am quite concerned by how easily these kinds of drugs give false hope for an easy fix, all the while neglecting to provide the basic tools for healthy eating and a balanced lifestyle. This approach permeates most of health care today. We saw it during the pandemic where the CDC failed to include advice to eat well, rest and manage stress as part of its messaging.
Injectable Drugs for Obesity
Let me tell you about a couple of these injectable drugs discussed in Time. They are Ozempic ($1000) and Wegovy ($1500). These drugs were developed and purposed for obese patients with Type II diabetes and were viewed to be at high risk for obesity related heart and kidney disease. The drugs did assist people in losing about 15% of their excess weight over 68 weeks. However, these drugs helped activate weight loss by interfering with the body’s metabolism. Once they got off the drug, the weight came right back on. With the many side effects of these drugs, it’s hardly a low risk OR successful way to lose weight.
Studies show these drugs need to be taken long-term; otherwise the weight will come right back on. Though they are considered safe for the specific populations for which they are intended, possible side effects include pancreatitis, changes in vision, low blood sugar, and kidney and gallbladder problems. These are potentially serious side effects, and coupled with manipulating one’s metabolism, I would consider other options before I’d try these drugs.
As noted, it takes 68 weeks to lose up to 15% of body weight using these drugs with their accompanying risk factors. Let’s say you weight 200 pounds. If you lose 15% of your body weight in 68 weeks, that means you lose 30 pounds or 1/2 pound per week. This level of weight loss is entirely doable without drugs by simply changing what you are currently eating to a healthier choice of foods.
Get Clear about the Causes and the Solutions for a Healthy Weight
When you examine your lifestyle you will find reasons for most weight issues. Some may be due to overeating, but many are because of eating the wrong foods. The body keeps the hunger signals active when it isn’t receiving adequate nutrients. Eating in a simple whole foods based way will signal your brain to quiet the hunger signals and will make it much easier for you to avoid overeating.
This essential step is necessary if you want to change your weight. It may involve changing your lifestyle to make room for regular healthy meals. Change is not easy for any of us. If you want to be successful, take small steps and continually reinforce those steps until hey are like second nature.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Each of us is unique. Not everyone needs to be slim to be healthy, but you need to be nourished with good quality food to be healthy. Look at how you feel - your mood, your energy, your sleep, your ability to relax and to think clearly - all of these are influenced by your food. Look to be somewhere within a reasonable weight range for your body type, your height and your age. As you create a way of life where you are regularly nourished with quality food, your weight will adjust.
Yes, It’s Complicated
Eating simple nourishing whole foods is not easy to do in this busy world. But with planning and a commitment to being and feeling great, it is so worth it. When you get your food right on an ongoing basis, you create wiggle room for the occasional indulgences we all love. Be in touch if you need help or look at the programs section of my website.