Magic Weight Loss Drug or Just Hype? – Episode 163

Hola amigos! Welcome to One Small Bite!

A couple of days ago someone asked me what I thought about the new blockbuster weight-loss drugs. Have you heard of them – Ozempic, Wegovy, and Moungaro? They are going viral (and not just in the social media sense either). So, I thought this would be a good opportunity to unravel the mystery of these drugs. So, are they really the magic weight-loss shot, or not? (Sorry, couldn’t resist the play on “bullet” – ha, ha)

Highlights of this episode:

• What are these GDP-1 agonist?
• Do they work?
• What are the costs?
• What are the side effects?
• Will the medication keep the weight off?
• Recommendations if you decide to use them

Episode Show Notes: 

Have you heard of them – Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro?

They are so popular right now there’s a huge backorder on prescriptions. Many people are waiting months to get them. Alternatively, many insurance companies are also denying coverage as well, but doctors keep prescribing them like candy.

Reminds me of the OxyContin, opioid epidemic.

So, are they really the magic weight-loss shot, or not? Well, let’s first shed some light on them.

What are they? – They are synthetic versions of a natural digestive hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). They work by slowing the emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine. This in turn makes people feel fuller longer and therefore suppresses appetite.

Do they work? – The short answer is, for many people, yes they do. People lose weight because they eat a lot less. They were originally designed to help manage blood sugar levels.

What’s the cost out-of-pocket? – Depends on the drug, pharmacy, dosage, and time of year, but roughly, about $1,300 for a month’s supply.

What are the side effects? – The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. In some extreme cases, they can damage the pancreas or kidneys.

Will it last? – Now this is an interesting question. We simply don’t know. Research on these drugs doesn’t go beyond two years. What we do know is that as soon as someone stops taking the medication their appetite comes back, and so does the weight and then some.

What concerns me is that we don’t know what the long-term effect of suppressing the appetite and slowing gastric emptying will have on metabolism or the body.
I have various clients currently on these drugs, and for the most part they confirm everything above.

If you do plan to use one of these medications, then this is what I recommend many clients do…

• Take your time, there’s no rush. Be informed and do some research.
• Find out what’s worked for others and how they’ve adjusted their eating.
• Find out if you are a right candidate for the drug.
• Contact your insurance to see if they’ll cover it. You might have to pay out-of-pocket
• Eating out might be difficult or awkward – everyone’s eating but you.
• Stick with a structured eating routine. This will help avoid lowering your metabolism.
• Pay attention to your body.
• Think long-term. Consider what will happen once you are off the drug.

Resources:

ON Community
A community of people just like you interested in building a positive relationship with food and body, to learn and practice new habits, grow together, so that people can feel good and live fully. Read about it here: ON Community

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Chop the diet mentality; Fuel Your Body; and Nourish Your Soul!