The drawbacks and benefits of Ozempic
Many patients come to me for help with weight loss, so I get a lot of questions about GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). These medications have gained enormous media attention recently. But who should take them and who shouldn’t? Can people stop taking them once they start?
Benefits of GLP-1 Agonists
GLP-1 agonists offer significant benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes by improving insulin and glucose regulation. In the realm of obesity management, these medications reduce appetite and increase satiety, which leads to a decreased caloric intake and substantial weight loss. On average, obese users often experience a weight reduction of approximately 10-15% of their body weight. Obese patients with type 2 diabetes generally benefit greatly from this class of medication.
Composition of Weight Loss
The weight loss induced by GLP-1 agonists is primarily from fat loss; however, there is evidence suggesting that a sizable portion of the weight loss also comes from lost muscle mass. This aspect is crucial as muscle loss can negatively impact metabolic rate, overall health and longevity. For those who are very overweight and their health is suffering because of metabolic issues, GLP-1 agonists should be strongly considered.
Drawbacks of GLP-1 Agonists
Despite their benefits, GLP-1 agonists come with a number of drawbacks. Common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can be severe in some cases. Another significant concern is the cost of these medications; the average cash price for a month’s supply can exceed $1,000. Lastly, these medications are often in short supply. A number of patients have trouble obtaining their next month’s supply of medication when they need it. Patients who start these medicines often later stop them because of the high ongoing costs and the widespread drug shortages.
Discontinuation and Weight Regain
Discontinuing GLP-1 agonists poses challenges, most notably weight regain. Lifestyle changes such as an improved nutrition plan, a carefully constructed exercise regimen, and methods for optimizing gut health are crucial for maintaining weight loss. Unfortunately, statistics show that a significant percentage of users tend to regain weight after stopping the medication, particularly if the right lifestyle modifications are not made and maintained. It is estimated that only a small percentage of GLP-1 agonist users (around 20-30%) can discontinue the medication without eventually regaining some or all of the lost weight. This is incredibly sad! These people generally have spent thousands of dollars on medications, only to end up right back where they started!
For these reasons, those people who just want to lose 20-30 pounds are generally much better off using a targeted plan that allows them to improve their metabolic health and lose the weight without starting one of these medications. There are a number of new, science backed ways to do this that do not require the patient to be hungry while they are losing weight! They don’t regain the weight because they are able to increase their calorie intake to maintenance level again when they reach goal weight.
Patients contemplating the use of GLP-1 agonists for diabetes or weight management should contact me. I would love to work with you and provide you with the expert guidance you need to achieve your health goals!
