Ready to embrace a 'new you' this year? Many are turning to weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, but before you jump on the bandwagon, it's crucial to understand what the experts are saying. Bariatric surgeon Dr. Katelin Mirkin, along with other medical professionals, is sounding the alarm: these medications aren't without potential downsides, and relying on them as a quick fix could lead to some significant consequences.
Dr. Mirkin highlights a concerning trend: substantial weight regain after stopping these drugs, particularly when discontinued abruptly.
Initially designed to treat diabetes, medications like Wegovy and Ozempic have surged in popularity for weight loss. As more Americans use GLP-1s, doctors are gaining valuable insights into what happens when patients stop taking them, including the often-unwelcome return of lost weight.
While many tolerate GLP-1 drugs well, it's essential to remember that, like any medication, they can come with side effects. The most common include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and slowed digestion. These effects are, in a sense, the drugs 'working as intended,' by slowing down digestion and suppressing appetite.
But here's where it gets controversial... Dr. Mirkin also raises concerns about more serious issues, such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, sarcopenia (muscle loss), and rare thyroid cancer risks. While the medications are generally well-tolerated by most patients, studies reveal that many stop taking them within a year, and a significant number quickly regain weight.
"The negative feedback of that nausea that you felt from the medication isn’t there, and so you just kind of go back into old habits," Dr. Mirkin explains. The drugs themselves slow down how your gastrointestinal system processes food, so once that effect wears off, those side effects disappear too.
Exactly why the weight returns after stopping GLP-1s is still under investigation, but experts believe it's a combination of factors. Some patients report intense hunger and appetite after stopping the medication. Others may try the drugs, experience some success, but then face financial constraints or side effects they can't tolerate.
Doctors agree that for many patients, especially those with obesity or diabetes, GLP-1 drugs might need to be taken indefinitely. Dr. Mirkin emphasizes that these medications shouldn't be seen as a jump-start or a short-term solution.
While patients are advised to combine the drugs with lifestyle changes like increased protein intake, strength training, and mindful eating, some rely solely on the medication. This is a key point to consider.
"Some of these weight regains is even in people that have made these lifestyle changes," Dr. Mirkin notes. "But certainly your overall health is going to be better if you can kind of commit to healthier habits in general."
What are your thoughts? Do you think the potential risks outweigh the benefits of these weight-loss drugs? Are you concerned about the long-term implications? Share your opinions in the comments below! This article was written by Heather Gustafson, a Freelance Anchor/Reporter for WTOP, a DMV native and an Emmy award-winning journalist lauded for her 2020 Black Lives Matter protests coverage.
