Drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound — GLP-1 medications typically used to treat obesity — can lead to impressive weight loss.
“The FDA says these drugs are approved for use as an adjunct to lifestyle therapy,” he said.
“In fact, they are prescribed the other way around with lifestyle therapy being the adjunct if being thought about at all.
Doctors are not following either society guidelines or FDA guidelines if they are prescribing [GLP-1s] without lifestyle therapy.”
Before starting GLP-1 medications, the report recommended that patients work with their doctors to set goals that focus on overall health, not just weight loss.
GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, which are commonly used to treat obesity, can result in significant weight loss.
A recent joint advisory from four major medical groups, however, cautions that people may experience weight gain, muscle loss, and high long-term costs after stopping GLP-1 medications if they do not receive the right nutrition and lifestyle support.
According to the report, which was authored by experts from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society, only roughly half of GLP-1 medication users continue to take their medication after a year, and only roughly 15% do so after two years.
According to the study, long-term success depends on regular use and a healthy diet because many people stop taking GLP-1 medications because of side effects, expense, or unsatisfactory results. When they do, they frequently gain weight back.
In order to enhance long-term results while taking a GLP-1, the report attempts to provide guidance to patients and clinicians regarding dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist, director of Tufts University’s Food is Medicine Institute, and lead author of the report, told ABC News, “We really wanted to bring in four major societies together that focus on nutrition, lifestyle, [and] obesity and come with a consensus statement on how nutrition should be thought about when prescribing these drugs.”.
A person must make complete lifestyle adjustments in order to succeed on a GLP-1, according to Mozaffarian.
“These medications are authorized by the FDA to be used as a supplement to lifestyle therapy,” he stated. In actuality, they are prescribed in reverse, with lifestyle therapy serving as the adjunct, if it is even considered. Prescriptions for [GLP-1s] without lifestyle therapy are not in compliance with FDA or society guidelines. “..”.
The report advised patients to collaborate with their physicians to establish goals that prioritize general health rather than weight loss prior to beginning GLP-1 medications. According to the report, it’s also critical to look for any stomach or bone problems that might result in adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, or loss of muscle and bone mass.
By offering medical nutrition therapy to complement GLP-1 therapy, registered dietitians can play essential roles in comprehensive obesity care, according to Emily A. Callahan is the director of policy strategy at the Food is Medicine Institute and a registered dietitian nutritionist. There is mounting evidence that medical nutrition therapy administered by registered dietitians has been linked to improvements in blood pressure, glycemic control, waist circumference, and body weight. “,”.
GLP-1 drugs should typically be started at the lowest dose and increased gradually as necessary, according to the report. Patients should also be informed that these medications frequently cause nausea, which can lead to cravings for comfort foods high in calories and sugar that hinder weight loss. The study suggested eating small, frequent meals and concentrating on nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods to help people stay on track.
According to the report, particular caution should be used by anyone on an intermittent fasting diet or a low-carb “keto diet” that restricts foods like bread, pasta, and fruit in order to induce a state known as ketosis, in which the body burns fat for energy rather than carbohydrates. These people may be particularly susceptible to gastrointestinal adverse effects, according to the report.
In addition, the report suggested that individuals who might be deficient in certain nutrients boost their intake of protein by 50–100% from foods like fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds, and think about taking supplements like calcium, vitamin D, and multivitamins. This is particularly crucial for people taking GLP-1s who eat less because it may be more difficult to get all the nutrients the body needs when they consume less food.
The report also emphasized how crucial it is to preserve bone density and muscle mass while reducing weight. The report recommended performing a full body strength training regimen at least three times per week and getting 150 minutes of moderate cardio per week because weight loss can also result in muscle loss, particularly in older adults.
The study came to the conclusion that GLP-1 users should have a better chance of reaching their objectives if they prioritized healthy eating, exercise, and other lifestyle choices.
“GLP-1s are most likely to help people lose weight and keep it off when combined with good dietary advice and lifestyle support,” Callahan stated.
Doctor. Brendan Huang is the head of Northwell Health’s adult neurology residency program and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.
