It seems everyone is jumping on the Ozempic bandwagon for weight loss or knows someone who is taking it. But what is the actual reality of these medications when it comes to risks? Is there a natural alternative? In this health tip we are going to explain what GLP-1 drugs are and how they work, explore the pros and cons, and discuss other safer options.
Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Victoza are brand names, and there are also generic and compounded versions of the semaglutides. These are known as GLP-1 inhibitors, which stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. These medications are designed to mimic a naturally occurring hormone in our own bodies, the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that is naturally released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. When you eat, your digestive system breaks carbohydrates down into simple sugars that travel through your bloodstream. GLP-1 triggers the release of insulin from your pancreas. Insulin helps usher glucose (sugar) out of the bloodstream and into your cells, where it can be used for nourishment and energy.
GLP-1 are produced in our body to help regulate blood sugar, digestion, and feelings of fullness, and also help with management of weight and diabetes. Higher levels of GLP-1 are also associated with anti-aging and longevity. The problem is that our naturally occurring GLP-1 is decreased in individuals as we get older, and in people with type 2 diabetes and with obesity.
Semaglutides were developed for treatment of type 2 diabetes but quickly became the go to short cut for weight loss. They work by:
- Reducing appetite,
- Slowing digestion,
- Boosting metabolism,
- Stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin,
- Suppressing the release of glucagon.
While GLP-1 drugs are effective in much lower doses to treat diabetes, when used at the higher doses to cause significant weight loss, they have many serious side effects and also cause significant unwanted loss of muscle and bone (lean mass). Particularly as we age, loss of muscle and bone have major adverse effects on health and metabolism. Bone loss in women who are also low in estradiol after menopause is a serious risk for major fractures of hip and spine.
Many patients start on a low dosage and have to gradually increase it to achieve weight loss goals. Severe side effects and risks with the higher doses used for weight loss include:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Significant loss of lean body mass (muscle) often twice as much as with regular dieting
- Studies in mice indicate that this muscle loss includes cardiac mass aka heart muscle which may lead to exercise intolerance and reduced the quality of life and has the potential to be detrimental in the long term.
- Flattening and sagging skin and wrinkling after rapid weight loss
- Weight regains after discontinuing GLP-1 drugs
- Long-term side effects are not yet well-studied
I caution against using GLP-1 drugs as a first choice for weight loss and weight management. In my opinion, the results do not appear to outweigh the risks. Weight loss at the beginning does not seem to be sustainable over time without 1) a long-term commitment ) to taking these medications (i.e.: lifetime patient and 2) significant lifestyle modifications that in fact would help you achieve your weight goals naturally without the risks or cost of the medicine!
These lifestyle changes include balanced, clean, whole food diet, appropriate levels of activity, resistance training to maintain muscle mass along with adequate protein intake from food and or supplementation especially as we get older.
If you DO take any of these GLP-1 drugs, I think it is critical to add an amino acid supplement like our TruAmino Complex™ to help counter the loss of muscle and lean tissue without added the calories of traditional protein powders.
If you want to first try and increase your own GLP-1 naturally, check with your doctor and here are some options you can consider:
- Eating more fiber: Soluble fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains – oats, barley, and whole wheat), legumes, and seeds that slow down digestion and stimulate GLP-1 production including TruFiber Lean™
- Variety of foods, diversity to increase good gut bacteria to support gut health
- Probiotics – such as TruProbiotic Lean™
- Manage stress levels with meditation, Tai Chi or Qi Gong, breathing exercises and mindfulness
- Moderate exercise including walking for cardiovascular activity and resistance training use light dumbbells, bands, or body weight (minimum of 150 minutes per week)
- Use of foods and oils rich in 2-Oleoyl Glycerol (Oleic acid) – Almonds, walnuts, chia seed, avocado and olive oil
- Lean proteins – fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, lean beef, cottage cheese
- Eat a variety of colorful vegetables – especially the cruciferous family
In addition to healthy lifestyle strategies of proper diet and activity, supplements can also support your weight loss goals are appropriate to incorporate into any weight management plan when you need that extra boost to get going on losing weight or when your goal is maintenance.
I have specifically curated a Weight Management category of products that we have good scientific evidence to show can support healthy weight loss. I take several of these myself to stay on track with my personal weight goals. These are available in our Truth for Health store www.TruthforHealth.,org, or www.shoptruthforhealth.com.
This bundle of products is designed to work synergistically to support healthy blood sugar levels and metabolism, appetite and food cravings control, reducing body fat mass and calorie consumption, and support muscle protein synthesis. See specific Product Data Sheet for each of the components of our Weight Support Bundle:
- TruBerberine™ 5X
- TruFiber™ Lean
- TruLeptin ™Modulator
- TruProbiotic™ Lean
- TruAmino™ Complex
- TruAlpha-Lipoic SR ™
I hope you will give the natural medicines and healthy lifestyle changes a chance to help you achieve your weight loss goals before you turn to the riskier prescription medicines for the “quick fix” that may be costlier to your health and your pocketbook!
To Your good health,
Dr. Vliet
