Weight Loss Meds Aren't Magic The Food & Fitness Factor You Can't Ignore

Food and Fitness: The Unsung Heroes of Weight Loss Drug Success

Medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, have revolutionized the landscape of weight loss, offering hope to millions struggling with obesity. These drugs can indeed lead to significant weight reduction. However, a recent joint advisory from leading medical organizations underscores a crucial point: medication alone is not enough for long-term success.

The advisory, a collaborative effort from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society, highlights the critical role of nutrition and lifestyle support. Without these elements, patients risk muscle loss, weight regain, and potentially high long-term healthcare costs once they discontinue GLP-1 medications.

Alarming Statistics Highlight the Problem

The report reveals concerning statistics regarding adherence to GLP-1 medications:

• Only about 50% of users continue taking their medication after one year.
• A mere 15% remain on treatment after two years.
• Up to 85% of patients stop using GLP-1 medications after two years.

Many individuals discontinue GLP-1s due to side effects, financial constraints, or simply, disappointing results. Unfortunately, weight regain is a common outcome upon cessation, emphasizing that sustained success hinges on consistent medication use coupled with a healthy lifestyle. That's a very important point to be considered when thinking about using this type of medication.

A Call for Comprehensive Care

Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, and the report's lead author, emphasized the need for a holistic approach. "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," he told ABC News.

He stressed that successful GLP-1 therapy requires a commitment to comprehensive lifestyle changes, explaining that the FDA approves these medications for use as an adjunct to lifestyle therapy, but often, the reverse occurs in practice.

Key Recommendations for Patients and Clinicians

The report offers valuable guidance for both patients and healthcare providers to optimize outcomes while on GLP-1 medications:

• Set Realistic Goals: Collaborate with your doctor to establish goals that prioritize overall health, not solely weight loss.
• Assess Potential Risks: Screen for pre-existing stomach or bone issues that might exacerbate side effects.
• Seek Expert Guidance: Registered dietitians can provide crucial medical nutrition therapy to support GLP-1 therapy, leading to improvements in body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, and glycemic control, as noted by Emily A. Callahan, registered dietitian nutritionist and director of policy strategy for the Food is Medicine Institute.
• Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with the lowest effective dose and gradually increase as needed.
• Manage Nausea: Be mindful of nausea, a common side effect that can trigger cravings for unhealthy comfort foods. Opt for small, frequent meals of minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods.
• Exercise Caution with Restrictive Diets: Individuals following intermittent fasting or ketogenic diets may be more susceptible to gastrointestinal side effects.
• Consider Supplements: If nutrient intake is limited, consider supplements like vitamin D, calcium, and multivitamins.
• Prioritize Protein: Increase protein intake by 50-100% from sources like fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds.
• Maintain Muscle Mass: Engage in full-body strength training at least three times a week and aim for 150 minutes of moderate cardio weekly.

The Path to Lasting Success

The core message is clear: GLP-1 medications are powerful tools, but they are most effective when combined with comprehensive lifestyle interventions. Focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and other healthy habits significantly increases the likelihood of achieving and sustaining weight loss goals.

As Callahan aptly put it, "GLP-1s have the best chance of helping people achieve and sustain lasting weight reduction when they are paired with strong nutrition guidance and lifestyle support."

Ultimately, lasting weight loss and improved health are not about a quick fix, but about embracing a sustainable, holistic approach that integrates medication with mindful nutrition and an active lifestyle. It's about empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being for the long haul.

Tags: GLP-1 drugs, Wegovy, Zepbound, Weight loss, Obesity, Muscle loss, Nutrition, Lifestyle support, Medical advisory, Drug adherence, Healthy Eating, Exercise, Dietitian

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/food-fitness-make-break-success-weight-loss-meds/story?id=122324834