Trimming Trends: The Buzz on Breakthrough Weight Loss Medications

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Weight loss is huge business – there are hundreds of weight loss clinics and programs, diets, shakes and supplements marketed to those who are wanting to finally shred those unwanted kilos 💊

Over the years, there have been loads of meds floating around promising to help shed those extra pounds. Some evidenced based and some based on rainbows and unicorns 🌈 🦄

But now, we have a newcomer in town – Semaglutide. This brand-new medication is like the cool kid on the block, showing some really promising results for those of us dealing with challenging weight loss due to hormonal issues ✨ 

Semaglutide comes under the class of medications GLP-1, with different brand names such as Ozempic.

Let’s take a look at what these medications actually do, along with some things to consider if you are thinking about trying them out for yourself.

But before we dive in ...

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Deep Dive on Semaglutide

Semaglutide with brand names including Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy have been indicated to treat Type 2 diabetes for just over five years.

Each brand name may have different dosages and administration instructions, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate option for your specific needs.

These drugs act by selectively binding to cell receptors (GLP-1) and increasing the production of insulin in the body, as well as lowering blood glucose levels and reducing appetite.

The multiple modes of action have shown it to be extremely effective in some patients in reducing calorie intake and supporting weight loss.

They were developed for people to help manage type 2 diabetes and it is the indirect weight loss benefits that have raised interest as a general weight loss drug.

So much so, that doctors are using it “off label” which means they are prescribing it for people who are not diabetic but have general weight to lose.

Who is Semaglutide suitable for?

For those who have gained significant amounts of weight, largely as a result of high insulin levels and are on their way to being diagnosed with diabetes or have diabetes, these drugs can help.

Prior to the development of diabetes, insulin levels become chronically elevated, and this condition is called insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone that regulates both fat and glucose metabolism in the body.

High levels of insulin over time can result in fluctuating blood glucose levels, extreme cravings and difficulty losing weight. When insulin has been elevated for several years, fat metabolism can be affected.

Semaglutide stimulates insulin release from the pancreas when you need it, and it helps to lower your blood sugar levels.

It also helps to reduce the amount of sugar released by your liver and slows down food leaving your stomach to help prevent blood sugar spikes.

It can help you stick to a calorie deficit by reducing appetite. You just don’t feel hungry all the time!

However, for those who continue to eat too much or make poor food choices which takes them out of a calorie deficit, these drugs will have minimal impact on weight loss.

Why you need a dietitian if you are on Semaglutide for weight loss

1. You need to make sure you are getting enough protein to protect muscle loss. These drugs help place you in a calorie deficit therefore protein intake can be compromised.

2. Make sure you are eating enough vitamins and minerals for significantly reduced calorie load, such as iron and calcium.

3. You will need guidance to teach you how to eat for appetite cues and not whenever you want.

4. You will need to support your metabolic function long term, so you don’t regain weight after you stop taking Semaglutide.

5. You need advice on the right mix of movement, diet and exercise while on Semaglutide to protect muscle mass and metabolic health, which will then lead to a solid transition plan after you stop taking the drug.

We need to minimise muscle mass loss, otherwise at the end of the treatment time, you will have less muscle mass than when you first started.

Peter Attia, a physician who focuses on the science of longevity, claims that "almost every patient we put on this drug [semaglutide] has lost muscle mass at a rate that alarms me."

Muscle is precious. We need to look after it. It is metabolically active tissue and it dies a great job at soaking up carbs and helps reduce insulin resistance, plus it keeps you strong and looking amazing!

The only way to get muscle back is through resistance training and eating adequate protein to drive muscle protein synthesis, so it is best to not lose it in the first place.

Ready to Change the Things You Can Change?

So, you're on a mission to kickstart a weight loss journey, and you're at that point where you're sifting through all the options available.

From diet plans to workout routines, it's overwhelming. You've done the research, scrolled through countless success stories, but it feels like there's a missing piece to your personalized puzzle.

Maybe it's time to chat with someone who knows their stuff. Whether it's discussing dietary tweaks, exploring exercise plans, or even delving into potential medications like the latest buzz, Semaglutide, you're ready to get some expert advice.

Deciding to have that conversation with a healthcare professional is the first step towards change.

Reflection

Reflection today is the serenity prayer “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can change and the wisdom to know the difference”.

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