The allure of quick weight loss can be tempting, especially when the results seem almost too good to be true. Prescription GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy have taken the weight loss world by storm, offering a solution that promises fast results. These drugs work by mimicking a hormone (GLP-1) that helps regulate appetite and glucose metabolism, making you feel fuller, slowing digestion, and reducing cravings, all of which can lead to rapid weight loss.
Side effects of weight loss drugs
However, while the benefits are clear, it’s important to recognize that these medications also come with potential risks and side effects. If you’re considering using them, understanding both the advantages and the possible drawbacks is essential to making an informed decision. Additionally, exploring natural ways to manage side effects can help you get the most out of your treatment plan.
Gut Issues Related to Weight Loss Drugs
One of the first side effects that many people experience when taking GLP-1 medications is gastrointestinal distress. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea can be common, especially during the initial stages of treatment. While these symptoms are often temporary, they can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, such as gastroparesis, a disorder in which the stomach has difficulty emptying properly, potentially leading to chronic digestive issues and complications. The gastrointestinal side effects of GLP-1 medications stem from their impact on digestion. These drugs slow gastric emptying, causing food to remain in the stomach longer than usual. This delayed process can lead to feelings of nausea, bloating, and fullness, and may cause discomfort during meals. Additionally, GLP-1 medications increase insulin release and slow overall digestion, which can further affect the function of your stomach and intestines.
Naturally Alleviate Side Effects: To ease gut-related side effects when starting GLP-1 medications, begin with the lowest dose and gradually increase it under your healthcare provider’s guidance. This allows your body to adjust more comfortably, reducing the likelihood of symptoms like nausea, bloating, or constipation. Staying hydrated is essential, as drinking plenty of water supports healthy digestion and prevents dehydration, which can be aggravated by some GLP-1 drugs. A high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes promotes regular bowel movements, supports gut health, and can help reduce bloating. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and sourdough bread can balance gut bacteria, improving digestive function. If you’re not a fan of fermented foods, probiotic supplements may be a good alternative. Additionally, digestive aids like enzymes and mindful eating practices, such as eating slowly and chewing thoroughly, can further help ease discomfort and support digestion.
Weight loss and loss of muscle mass
One of the least talked about side effects of GLP-1 medications is muscle loss.
These medications help with weight loss by making you eat less. When you take in fewer calories, your body uses both fat and muscle for energy, which can lead to losing both. While weight loss is the goal, losing muscle mass along the way can have negative long-term effects. Muscle is key to maintaining a healthy metabolism, and losing it can slow your metabolism down, making it more difficult to keep the weight off after you discontinue the medication. Losing muscle can also drastically reduce your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and anabolic resistance, making it more challenging to keep weight off. This accelerated loss of muscle with GLP-1 medications is even riskier for certain age groups. People aged 40 and older face an increased risk of sarcopenia, a decline in muscle mass and strength associated with aging.
Naturally Alleviate Side Effects: Since GLP-1 drugs do not differentiate between fat and muscle, it’s vital to protect your muscle health. Incorporate strength training exercises into your weekly routine is a must. Aerobic exercise is also important and can be accomplished by simple daily walks. Beyond exercise, supplementation is key. The top three supplements I recommend for muscle health include omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce muscle inflammation and support protein synthesis; branch chain amino acids, which help prevent muscle breakdown; and Fortetropin, which is a natural supplement derived from raw fertilized egg yolk that has multiple studies behind it. A recent University of California, Berkeley study, published in The Journals of Gerontology, showed Fortetropin increased muscle protein synthesis by 18% in adults aged 66, even without exercise. As a medical advisor with MYOS MD, I recommend that healthcare providers use Fortetropin, which can be found through a healthcare provider portal at www.MYOSMD.com, as part of the protocol with patients on GLP-1 medications as nutritional changes and increased exercise alone may not be sufficient enough for the accelerated loss of muscle they will likely experience. I especially like that Fortetropin is a food-based supplement and does not contain any synthetic ingredients. The clean ingredients and targeted formulation of MYOS MD make it an excellent option for anyone looking to maximize the benefits of GLP-1 drugs while managing the risk of muscle loss.
Weight Loss and Mood Swings
One of the most dismissed side effects of GLP-1 drugs are those associated with mental health. GLP-1 drugs work in part because the medication affects your brain’s appetite pathways, which is good for losing weight, but risky for altering mood. Some patients have reported increased anxiety or even depressive symptoms. The psychological impact of using weight loss medications is often disregarded, and many people feel isolated or misunderstood in their struggles, leading to further emotional distress. If you notice any changes in your mood while using GLP-1 medications, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Naturally Alleviate Side Effects: Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, or meditation can help balance your mental health while on these mood-dampening medications. Even if you have never engaged in these practices before, it’s easy to incorporate them. Start small by setting aside just 5-10 minutes each day in a quiet space at home. For yoga, follow beginner videos available for free on platforms like YouTube or use a basic routine of stretches to wake up your body in the morning. For mindfulness, try focusing on your breath during daily activities, such as brushing your teeth or washing dishes, paying attention to each movement and sensation. For meditation, sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath or repeat a calming word or phrase in your mind. You don’t need special equipment or a fancy studio membership, just your willingness to pause, breathe, and be present. Over time, these small practices can grow into a meaningful habit that fits seamlessly into your day.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Naturally Alleviate Side Effects: To reduce the risk of B-vitamin deficiencies during weight loss, focus on a nutrient-dense diet that includes foods rich in key B-vitamins, such as whole grains, leafy greens, dairy, eggs, poultry, and animal products, or fortified plant-based alternatives. Additionally, B-vitamin supplements can be an effective option for those who may have difficulty obtaining enough through diet alone, especially for individuals at risk of deficiency, such as those on plant-based diets. The best way to get vitamin D while avoiding skin damage from safe sun exposure is supplementation. Have your healthcare practitioner test your vitamin D levels and continue to monitor them throughout your weight loss journey, especially if you’re dark skinned or live in an environment with limited sun exposure. Vitamin D supplements, in the form of vitamin D3, are widely available over the counter, and can be taken in daily or weekly doses based on your healthcare provider’s recommendation. Supplements provide a controlled and consistent way to achieve optimal vitamin D levels without the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure or relying on dietary sources that may not give you the adequate doses needed to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
Prioritize Your Health and Make Informed Decisions
When considering GLP-1 medications, it’s important to use them responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. These medications are FDA-approved for individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher, primarily for managing obesity or Type 2 diabetes. Using them for short-term weight loss without medical supervision can lead to unwanted side effects, and the weight often returns once the medication is stopped, typically in the form of fat rather than muscle.
Before starting GLP-1 medications, have an honest discussion with your healthcare provider about your health goals. These medications are not meant for quick weight loss, and for those looking to shed only a small amount of weight, lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise may be safer and more sustainable. GLP-1 medications should be seen as part of a long-term health strategy, not a quick fix.
Consider all aspects of your well-being, including physical, emotional, and mental, before making a decision with your healthcare provider. While GLP-1 drugs can be effective for individuals with obesity or Type 2 diabetes, they should be part of a comprehensive health plan that includes healthy habits like physical activity and balanced nutrition. The key to lasting weight loss is making informed decisions and maintaining a sustainable approach to overall health.
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