Specialists: GLP-1 medicine like Ozempic can help weight reduction, however way of life modifications are key

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — GLP-1 weight reduction medicine akin to Ozempic might help individuals drop a few pounds, however consultants say they don’t seem to be a fast repair, and lasting outcomes depend upon way of life modifications.

Some sufferers might also want to remain on the drugs long run to take care of weight reduction.

Sultana Xiong mentioned she has been on her GLP-1 journey for nearly eight months and has misplaced 30 kilos.

“Before the medication, I was a binger. So I ate, you know, whenever I was happy or sad. And the portion control, oh my gosh, the portion control, I would eat like 2 to 3 portions of what I would normally eat now,” Xiong mentioned. “But now with the medication, it’s really when my tummy gets full. I don’t have the urge to finish this plate.”

Dr. Rodney Young at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center mentioned some persons are unable to drop a few pounds via train and wholesome consuming alone.

“We’re in the midst of, quite literally, an obesity epidemic. And anything we could do that would help change that narrative would be important,” Young mentioned. “So there are a number of things that have been tried, but these medications offer hope in a space where we’ve had little hope.”

Young mentioned GLP-1 drugs can include a draw back when sufferers cease taking them after dropping pounds.

“If you use it for six months or a year or two and lose most of the excess weight that you wanted to lose, even better, congratulations,” Young mentioned. “If you then stop it and think I can do it from here, I have the best intentions. I’ll maintain it. The data tell us that that’s really the minority of people, that people who lose a lot of weight with this medicine and then stop it, they tend to start regaining the weight.”

Xiong mentioned her life has improved considerably since beginning the remedy, together with having extra vitality to remain lively and spend time together with her children. She additionally emphasised that the remedy alone isn’t sufficient.

“If I wasn’t as active, I definitely wouldn’t have dropped so much weight. As much as I have,” Xiong mentioned. “And, some people think that it’s just the medication, but really you do have to have an active lifestyle and then also be very good at what you’re eating.”

Doctors warn stopping GLP-1s typically results in weight regain; some might have long-term use (KVII)