It’s easy to see the appeal of weight-loss drugs. Instead of exercising or cooking healthy meals, you just take a pill. But is it really that simple? Do those medications even work? And how do they affect your health? GLP-1 drugs are now widely known for their effectiveness in weight loss. But these drugs can have negative side effects. To help you learn more about prescription drugs for weight loss, we spoke with Regina Ragasa, MedicGLP DO, the Southern California regional co-chair of lifestyle medicine at Kaiser Permanente. What are GLP-1 drugs? "GLP-1s don’t magically melt fat. The medication slows down your digestion and makes you feel fuller longer," explains Dr. Ragasa. Some people who take them also have fewer cravings for MedicGLP processed foods. In other words, people often lose weight on GLP-1s because they’re eating less. Do GLP-1s really help you lose weight? On average, people lose 15% of their body weight on GLP-1s.3 However, their reduced appetites don’t last after they stop taking the medication.
"People usually stop taking GLP-1s for weight loss after 1 to 2 years," says Dr. Ragasa. "Without lifestyle changes, the weight loss people see while taking GLP-1s usually doesn’t last," she explains. "Studies have shown that patients end up gaining about 60% to 70% of their weight again after coming off the medication. What are the side effects of GLP-1s? "GLP-1s are relatively new drugs, and there are a lot of unknowns about side effects," says Dr. Ragasa. For many of these reasons, Dr. Ragasa may not turn to GLP-1s for her patients who want to lose weight. If lifestyle changes like diet and exercise aren’t enough, she’ll discuss other weight-loss medications with a longer history of success. For example, phentermine is another medication that can make you less hungry and help you feel full longer. "We have decades of experience with phentermine and use it very successfully in weight loss," Dr. Ragasa says.
According to Dr. Ragasa, it’s often much faster to find an effective dosage for phentermine than it is for GLP-1s. Who should avoid weight-loss injections? If you want to find out if GLP-1s might be the right option for you, talk to your doctor for more information. What should you consider before taking weight-loss drugs? Drugs are just one option for weight loss, and they can’t keep you healthy on their own. Before looking into weight-loss drugs, try making lifestyle changes that will support your health goals. Getting fit is about more than just losing pounds. It’s about forming healthy, long-term habits. Eating healthy, being active, and managing stress are all part of improving your health and losing weight. So it’s important to work with your doctor to find a routine that makes you feel good in mind, body, and spirit. What’s the best way to lose weight? When Dr. Ragasa prescribes weight-loss medication, she also recommends patients take up strength training and change their diet.
In fact, she spends most of her time with patients discussing how to eat differently and providing them with healthy recipes. "I tell my patients to choose high-quality proteins like beans and lentils. Any plant proteins naturally have vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and all these nutrients that nourish the body," she says. "When my patients stick to a more plant-based diet, they end up losing a significant amount of weight. Being mindful about nutrition and exercise isn’t always easy. Creating a healthy lifestyle toolkit can help you when you aren’t sure what to eat or aren’t feeling motivated to exercise. Make a list of easy healthy recipes - Keep the list handy so you can reference it at the grocery store. That way you’ll have the ingredients you need to make a quick, delicious, and healthy meal when you’re tired or short on time. Schedule a walk with a friend - Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. When you walk with a friend, MedicGLP Official Website you get to enjoy one another’s company and feel supported as you improve your health.
Plan a healthy picnic - Getting outside for some fresh air and spending time with loved ones are both great for your health. Plan a picnic where everyone brings something healthy to get the most out of the experience. While GLP-1s are popular right now and have helped many people lose weight, the side effects are still being studied. Keep in mind that no weight-loss drug is a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, and everyone’s needs are different. Weight management is often a long journey. GLP-1s can be a powerful weight-management tool, but the focus should be on your health outcomes and quality of life - not the number on the scale. If you’re thinking about losing weight, talk to your doctor about what options are right for you and your health. 1. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only. 11. Jess R. Richards et al., "Highway to the Danger Zone?