Millions of individuals using weight-loss injections are being cautioned about potential long-term harm if they fail to adjust their dietary and exercise routines while losing weight.
Health experts emphasize the importance of providing proper guidance to users to prevent risks such as malnutrition, muscle loss, and decreased bone density when relying solely on the injections. A consensus statement issued at a major obesity conference in Istanbul highlights concerns regarding the use of GLP-1 drugs without incorporating appropriate diet and physical activity.
The document, jointly authored by 26 leading obesity specialists, cautions that users may experience malnutrition if they persist with unhealthy eating habits and simply reduce their food intake. It stresses the necessity for injection users to consume adequate high-quality protein and engage in weight-bearing exercises, as studies revealed that a significant portion of weight loss through injections comprises non-fat mass, predominantly muscle and bone density.
Ceasing the injections often results in a regain of fat, with minimal recovery of muscle or bone. Co-author Dr. Laurence Dobbie, a population health expert at King’s College London, underscores the importance of prioritizing nutrient-dense foods rich in protein, fiber, and fluids to maintain dietary quality.
In terms of physical activity, he recommends resistance training as the primary essential component, with a target of two to three sessions per week. Additionally, he suggests engaging in 150 to 300 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly, emphasizing that any form of movement is beneficial.
This shift towards a more balanced approach coincides with the assertion that some individuals may need to continue using the injections indefinitely to prevent weight regain due to underlying physiological changes that hinder satiety signals in the brain.
Professor Louis Aronne, a pioneer in the field from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, explains that chronic overconsumption of processed, high-calorie foods can lead to permanent alterations in brain function, making it challenging for patients to feel satiated even after losing weight.
Although the injections, soon available in pill form, have shown significant weight loss results, with some users shedding up to a fifth of their body weight, concerns persist about long-term weight maintenance strategies and potential adverse effects.
There are apprehensions about the NHS’s capacity to offer necessary support, leading some individuals to seek cheaper weight loss medications from unauthorized online sources. Professor Jason Halford, former president of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, highlights the challenges faced by the UK healthcare system in providing adequate services for weight management.
An NHS spokesperson assures that weight loss medications play a crucial role in promoting healthier lifestyles and that access is determined by clinical requirements. Efforts are ongoing to explore safe ways to expand access to these medications while also offering diverse support options for weight management.
Prof. Aronne, a longstanding researcher on appetite regulation, envisions a future where weight loss pills could be used preventively in young adults of healthy weight to deter obesity development, drawing parallels to preventive treatments for conditions like hypertension.
Both Prof. Aronne and Prof. Torekov, who have received substantial research funding from pharmaceutical companies producing GLP-1 drugs, acknowledge the need for caution regarding the widespread use of these medications.
