'Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro are some examples of Glucagon-like peptide 1 drugs (GLP1), which can be prescribed to treat Type 2 Diabetes or obesity and have exploded in popularity, according to the Houston-area doctors and pharmacists.' The first sentence in a very interesting article from a local publication, Community Impact, where the headline screams
SURGES
IN semaglutide. The article is very well done and informative. (
you can read the full article here) Most of the information people receive on this miracle weight loss drug comes true; nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation. oh and of course, weight loss. Nonetheless, the drug does lessen food cravings/hunger and slows food down as it moves through the gut (keeping you satiated/full longer). Sounds good huh!?
The manufacturers Novo Nordisk believes that this drug is the cure for obesity. Obesity is a real epidemic (with this I agree.) When you look at the
data, the society that we live in has an obesity rate of over 30%, and the projections into 2040-2050, have obesity pushing up to 50% of the population. That is a real concern for us all.
What I am seeing from clients and friends who chose to use this path to weight loss (diabetic or not) is muscle loss. With any diet where calories are restricted, what typically happens is the body feels starvation is happening and the body (your endocrine system) makes the decision to feed off of stored calories. Now ask yourself, what would you rather eat, fat or muscle. Our bodies are no different, and begin to use muscle as fuel. Low calorie diets also affect energy. My point here is if you or somebody you know is dieting or on a GLP1 and losing muscle, get on a program designed to detect muscle imbalances, joint dysfunction, and balance and keep your muscles strong. Muscle loss is a precedent for bone loss (Osteopenia/Osteoporosis).
Don't let your body (muscles or bones) grow weak!