Patients taking weight-loss drugs often make 5 critical mistakes, doctor warns
GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1s) have increased in popularity in recent years; initially as a way to control diabetes, later as a way to control diabetes. weight loss.
Growing research suggests that these drugs, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, potentially have benefits beyond weight loss, with stronger evidence for cardiovascular and kidney health.
However, experts point out that these drugs are not perfect and using them incorrectly can harm the results and even lead to new health problems.
Ozempic’s Health Benefits Continue to Grow, But Are the Risks Worth It?
Dr. Meena T. Malhotra, MD, a functional medicine A suburban Chicago doctor and weight-loss specialist confirmed that he has seen numerous health improvements in patients taking GLP-1, especially patients with diabetes who were “very sick.”
Growing research suggests that GLP-1s potentially have benefits beyond weight loss, with stronger evidence for cardiovascular and kidney health. (iStock)
“We observed that this patient population was in better condition than diabetics using other diabetes medications,” he said in his post with Fox News Digital, stating that he observed improvements. brain healthmemory, heart health, circulation, and liver and kidney function. “We realized the drug was about more than just sugar control and weight loss.”
Malhotra said he believes many people can do this safely microdose GLP-1sbut warns against common mistakes below.
Malhotra emphasized that anyone considering GLP-1s should first focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle; a view widely shared by endocrinologists and doctors. obesity medicine experts.
GLP-1 drugs work by slowing gastric emptying, reducing appetite, and improving insulin signaling. Although responses vary and formal evidence is limited, people with pre-existing gastrointestinal symptoms may be more prone to discomfort or intolerance.
Jelly Roll’s Wife Says Weight Loss Drug Sent Her to ‘Worst Suicidal Depression’
Malhotra recommends improving basic eating habits before starting medication, such as increasing intake of whole, minimally processed foods and prioritizing protein and fiber to support satiety. gut health.
Doctors agree that even small improvements in diet can lead to early weight loss, reduced fluid retention and improved insulin sensitivity.
Doctors agree that even small improvements can lead to early weight loss, reduced fluid retention and improved insulin sensitivity.
When GLP-1 medications are started these lifestyle changes It may reduce the amount of dosage required, result in fewer side effects, and help preserve lean muscle mass.
Malhotra warned that the growing trend of purchasing GLP-1 drugs online without proper medical supervision could pose serious health risks.
“Nobody examines the patient; they just fill out a form and the medicine is delivered to their door,” he said.
Weight Loss Doctor Shares How Glp-1s Can Rewire the Body Against Disease
Patients should see medical provider The doctor emphasized that a comprehensive examination and blood test should be performed before starting medications.
“If something goes wrong, it needs to be addressed,” he said. “Whether it’s a thyroid problem, heart disease, or another factor that slows down your metabolism, the underlying problems must be corrected first.”
The growing trend of buying GLP-1 drugs online without proper medical supervision could pose serious health risks, the doctor has warned.
During treatment, Malhotra recommends his patients come in once a month to make sure they’re losing fat, not lean muscle mass. “This is very important, because if lose lean mass“Your body isn’t getting any healthier,” he said.
This ongoing monitoring also helps ensure the patient follows a balanced diet, gets enough protein, and adheres to strength training. “There’s more to it than just giving yourself a chance,” Malhotra added.
According to Malhotra, one of the biggest mistakes people make when taking GLP-1 is cutting calories but not getting enough protein.
“If you’re cutting calories but not restoring calories nutritional basis“You will lose lean mass,” the doctor said. “But if you eat a balanced diet with adequate protein and do strength training with a smaller dose of the drug, you will get better results and your health will improve.”
Doctor Reveals the Secrets to Permanent Weight Loss Without Calorie Counting
According to medical experts, most people need about 0.5 to 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day to maintain muscle and support overall health. For a 200-pound person, this is equivalent to approximately 100 to 160 grams of protein per day.
Click Here for More Health Stories
Higher amounts may be needed for those who are physically active or trying to gain strength. “The amount of protein you need will depend on the frequency and intensity of your workouts,” Malhotra said.
Another common mistake is to rush the process and increase GLP-1 doses too quickly. faster resultsAccording to the doctor.
“You may start to see results within the first week or month, but some people need higher doses over time,” he said. “The important thing is to be patient and increase slowly (usually month to month).”
Another common mistake is to rush the process and increase GLP-1 doses too quickly in the hope of getting faster results.
According to Malhotra, if the patient does not see results after the first injection, this does not mean that the dose should be doubled immediately.
“This is a recipe for problems, including side effects such as pancreatitis,” he said. “Your body needs time to adapt and adjust.”
Click Here to Download Fox News App
“If you reach a plateau or it’s not helping you can move up, but we usually wait a month to increase the dose.”
While many expect “instant gratification”, health is about balanceadded Malhotra. “It won’t take 20 years, but give it two months, I think that’s fair.”
The general rule, according to the doctor, is: “Don’t start too early, don’t stop too early.”
Side effects of GLP-1 can often be prevented by establishing a strong foundation. foundation of health Keeping everything in balance, according to Malhotra.
“However, some people may still experience side effects, and there are ways to manage them,” he said.
The doctor recommends eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions (ideally the size of your fist).
He also advised that it’s important to keep fat intake low: GLP-1 drugs Stomach emptying is already slow, and fats can slow it down even further, which can make nausea worse.
Click to Subscribe to our Health Bulletin
Simple strategies for nausea and constipation can go a long way, according to the doctor. He said some patients find ginger helpful against nausea, but it cannot replace medical guidance.
Test Yourself With Our Ultimate Lifestyle Quiz
He suggested that consuming more liquids, such as shakes, soups and broths, could soothe the stomach. Prunes and others foods rich in fiber It may help support digestion and prevent constipation.
“These little lifestyle tips can be very helpful in managing side effects, instead of stopping and finding that your weight is yo-yoing,” Malhotra said.
Original article source: Doctor warns that patients taking weight loss pills often make 5 critical mistakes
