WHY GOOD HEALTH INVOLVES MORE THAN WEIGHT LOSS
Headlines are buzzing with the excitement of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists and now GIP receptor agonists. It is expected that the Food and Drug Administration will soon designate Mounjaro to join Wegovy and Ozempic as the latest diabetes medication approved for treating weight loss. As these drugs enter the market, more questions arise about safety and who exactly should be using them. These drugs have been a game changer for some people facing chronic and severe obesity who were unsuccessful in losing weight previously.
I have heard the stories of countless numbers of individuals who have improved their health, beginning with a change in their mindset about their ability to
Sustainable weight loss is a lifelong commitment that starts with behavioral change.
make a change, followed by a program that then helped them lose the weight. No injections needed. Yet, globally, the health of many continues to decrease as their body fat continues to increase; so it’s no wonder why there is so much excitement for a medical prescription approach to weight loss.
As a board-certified public health and preventive medicine physician, I am taught to look at what can be supported by many, and to move upstream. In a society that prioritizes quick fixes and instant gratification, these drugs are exciting. But despite all the buzz, I have to ask, what is the approach that is focused on overall health and well-being, that is well-supported by science, and is scalable for the good of the public? It remains the tried-and-true combination of regular exercise, a balanced diet and lifestyle changes.
GLP-1 agonist drugs are not new. They were first approved by the FDA in 2005 to treat Type-2 diabetes. They work by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing satiety — that feeling of fullness — to prevent overeating. Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, targets the brain’s hunger signals, reducing appetite which may lead to weight loss. And while loss of hunger may cause you to eat less — does it cause you to eat healthy? Our bodies still need a constant daily consumption of important macro and micronutrients.
These drugs have the potential to help people facing chronic and severe obesity who were unsuccessful in losing weight previously. However, there are potential risks and drawbacks of these drugs, such as using them for weight loss without proper diet and exercise can result in decreased muscle density, malnutrition, cardiovascular impacts and other known issues. Most notably, the majority of patients who stop taking these drugs gain the weight back — repeating the frustrating cycle that so many people experience.
Simply put, there is no silver bullet when it comes to losing weight. Sustainable weight loss is a lifelong commitment that starts with behavioral change. Long-term results happen by setting goals, being physically active, having a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep and understanding how nutrition impacts your body.
Weight loss and wellness companies should not turn their backs to potential customers who have taken these drugs. People will always need support in forming new habits and making sustainable changes — whether it’s losing weight, building muscle or supplementing their nutrition.
Without a doubt, weight-loss drugs are likely here to stay, and they have the potential to improve lives and open doors to people who can truly benefit from them. But good health is more than weight loss. The ultimate goal is often more than a number on a scale — it’s overall improved health and a sense of well-being. Toward that end, our society needs to expand access to healthier foods, improve nutrition education, have a supportive community, increase norms that promote physical activity and have coaches who can help people on their journeys.