Anti-Obesity Drugs: Pros and Cons
More than two-thirds of adults are considered overweight or obese causing significant health concerns and a dramatic strain on our healthcare system. Until recently, the efforts to treat obesity in an effective manner have failed. With the development of anti-obesity drugs such as Ozempic, there has been a significant step in addressing the obesity epidemic. These medications have shown effectiveness in helping people lose weight by suppressing appetite and promoting feelings of fullness. However, like any medical intervention, anti-obesity drugs come with pros and cons.
Pros
Effective Weight Loss
Anti-obesity medications can significantly enhance weight loss for individuals who struggle to shed pounds through diet and exercise alone. Clinical trials have demonstrated that some patients lose up to 15-20% of their body weight, which can be life-changing for those facing obesity-related health conditions. These results are similar to more invasive interventions such as surgery with much lower risks.
Health Improvements
Weight loss from these drugs often leads to improvements in conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. Patients can often reduce or eliminate the need for other medications as a result. Some patients also report that they also lose the desire to drink alcohol and/or participate in gambling which can provide additional unexpected benefits.
Reduced Health Risks
Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, certain cancers, and joint aches and pains. Anti-obesity drugs can reduce these risks by helping individuals maintain a healthier weight.
Improved Confidence and Self-esteem
For individuals who have failed with weight loss their entire lives, these medications provide an opportunity to feel success ultimately improving their confidence and self esteem. This may lead them to adopt other health-promoting behaviors. It may cause an individual to join a gym or try a new activity, whereas, prior to the medication they may have felt intimidated and too self-conscious. Weight loss due to medication may be the catalyst to jump start a domino effect of other health behaviors.
Reduced Health Care Costs
Obesity imposes a significant economic burden on the U.S. healthcare system and society as a whole. It is estimated that obesity costs the USA over $200 billion dollars per year to treat obesity related health risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Cons
Side Effects
Common side effects of anti-obesity drugs include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, though these can be managed for many patients. There is also a concern about potential long-term risks, although more research is needed.
Cost
Many anti-obesity medications are expensive and not always covered by insurance. The cost can be prohibitive for individuals without adequate health coverage.
Muscle Loss
When an individual loses a significant amount of body weight due to medications, they will typically experience a significant loss in muscle, which can be detrimental to overall health.
Not a Cure
These medications are most effective for overall health when combined with lifestyle changes. Without adopting healthy nutrition and regular exercise, many people regain the weight once they stop the drug. It’s important to address which lifestyle behaviors may have contributed to the weight struggle. Relying solely on medication without addressing underlying habits can limit the long-term success and sustainability of weight loss.
The Role of Exercise in Weight Management
While anti-obesity drugs can jumpstart weight loss, exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining it and enhancing overall health. Physical activity improves heart health, metabolic function, builds muscle mass, enhances sleep, and boosts mood and mental health.
Exercise, specifically strength training, also helps prevent the loss of muscle which can occur with rapid weight loss due to medications. Additionally, regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, increases insulin sensitivity, and reduces stress, depression, and anxiety.
Incorporating exercise into an anti-obesity drug regimen can enhance weight loss results and provide a holistic approach to long-term health and weight maintenance. Combining the benefits of both can offer individuals the best chance for success in managing obesity.
Free Workshop
If you would like to ask questions specifically about the critical role of Exercise and Strength Training for anyone taking an anti-obesity drug, please join us for a free online workshop Live on our Facebook page on September 26th at 6:45pm. We will be discussing some of the causes for the Obesity epidemic, some of the Pros and Cons of the popular drugs currently used for obesity, and some ways to use Nutrition and Exercise to create a balanced lifestyle with and without the anti-obesity drugs.
Yours in health & fitness,
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.