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Balancing Wellness with Potential Weight Loss Drug Dangers

By: Swathi Varanasi-Diaz, Pharm.D., & Scientific Advisor, MYOS MD

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have become central to the weight-loss conversation, and it’s easy to see why they can produce impressive results. However, alongside their benefits, there are potential side effects and risks that often go unnoticed. As an integrative pharmacist and natural medicine specialist, my goal is to provide insight on how to manage these side effects, should you choose to explore these medications, and help you make an informed decision about your health. 

First, let’s talk about the risks. One of the most common risks involves gastrointestinal issues. Nausea and vomiting may seem like minor side effects that come with taking medication, but they may lead to something more serious called gastroparesis. This condition makes it harder for your stomach to empty itself, causing chronic digestive issues. If you’re new to GLP-1 drugs, ask your healthcare provider if you can start at the lowest dose possible that will still be effective, and then increase the dosage gradually. Staying hydrated and adding fiber to your diet can also help manage milder symptoms and prevent further complications.

Rapid muscle loss is one of the most overlooked downsides of these medications. Losing weight is the goal, but losing muscle along the way? That’s not ideal. Muscle loss slows your metabolism and can make you feel weaker and more vulnerable to injury, especially as you age. To counter this, you should engage in routine weight bearing activities combined with exercise that gets your heart rate up to avoid muscle loss. However, due to the rapid weight loss associated with GLP-1 drugs, this may not be enough. As a medical advisor at MYOS MD, I highly recommend to healthcare providers that they add a natural dietary supplement called Fortetropin to a patient’s nutrition plan when they prescribe GLP-1 drugs. This natural bioactive compound derived from fertilized egg yolk has been shown in six published clinical studies to effectively increase and support muscle health. A recent University of California, Berkeley study, published in The Journals of Gerontology, showed Fortetropin increased muscle protein synthesis by 18% in adults with an average age of 66, even without exercise. This supplement is an easy, proactive addition to your nutrition that can help maintain muscle while you are shedding pounds. Patients should discuss the option of Fortetropin with their healthcare provider, as it is only available through select healthcare practitioner supplement lines, like MYOS MD. 

Now let’s talk about off-label misuse. GLP-1 drugs are increasingly used by people with normal BMIs (BMI: 18.5-24.9) for cosmetic purposes to lose a few pounds. But heed this warning: The weight often comes back, and it’s mostly fat, not muscle. In fact, these drugs are only FDA approved for people with a BMI of 27 and above. Building sustainable habits with balanced meals and consistent movement is always the better long-term solution. Think twice before jumping on the GLP-1 medication bandwagon simply because someone you know had success with them. These drugs come with a hefty price tag, and if your health insurance doesn’t cover them, maintaining their use over the long term can become financially overwhelming. More importantly, GLP-1 medications aren’t quick fixes; they’re designed to be lifetime treatments. Understanding this commitment is crucial before making a decision.

Mental health concerns are another overlooked side effect of GLP-1 medications, yet they can significantly impact a patient’s overall well-being. Many individuals report experiencing mood swings, heightened anxiety, or even depression while on these medications, which can be easily dismissed as isolated incidents. That’s why I advocate for a whole-person approach to managing health and longevity. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation, can help balance emotional well-being, while regular talk therapy sessions provide valuable support in navigating any mental health challenges that arise. Equally important is maintaining an open line of communication with your healthcare team, ensuring they are aware of any shifts in mood or behavior so they can offer appropriate guidance and adjustments to your treatment plan. Taking a comprehensive approach to your mental health can make all the difference in achieving long-term success with GLP-1 medications.

Weight loss should make you feel better. It should not be about trading one health problem for another. GLP-1 drugs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. By understanding these risks and taking proactive steps to mitigate side effects, these medications can be used wisely to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Biography

Swathi Varanasi-Diaz, Pharm.D., known to audiences as Dr. Swathi is an award-winning healthcare professional recognized for her trailblazing work at the forefront of personalized medicine and healthcare innovation. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and became the first pharmacist in the U.S. to complete a postdoctoral residency in integrative medicine and preventive health. Following this achievement, she co-founded the Integrative Health Pharmacy Residency Program. Her credentials also include a postdoctoral fellowship in biotech and nutrition from Cornell University. With experience spanning patient care, biotech, clinical research, academia, and consumer product goods, Dr. Swathi is a scientific and medical advisor and consultant with many innovative companies, including MYOS MD. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed academic journals, and she has served as a faculty and guest lecturer at numerous academic institutions. In 2023, I was honored as one of 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy.

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