Struggled with a 23-stone weight loss on Mounjaro, despite shelling out £600 per month on takeouts, yet faced an exasperating side effect
In the ongoing battle against obesity and its associated health issues, a new tool has emerged in the form of GLP-1 weight loss injections. These injections have been shown to be an effective aid in helping individuals lose weight and improve their health.
The new rollout allows General Practitioners (GPs) to prescribe tirzepatide, one of the most effective GLP-1 drugs, for weight loss. This medication is intended for those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background) and four weight-related health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and heart disease.
GLP-1 drugs, including tirzepatide and semaglutide, work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 in the body. They help users feel fuller, reduce snacking, and support healthier eating habits, leading to weight loss. The higher doses of these medications generally produce more significant appetite suppression and weight loss.
However, it's important to note that GLP-1 weight loss injections are not without risks. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, indigestion, and low blood sugar. Less common but severe side effects include pancreatitis, kidney injury, allergic reactions, worsening diabetic retinopathy, medullary thyroid cancer, and gallbladder issues. Injection site reactions are also possible.
A notable hidden risk is the loss of lean muscle mass, particularly in inactive users, which can slow metabolism and increase risks like falls and disability. To manage this, exercise and nutritional strategies are crucial during GLP-1 treatment.
One inspiring story of success comes from Joanna Higgenbottom, a 60-year-old woman who, at her heaviest, weighed 35st (490lbs). After trying "every diet in the book," Joanna began using GLP-1 injections. Alongside regular exercise, including lifting weights three times a week and walking around six miles on weekends and two to three miles a day, she lost a significant amount of weight. She now weighs 11st 10lbs (164lbs).
Despite undergoing skin removal surgery to remove 8 1/2lbs of excess skin, Joanna is happy with her current weight and credits the GLP-1 injections, along with her lifestyle changes, for her transformation. However, she emphasizes that she does not want to become "obsessed" with losing weight.
While these injections offer a promising solution for some, it's worth noting that many people may find it easier to go private for the weight loss injections, as they may not be readily available on the NHS. Regular medical supervision and lifestyle measures remain essential parts of treatment.
[1] Diabetes UK. (2021). GLP-1 receptor agonists: injectable and oral. [online] Available at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/treatment-and-care/medicines-and-treatments/types-of-diabetes-medicines/glp-1-receptor-agonists-injectable-and-oral
[2] NHS. (2021). GLP-1 receptor agonists. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/glp1-receptor-agonists/
[3] Diabetes.co.uk. (2021). Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Which is better for weight loss? [online] Available at: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/ask-the-experts/semaglutide-vs-tirzepatide-which-is-better-for-weight-loss.html
[4] Diabetes.co.uk. (2021). What is GLP-1 and how does it work? [online] Available at: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/ask-the-experts/what-is-glp-1-and-how-does-it-work.html
[5] Diabetes.co.uk. (2021). Orforglipron: The new oral GLP-1 drug for weight loss. [online] Available at: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/ask-the-experts/orforglipron-the-new-oral-glp-1-drug-for-weight-loss.html
- Science continues to uncover new treatments for medical-conditions like chronic-kidney-disease, type-2-diabetes, and respiratory-conditions.
- Eye-health is crucial, especially for those with chronic diseases, as conditions like diabetic retinopathy can be worsened by certain therapies-and-treatments.
- Mental-health is another important aspect to consider when managing weight and lifestyle, as weight-management can be influenced by psychological factors.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 100 million Americans have at least one chronic disease, making health-and-wellness a top priority.
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- Personal-finance is a significant factor in obtaining certain therapies-and-treatments, such as GLP-1 weight loss injections, which may not be covered by Medicare.
- Budgeting and careful financial planning can help individuals afford crucial medications for managing chronic-diseases and psoriasis, allowing them to maintain their health.
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- Those considering sports-betting should be aware of the potential risks, including the possibility of addiction and its impact on mental-health.
- Regular exercise, like jogging or playing football (soccer), can help supplement GLP-1 weight loss injections and improve overall health.
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- Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthier diet, managing stress, and maintaining regular exercise, can have a significant impact on chronic diseases, mental-health, and overall well-being.
