Millions of individuals using weight-loss injections are being cautioned about potential long-term harm if they fail to modify their eating and exercise routines during the weight loss process.
Experts emphasize the importance of providing proper guidance to users to avoid risks such as malnutrition, muscle loss, and decreased bone density when relying solely on the injections. A consensus statement issued at a major European obesity conference in Istanbul by 26 leading obesity experts highlighted significant concerns regarding the use of GLP-1 drugs without accompanying diet and exercise adjustments.
The statement underlined the risk of malnourishment if individuals persist with unhealthy eating habits while simply reducing food intake. It stressed the necessity for injection users to consume adequate high-quality protein and engage in weight-bearing exercises. Research findings presented at the conference revealed that approximately one-third of weight lost through injections can be attributed to non-fat mass, primarily muscle and bone density.
Furthermore, discontinuing the injections often results in regained fat without a corresponding recovery of muscle or bone. Co-author Dr. Laurence Dobbie, a population health expert at King’s College London, emphasized the importance of prioritizing nutrient-dense foods rich in protein, fiber, and fluids to maintain dietary quality.
In terms of exercise, Dr. Dobbie recommended prioritizing resistance training with two to three sessions per week, complemented by 150 to 300 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly, emphasizing that all forms of physical activity are beneficial.
This advice on adopting a more balanced approach coincides with concerns raised by experts suggesting some individuals may need to remain on the injections long-term to prevent regaining weight due to potential brain alterations caused by overeating processed, high-calorie foods linked to obesity.
Pioneer Professor Louis Aronne from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, speaking at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, highlighted the persistent challenges faced by individuals with altered brain signaling related to obesity. He described obesity as a disease leading to lasting changes in brain function, making weight management difficult even after initial weight loss.
While the upcoming availability of the injection in pill form is seen as a significant development, with the weekly injections mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to induce early satiety, concerns remain about sustaining weight loss in the long term. There are apprehensions about the capacity of the NHS to provide essential support and the increasing trend of individuals resorting to unlicensed online sellers for weight loss drugs.
Professor Jason Halford, former president of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, highlighted the challenges in the UK health service infrastructure in supporting weight loss efforts effectively.
The NHS reaffirmed its commitment to providing weight loss medications based on clinical necessity and exploring innovative approaches to expand access safely. Professor Aronne proposed the potential use of weight loss pills as a preventative measure for healthy-weight individuals to prevent obesity onset, drawing parallels to the preventive use of hypertension medications.
Both Professor Aronne and Professor Torekov, who have received substantial research funding from pharmaceutical companies manufacturing GLP-1 drugs, acknowledged the ongoing concerns surrounding the widespread use of such medications.