Anti-obesity drugs, the new trendy elixir?

Anti-obesity drugs, the new trendy elixir?INFORMATION

“Doctor, could you give me a shot to lose weight?” was one of the most frequently asked questions this summer at endocrinology and nutrition consultations. And in just three months, we had Two drugs for the treatment of obesitywhich the scientific community has dubbed the King Kong and Godzilla of obesity. But is there really a revolutionary “magic shot” that will help us lose weight? Can we avoid physical activity? Let’s try to answer.

Dr. Rosa Maria Mirete Lopez, specialist in endocrinology and nutrition.

How do they work?

Both semaglutide (previously used in diabetes at lower doses) and tirzepatide are glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, mimicking the action of natural hormones that regulate hunger and satiety centers in the brain. Not only do they help reduce appetite, but they also slow down stomach emptying, which prolongs the feeling of fullness after eating. In addition, tirzepatide combines these effects with gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) agonists, offering a dual approach and improving the metabolic profile. They may cause weight loss of 10-15% of the initial body weight.; showing reductions of up to 25% in some patients.

For all or for a few?

They are designated as addition to a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight control, adults with a baseline body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 (obesity)or more than 27 (overweight) in case of comorbidities (eg, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus).

Healthy Living Habits

Pharmacological treatment does not work by itself. This must be part of a comprehensive approach that addresses changes in our lifestyle, healthy eating and increased physical activityincluding strength training to prevent muscle loss. And this treatment should always be individualized, with medical supervision and observation over time.

It is important to note that if we do not combine this treatment with regular aerobic exercise and resistance or strength training two or three times a week, It can even be harmful and cause weakness and sarcopenia.loss of strength and muscle mass, as well as decreased bone density.

How, when and what dose to administer?

Like any medication, they must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor. They require a prescription and They are currently not funded by the health care system.These are devices that They are injected subcutaneously into the abdomen, thighs, or back of the arm weekly.There are different doses and it is recommended to gradually increase the dose to improve tolerability. They can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Patient education and dose adjustments are key to minimizing these effects.

What should be our goal?

These drugs should not be considered the only solution to the obesity problem. They are also not suitable for losing a few kilos. They are another tool for treat this chronic and complex metabolic disease which has a huge impact on health and which is currently considered silent pandemic of the 21st century. As endocrinology and nutrition specialists, we must insist that they are not used for aesthetic purposes only and that they should always be used on prescription, under long-term medical supervision and with dosage adjustments. Otherwise, there are immediate health risks in addition to the feared “rebound effect”. Remember, these are not just weight loss drugs, these are drugs that help and motivate us to lead a healthy lifestyle and improve our metabolic health.

More information

HLA Vistahermosa Medical Center 76

Avenida de Denia, 76. 03015 Alicante

Make an appointment via WhatsApp 696354290.

www.hlavistahermosa.com