If you have even a passing interest in weight loss you have no doubt heard about GLP-1 medications. This class of pharmaceuticals are certainly making waves in the health world, especially for folks looking to shed some kilos. But what exactly are they, how do they work, who’s using them, and how can a naturopath help? Let’s break it down.
GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, which is a hormone that our bodies produce naturally. It plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and glucose levels. But when we talk about GLP-1 medications, we’re usually referring to drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro). All of which are now available in Australia. Originally designed for diabetes management, they’ve been found to have some fantastic weight loss effects too.
Here’s the science-y bit in simple terms: GLP-1 medications mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone in our bodies. They help regulate appetite by:
Studies have shown that people using GLP-1 medications can lose around 10-20% of their body weight over time (Wadden et al., 2021). That’s a significant drop for many!
GLP-1 medications are typically prescribed for:
In Australia, weight issues are becoming increasingly common. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, about two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese. The use of GLP-1 medications is trending, particularly among those who are open to medical support in their weight loss journey. It’s worth noting that these medications aren’t for everyone. If you have a personal or family history of certain conditions, such as pancreatitis or thyroid cancer, you’ll need to discuss this thoroughly with your healthcare provider.
While GLP-1 medications can be a game-changer for many, they aren’t without their caveats. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Side Effects
Like any medication, GLP-1s come with potential side effects. The most common include:
Crushing your appetite
While dropping kilos fast might sound appealing, when it is a result of reducing appetite to a point of being able to eat a very low calorie intake for a sustained period of time it comes with some serious risks, especially for women over 40 entering peri-menopause.
The Lowdown on Low-Calorie Diets
Research shows that drastically cutting calories can lead to muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies (Trepanowski & Bloomer, 2010). When you eat too few calories, your body doesn’t just shed fat; it also breaks down muscle for energy. This is a double whammy, as muscle mass is crucial for maintaining metabolism, especially during peri-menopause when hormonal changes can lead to weight gain.
Nutrient Deficiencies Are a Real Concern
Low-calorie diets often lack essential nutrients, which can impact your health. Women over 40 may be particularly vulnerable to deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, and iron, all vital for bone health and energy levels (Baker et al., 2019). When these nutrients are missing, it can lead to fatigue, weakened bones, and overall poor health.
Remember, slow and steady wins the race! Prioritising your health is the key to feeling great during this transformative time.
While studies show positive outcomes, the long-term effects of GLP-1 medications are still being researched. It’s crucial to maintain regular check-ins with your healthcare provider to ensure they’re working for you and not causing any unexpected issues
It’s important to remember that GLP-1 medications are not a magic pill. They work best in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Think of them as part of a larger weight management strategy.
Now, here’s where things get really interesting! A naturopath can play an essential role in supporting individuals using GLP-1 medications. Here’s how:
Naturopaths take a holistic view of health. They can help you understand how your diet, lifestyle, and mental health all intertwine. They’ll help create a balanced plan that complements your medication, focusing on whole foods, nutrients, and overall wellness.
A naturopath can provide tailored dietary advice, ensuring you’re getting the right nutrients to support your body while using GLP-1 medications. This can help alleviate some side effects, such as nausea, by incorporating foods that are gentle on the stomach.
Using GLP-1 medications can feel daunting. A naturopath can offer ongoing support, helping you track your progress, monitor how you’re feeling, and adjust your plan as needed. This kind of accountability can make a huge difference in sticking to your goals.
Naturopaths are trained in herbal medicine and other natural therapies. They may recommend certain supplements or remedies that can support your overall health and well-being while you’re on GLP-1s. Always ensuring these are safe and compatible with your prescribed medication.
Weight loss isn’t just physical; it’s also emotional. A naturopath can help you explore how stress impacts on your nervous system and subsequent desire for foods that maybe related to your eating habits, providing strategies to foster a healthy relationship with food.
GLP-1 medications are an exciting development for many in the world of weight loss, offering hope for many Australians struggling with obesity and related health issues.
Friend of Foe? Well, if you are looking for a magic bullet that does not require any changes to your lifestyle then they may fall into the foe category with a higher tendency to experience side effects and then regain the weight when they are stopped.
However, when viewed as part of a broader health strategy that includes dietary changes and lifestyle tweaks they may be a very helpful circuit breaker to give you the boost and mental space that you need to finally shed those kilos and gain control back over your health.
As always, it’s crucial to discuss any new medication with your healthcare provider. These medications are prescription only for a reason and it is important to be assessed for suitability and monitored regularly by your Doctor (GP).
However, once you have been assessed and your Doctor (GP) decides they are appropriate for you, why not seek the support of a naturopath? They can help you navigate this journey, ensuring you’re supported holistically and safely. If you would like to find out how a Naturopathic approach may work for you either in combination with a GLP-1 medication or as an alternative, please get in touch.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2022). Overweight and obesity. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/overweight-obesity
Baker, J. S., et al. (2019). Nutritional considerations for women over 40. Nutrition Reviews, 77(2), 95-105. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuy068
Trepanowski, J. F., & Bloomer, R. J. (2010). The impact of dietary restriction on health and disease. Nutrition Journal, 9(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-9-1
Wadden, T. A., Bailey, T. S., & Brinkley, M. S. (2021). Effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on weight loss in adults with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 22(1), e13164. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13164
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