American host and television producer Oprah Winfrey recently shared her initial experience of taking the weight loss drug GLP-1, touted to be a ‘magic drug.’ On her podcast, she expressed that it changed her perception of “thin people” whom she always believed had more “willpower” (compared to those dealing with obesity).
“One of the first things I realised for the very first time when I took GLP-1 was that all these years, I thought thin people had more willpower. They ate better foods. They were able to stick to it longer. They never had a potato chip. And then I realised the very first time I took GLP-1 that they were not even thinking about it. They are only eating when they are hungry. They are stopping when they are full,” said Winfrey, 70, in a conversation with adult and pediatric endocrinologist Dr Ania Jastreboff.
From her revelation, let’s understand more about GLP-1 and how it works.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, also known as GLP-1 drugs, are a class of drugs initially developed for treating type 2 diabetes and have since gained recognition for achieving excellent weight loss in patients.
GLP-1 is a natural hormone in our body that plays a role in digestion and appetite control. Experts suggest the drug is known as a GLP-1 agonist because it mimics the GLP-1 hormone. “Thus, it helps to reduce hunger as it slows the emptying of the stomach, helping people to feel fuller for a longer period. Due to this, people eat less, significantly contributing to weight loss,” said Dr Rohini Patil, MBBS and nutritionist, founder of Nutracy Lifestyle.
Dr. Poornima Subrahmanya, consultant, gastrointestinal and HPB Surgery, GI oncology and liver transplantation, SPARSH Hospital, Yelahanka, concurred and shared that these drugs help in delaying gastric emptying, increasing satiety and appetite suppression, “which helps patients to stick to a negative energy balance.”
Drugs may also have potential adverse effects on patients, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, cautioned Dr Subrahmanya. “These usually are experienced in the beginning. However, other serious complications like pancreatitis and gallbladder problems may also occur, so continuous monitoring by a doctor is paramount,” said Dr Subrahmanya.
Let’s understand the role of a weight loss drug (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
However, to prolong the effects of the drug, it is advised to carry out 360-degree lifestyle changes such as effective exercise, a nourishing diet, and a good sleep schedule. Medications (for example, semaglutide or liraglutide) belonging to the GLP-1 class of drugs can result in a significant amount of weight loss, “but it is also necessary to club the usage of these with lifestyle changes for a more visible impact”, emphasised Dr Subrahmanya.
Story continues below this ad
However, experts note that there is a possibility that the lost weight might return gradually once one is off the drug.
“So, one needs to combine the medication with regular exercise and tapering the medication slowly to maintain weight loss. This is one of the approaches that would help to maintain weight loss during the treatment,” said Dr Patil, emphasising that consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary.
Experts like Dr Subrahmanya highlight that the drugs may also contribute to improving metabolism, lowering blood sugar, and decreasing any potential cardiovascular disease risk.
“Routine too cannot be considered as a magic solution as it demands perseverance, and continuous use of practice would make it possible to reach goals. For proper decision of use, specialist consultation is required,” said Dr Subrahmanya.
Story continues below this ad
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.