— Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — For those struggling with weight loss, the recent onset of GLP-1 drugs into the prescription marketplace has proven to be a godsend for some. Yet, dietitians like Holly Gilligan with URMC Fitness Science is warning the science behind these drugs is still fresh.
“We are kind of learning as we go, ” said Gilligan. “We’re seeing people are losing weight, losing weight very quickly. We’re reducing food noise, so people aren’t fixated on food as much.”
Gilligan said the drugs, like Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounajro and others, work to reduce a user’s appetite. Some can go without eating, and in the process, their bodies lack needed hydration and nutrition.
“If you are on a GLP-1 losing weight quickly, there is a need for a little bit more protein,” she said adding, “There is a huge protein push right now.” Gilligan said protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, which you do not want to lose.
“If we are not careful, and we’re losing weight very quickly, that lean tissue can actually start coming off a little bit quicker than the fat mass,” she said. In a separate article, URMC said not taking in the proper calories can cause the body’s metabolism to shut down. That causes the body’s metabolism to switch to “fat-storage more”, the last thing a GLP-1 patient would want.
She also warns there are downsides for certain individuals using GLP-1’s. “Some diarrhea, some nausea, some vomiting,” she said.
Nancy Cushman of Palmyra has been using Zepbound for about a year. She turned to it after years of no diet regimen working.
“I’ve lost 38 pounds as of yesterday morning, and this morning I was the same, and it’s doing very, very well for me,” said Cushman.
She gets a one-month supply from the Walmart pharmacy, injected at home once per week. Her diet is high on protein and vegetables, usually just having a dinner. However, there is some wiggle room.
“Sometimes I’ll eat a little lunch at 2o’clock. General Hospital’s on,” she said, smiling. “I gotta watch General Hospital, so I might have a little something then.”
But for Karen Hummel of Greece, her GLP-1 experience has not been like Cushman’s. “Well, I started having some kidney issues,” said Hummel. “I lost the weight, but I didn’t want to damage my kidneys anymore so I kind of took myself off of it.”
In short, everyone is different and could have varying experiences with GLP-1 drugs. Gilligan said before using GLP-1’s follow up with your provider, and check in with a dietitian to ensure your body gets what it needs while using the weight loss drugs. She said balance is key.
“Do I have a good source of lean protein, some kind of high fiber carbohydrate, some kind of fruits and veggies?” she said, adding, “If you can’t eat a whole meal at once, maybe we’re eating six times a day now, and we’re putting each one of those things in its own little meal.”
Viewer Tracie Kaur-Grewal also wanted to “weigh in” on the topic of GLP-1’s; she never had the desire to use them. Kaur-Grewal set a disciplined regimen of diet and exercise, doing a slow burn over the course of a several years, shedding a significant amount of weight in the process. She is an advocate for the old-fashioned route.