Discover the key strategies from leading medical experts to reduce the risk of dangerous side effects or regaining lost weight.
It seems like everyone wants to lose weight. A healthy weight is associated with better health outcomes and can support reduced risk of disease. However, your health profile is about more than how you look in the mirror. A lean physique is a perceived indicator of health—your body composition (ratios of types of fat, muscle, etc.) paints a much clearer picture. That is why the newest weight loss drugs that are helping people lose more weight than ever, faster than ever are causing many to fight for their health.
The use of GLP-1 agonists, like semaglutide and tirzepatide, have gained popularity for their significant weight loss effects. However, experts warn against using these medications as long-term solutions due to potential risks and side effects.
The Benefits of Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
Semaglutide and tirzepatide, both GLP-1 agonists, have shown remarkable weight loss results in clinical trials. These medications mimic the hormone GLP-1, which slows down the passage of food through the stomach, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness and reduced food intake. Terri DeNeui, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, who is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of EVEXIAS Health Solutions, acknowledges their potential but emphasizes that they are not intended for long-term use, “When you choose a weight loss program, it is vital to choose one that teaches you how to reach your weight loss goals while building habits that will sustain that weight loss after you’re off the therapy. No one should be staying on this therapy for more than a few months. In fact, the program should really include three phases: active weight loss, weaning off the therapy, and maintenance support.”
Losing Weight on GLP-1 Agonists
Dr. DeNeui stresses the importance of a robust weight loss program that includes coaching on nutrition and exercise. She says that merely relying on medication without lifestyle changes may result in weight regain once the therapy is discontinued. “Good nutrition and regular exercise are foundational to health. Many people equate ‘healthy’ with ‘thin,’ but it’s more than that. Everyone must nourish their body with nutrient-rich foods and challenge the body in multiple planes of motion on a regular basis to achieve and maintain long-term health—and that’s just the basics. Hormone balance and gut health are essential too.”
As you lose weight, it will be important to select a program that will monitor your body composition. Most practitioners have a body composition scale in their office. Muscle-wasting is among the unwelcome side effects of these weight loss therapies, making body composition monitoring vital. Dr. DeNeui says, “Muscle is the currency of anti-aging. After age 40—especially among women—your workouts should focus on building and sustaining muscle mass. This helps avoid skin-sagging, promotes bone health, and burns calories, and a whole host of other benefits.”
A primary reason GLP-1 agonists lead to muscle wasting is the lack of protein in the diet. Many people on the therapy just don’t feel hungry. On the occasion patients do eat, many skip the protein-rich foods that the body needs for basic function, not to mention muscle maintenance.
Patients should only remain on the therapy for the duration of active weight loss. These therapies are not intended for weight loss maintenance or long-term use. This is why it is so important for patients to learn the habits of maintaining a healthy weight while they are losing weight.
In recent headlines, patients are reporting gastroparesis—also known as stomach paralysis—after extended periods on the therapy. One patient, reported by CNN last week, began taking Ozempic in 2018 and lost 80 pounds. Although she’s maintained her weight loss, she told the reporters, “I’ve almost been off Ozempic for a year, but I’m still not back to my normal.” She is now taking Zofran to control vomiting cycles and seeing a specialist for further diagnosis and treatment.
Weaning Off Peptide Weight Loss Therapy
To avoid potential risks associated with long-term use, the goal should be to wean individuals off semaglutide and tirzepatide once their weight loss goals are achieved. Dr. DeNeui suggests transitioning to a lower dose each week or taking the injections only once every other week while continuing lifestyle changes.
Other peptide therapies may help patients with the transition, but establishing healthy habits throughout all phases of the weight loss are vital to success.
“Everyone wants a ‘magic bullet’ for weight loss and maintenance, but the hard truth is that nutrition and exercise are foundational to success with any product, even those that appear to achieve ‘miracle weight loss’. As we have seen with countless weight loss aids, there are consequences of long-term use,” says Dr. DeNeui.
As you wean off the therapy, your practitioner should continue to engage with your efforts, guiding you through the last phase, which is maintenance of your weight loss without support from the weight loss therapy. Throughout the weight loss journey, patients should be taking essential amino acid supplements along with hydrolyzed collagen powder, not to mention the nutraceuticals that are recommended daily as part of a healthy lifestyle, including a multivitamin, vitamins A, D, and K, as well as magnesium, fish oil, and a probiotic.
“If you are having gut health issues, it will be impossible to lose weight much less maintain it,” Dr. DeNeui emphasizes gut health as part of all her treatment plans. “Healing the gut is an important piece of optimal health. It is another reason that forming habits that support weight loss and health weight maintenance are an important part of every stage in the journey—even when using these therapies.”
Is Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Right for You?
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide offer substantial weight loss benefits, making them appealing options for those struggling with excess pounds or obesity. However, it is essential to approach use cautiously and remember that these therapies are short-term solutions that require medical supervision. To achieve lasting results, incorporating lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, and regular exercise is paramount. Patients should seek a practitioner that will help them prioritize making balanced nutrition a habit and support incorporating muscle-building exercises into their daily routine, as well looking at gut health and nutraceuticals that are key to optimal health.
By working closely with trained practitioners and integrating expert support, you can safely harness the benefits of compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide while minimizing potential risks, ultimately leading to a healthier and happier life.
At EVEXIAS Health Solutions, our team of medical experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive support throughout your weight loss journey, helping you achieve your goals and establish long-term strategies for maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. Find a provider near you to schedule a consultation.
