As a practicing obesity medicine specialist, I was once an early advocate for GLP-1 therapy, touting its unprecedented efficacy against obesity. However, years later, my perspective has shifted based on real-world experience, and I’m now deeply concerned about how these medications are being used.
From an efficacy standpoint, GLP-1 drugs “work,” leading to significant weight loss and numerous health benefits, including reduced cardiovascular events and improved conditions like congestive heart failure. However, when taken indefinitely, the body and mind undergo a drastic shift upon discontinuation. Most patients stop taking these medications within 2 years, often due to cost, side effects, or supply shortages.
The science behind GLP-1 medications explains why weight loss is temporary: they don’t cause permanent changes. Once discontinued, hunger returns, and weight quickly follows. This vicious cycle may have profound long-term implications for physical, mental, and economic health.
Research shows that patients who discontinue these medications experience significant muscle loss, reduced bone density, and a higher risk of fractures. Psychologically, weight regain reinforces negative myths surrounding obesity, leading to depression and declining self-confidence. The financial toll is staggering, with individuals making significant sacrifices to spend thousands of dollars annually on these medications – only to regain the weight.
We must ask ourselves: did GLP-1 medications truly work for our patients, or did they ultimately harm them? As we look back, it’s a sobering thought that may be all too real.
Source: https://www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/second-opinions/114009