Are Weight Loss Drugs The Answer?

Recently there's been a lot of buzz on social media about how easy it is to lose weight using a certain injectable drug. This hype has been fueled by celebrity testimonials. While it's easy to get caught up in the hype, let's take a sensible look at the facts around these drugs.

Semaglutide is a class of injectable drugs originally intended for the management of type 2 diabetes. However, recently it has been prescribed off-label for weight loss. The term 'off-label' means that it us being prescribed for a use for which it was not originally intended. So, with that in mind, it hasn't actually been tested thoroughly in that space.

How Does It Work?

One of the main actions of this type of drug is that It increases the release of insulin when blood sugar is elevated. This is why it is prescribed for diabetics. However, the way in which this drug works for weight loss is just this - it reduces appetite. It works by making people feel full sooner and suppressing the appetite so people do not feel as hungry. One of the ways it does this is by slowing emptying of the stomach so there is a feeling of satiety.

Are There Any Side Effects?

The most common side effects of these types of drug are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and nausea or vomiting. Some of the less common but still mild side effects include flatulence, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. There are some possible serious side effects, which I won't itemize here.

What Happens When You Stop Taking It?

While drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic might seem like a miracle to those who wish to lose weight, the truth is the effects only last while you are taking the medication.

A study published in April 2022 which sought to examine changes in body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors upon the termination of the drug, found that after a year people had regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost.

Why Rebound Weight Gain Occurs

Weight rebound occurs quite simply because the drug does not cure the underlying issues that led to weight gain in the first place.

While this drug may be a great solution for an actor that needs to lose weight quickly for a movie role, it's not a long term solution for the regular person who wants to be healthier and lose weight for the long term. Drugs seldom address the source of a problem and many handle only symptoms.

The Real Solution

The real solution comes down to food and exercise. That's patently obvious and it seems silly to even say it. But many people don't know how to adjust their diets to lose weight effectively.

That's where Herbalife comes in. Herbalife products are all food based. There's nothing artificial. The way a Herbalife programme works is to make it very easy to consume the right nutrients in the right amounts to lose weight and while that process is happening, to train you in correct eating habits so that the weight loss can be maintained. That's the simplicity of it.

To find out more about Herbalife's Weight Loss Packs, tap/click here.