It’s no secret that the new, highly effective injectable obesity medications have impressive weight loss benefits.
This has led millions of people who struggle with weight to ask their health care professionals whether or not they are candidates for taking these new medications.
But we’ve known for a long time that there is more to getting healthier than just dropping pounds on the scale or fitting into smaller-size clothes.
Now, exciting findings from multiple research studies have shed light on the many demonstrated health benefits of taking GLP-1 (semaglutide, Wegovy®) or GLP-1/GIP (tirzepatide, Zepbound®) medications that go beyond weight loss.
Here are some of the benefits of taking a GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP drug for those with overweight or obesity:
1-For patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease:
- Reduce risk of getting a second heart attack or stroke
- Reduce risk of dying from cardiovascular disease
- Improve congestive heart failure (CHF) symptoms and decrease hospitalizations for those with CHF
2-For patients with pre-diabetes:
- Reduce risk of developing diabetes
- Revert to having normal glucose levels
3-For patients with sleep apnea:
- Improve sleep apnea symptoms and need for using CPAP
4-For patients with osteoarthritis of the knees:
- Decrease pain and stiffness and increase functional capacity
5-For patients with chronic kidney disease:
- Reduce kidney disease severity
6-For patients with fatty liver disease:
- Reduce liver inflammation and level of scarring
Clearly, these new medications can help to improve the lives of people living with obesity and already suffering with associated ailments and co-morbidities.
If you are suffering from overweight or obesity and have some of these associated ailments, you may consider discussing these new treatments with your health care professional.
Improving weight management outcomes that encompass better health and quality of life is the goal.
It is also the subject of my next book, being published this Spring by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, titled: Patient-Centered Weight Management: the Six Factor Professional Program and Toolkit.
RK
Robert Kushner, MD
