As Zepbound dominates headlines as a brand new obesity-fighting drug, a nutritionist warns that weight reduction shouldn’t be the one goal

If the excitement surrounding a drugs could elevate it to celebrity status, then Zepbound is reaching Taylor Swift rank.

Zepbound is the most recent addition to the load loss drug arena. In November 2023, it joined the list of obesity-fighting drugs – administered as an injection – to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The key to Zepbound’s weight reduction potential is its energetic ingredient, tirzepatide. This is similar energetic ingredient present in the drug Mounjarowhich is approved to treat Type 2 diabetes.

The relationship between Zepbound and Mounjaro is analogous to 2 other popular drugs making headlines, Wegs and Ozempic. Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain the energetic ingredient semaglutidewith Ozempic approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and Wegovy approved for the treatment of obesity.

Tirzepatide and semaglutide each mimic the digestive hormone GLP-1which is released by the intestines after we eat to stimulate insulin production and help regulate blood sugar. GLP-1 also suppresses appetite while promoting a sensation of fullness.

Weight loss medications are intended for use at the side of lifestyle changes, comparable to exercise and a healthy weight loss program. But too often, people view them as a silver bullet for weight reduction. And the high price tag and variable insurance coverage for these popular weight reduction drugs create a barrier for many individuals.

I’m a registered dietitian and dietetics educator. Whether I’m counseling patients, teaching students or working in my community to deal with food access challenges and healthy eating, I give attention to overall well-being. I’m captivated with helping people make informed and realistic health decisions based on their circumstances and helping them see opportunities to beat the barriers they might encounter.

Health risks of obesity

The potential impact of those drugs is staggering, since greater than 2 in 5 American adults are obesein accordance with the National Institutes of Health.

Obesity is just not just an American issue, neither is it going away. The World Obesity Federation estimates that by 2030, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men will probably be living with obesity worldwide.

Many serious health conditions are related to obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, certain cancers and osteoarthritis. By treating obesity, an individual can reduce or reverse obesity-related disease and improve each their health and quality of life.

However, long-term weight management is dependent upon a variety of complex aspects. Meal timing and forms of foods eaten can affect energy levels, satisfaction and hunger levels. An individual’s typical schedule, culture and preferences, activity level and health history have to be considered as well. No single “best strategy” for weight management has been identified, and research indicates that strategies for weight reduction and maintenance have to be individualized.

In addition, it’s critical to notice that research on the long-term effects of those newer weight reduction drugs is restricted. The available research has focused specifically on weight reduction, heart health and metabolism and has found that ongoing use of those latest medications is obligatory to keep up improvements in weight and related health advantages.

Common unwanted side effects and the emotional toll experienced by those that regain weight once they stop taking the drugs are trade-offs that have to be considered. More research is required to raised understand the long-term impact of each direct and indirect health consequences of popping up for weight reduction.

It’s not only what you see on the size

Throughout my years working as a registered dietitian, I actually have counseled many people about their weight reduction goals. I often see a hyperfocus on weight reduction, with much less attention being placed on the precise nutrients to eat.

Societal standards and weight stigma within the health care setting can negatively affect patients’ health and might make them obsess concerning the number on a scale reasonably than on the health consequence.

Weight loss could also be obligatory to scale back risks and promote health. But weight reduction alone shouldn’t be the top goal: Rather, the main target must be on overall health. Tactics to scale back intake and suppress appetite require intention to be sure that the body receives the nutrients it must support health.

Additionally, I remind folks that long-term results require attention to weight loss program and lifestyle. When an individual stops taking a drugs, the condition it’s meant to treat can often return. If you stop taking your hypertension pills without altering your weight loss program and lifestyle, your blood pressure goes back up. The same effects can occur with medications used to treat cholesterol and obesity.

Nourish your body with nutrients

Despite the prevalence of obesity and the emergence of newer drugs to treat it, 95% of the world’s population doesn’t get enough of no less than one nutrient. According to at least one study, nearly one-third of Americans have been found to be vulnerable to no less than one nutrient deficiency. Additional research indicates that those actively attempting to drop some weight are more liable to nutrient deficiencies and inadequate intake.

For instance, a decline in iron intake can result in iron deficiency anemiawhich may cause fatigue in addition to an increased risk of many conditions. Adequate intake of calcium and Vitamin D reduce the chance of bone fracturesyet many individuals get lower than the really useful amounts of those nutrients.

It is true that a healthy body weight is related to reduced health risks and conditions. But if an individual loses weight in a way that doesn’t provide their body with adequate nourishment, then they might develop latest health concerns. For example, when an individual follows a weight loss program that severely restricts carbohydrates, comparable to the ketogenic weight loss programintake of many vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals – or biologically energetic compounds present in plants – and fiber are reduced. This can increase risk of nutrient deficiencies and impair the health of bacteria in our gut which might be essential for nutrient absorption and immune function.

Nutrition recommendations set by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide guidance and resources to assist meet nutrient needs to advertise health and stop disease, whatever the strategy used to drop some weight.

Optimizing health

There is little doubt that striving for a healthy body weight can reduce certain health risks and stop chronic disease. Whether an individual strives to keep up a healthy body weight through weight loss program alone or with medications to treat obesity, the next suggestions may also help optimize health while attempting to drop some weight.

1. Adopt an individualized approach to healthy behaviors that promote weight reduction while considering personal preferences, environmental challenges, health conditions and nutrient needs.

2. Focus on nutrient-dense foods to make sure the body is getting required nutrients for disease prevention and optimal function. If medications reduce your appetite, it’s crucial to maximise the quantity of nutrients within the foods you do eat.

3. Include exercise in your program. Weight loss in consequence of reduced calorie intake can decrease each fat and lean body mass, or muscle. An exercise routine that includes strength training will help improve muscle strength and preserve muscle during weight reduction.

4. Seek skilled help. If you’re uncertain about how one can adopt an individualized approach while ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients, refer to a registered dietitian. They can study your individual needs based on preferences, health conditions and goals to make dietary recommendations that support health.