Weight-loss drugs - are they worth it?

What’s it all about?

New weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, which help control appetite, have shown promising results. However

• their use requires medical supervision to be effective, and

• they work best when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

How do they work?

These medications mimic natural hormones that regulate appetite, helping individuals feel full for longer and reduce food intake. Studies indicate that users can lose a substantial percentage of their body weight when combining these drugs with a healthy diet and exercise.

What’s the downside?

However, typical side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation, so it’s important to discuss using these drugs with a healthcare provider who can then monitor any unwanted side effects.

Experts stress that weight-loss medications should be part of a broader strategy for sustainable results, including lifestyle changes and psychological support.

If you use these drugs and don’t follow a healthy, nutrient-rich diet, you run the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies leading to tiredness and illness and can slow down weight loss.

Think hard about starting this course of treatment… it may be necessary to keep using these medications for a long time, as stopping can lead to you putting the weight on again.

Try to improve your diet and fitness level before starting this type of treatment. You will need to do this for the drugs to be effective, and you may find you don’t need to take the medicines after all.