Expanded Prescription of Anti-Obesity Drugs: While this Step Can Be Beneficial for Many, Diabetologists Caution against Unfounded Expectations
The National Agency for Medicinal Safety has greenlit general practitioners to prescribe weight-loss drugs Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda, starting June 23. Olivier Dupuy, a respected endocrinologist and nutritionist, applauds this move due to the soaring demand for such medication – yet notes potential hazards that warrant caution.
While these medications provide a solution for genuine obesity cases, Dupuy sounds the alarm on misuse. The critical factor? Balancing the drugs' potency with their possible side effects. In a nutshell, the medicines function as appetite suppressants and should be coupled with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
Now, let's delve deeper into the specifics:
Common Side Effects and Risks
The trio of drugs – Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda – tend to cause gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Other common minor adverse effects include fatigue, headache, dizziness, and appetite changes. To lessen these side effects, patients are advised to go easy on their food, consume bland meals, avoid flat positions post-meals, and get some fresh air.
More Serious Concerns
The long-term consequences? Not entirely risk-free. Be on the lookout for pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, gastroparesis, intestinal blockage, vision issues, thyroid tumors, and cardiovascular effects. These complications call for constant medical observation and individualized risk assessment.
Additional Considerations
- Wegovy often reaches a higher maintenance dose than Saxenda, which might increase the likelihood of side effects, like hair loss, experienced by patients after significant weight reduction.
- Dose escalation and monitoring play a critical role in minimizing the chances of adverse reactions.
By keeping these aspects in mind, we can strike an equilibrium between harnessing the potential benefits of these weight-loss drugs and navigating their potential pitfalls for improved outcomes.
[Source: Olivier Dupuy, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Nutrition Department Head, Saint-Joseph Hospital, Paris.]
French scientist Olivier Dupuy, a leading expert in diabetes, endocrinology, and nutrition, advocates for a cautious approach to the increasing use of anti-obesity medications like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda. While these drugs offer a solution for those with genuine obesity, Dupuy highlights the importance of pairing them with French health-and-wellness practices such as a balanced diet and regular exercise to manage potential risks associated with the medications, which include side effects such as gastrointestinal distress and long-term health concerns like pancreatitis and cardiovascular effects.
