GLP-1 Weight Maintenance: Benefits and Risks
Using GLP-1s to Maintain Normal Weight: Benefits and Risks
GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, originally for overweight individuals, are increasingly used post-bariatric surgery to prevent weight regain or by those seeking minor losses. These medications mimic hormones to curb appetite and slow digestion, yielding 10-20% body weight reduction in studies, enhancing metabolic health.
Key Benefits Beyond Weight Control
Users often see improved blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, plus relief from conditions like sleep apnea, joint pain, and fatty liver disease. Emerging research links them to reduced dementia, addiction, and heart risks, making them valuable for sustained wellness when paired with diet and exercise.
Potential Risks and Considerations
However, gastrointestinal issues like nausea are common initially, while long-term concerns include muscle loss, bone density reduction, and rare serious effects such as pancreatitis or gallstones. Post-surgery or normal-weight use heightens malnutrition risks, demanding vigilant medical oversight to balance gains against potential harms.
