Is it safe to use diabetes medications to lose weight?

Evaluating the effects and risks of using diabetes medications to lose weight and stating that GLP-1 agonists approved for weight loss are injectable drugs taken with a needle, Medical Biochemistry Specialist Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin expressed that "If you are not a type 2 diabetic, consult your doctor about alternatives to diabetes drugs."

Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin: "Unfortunately, patients regain most of the weight they lost as with other weight loss drugs, especially when they stop taking drugs before a year. Also, the medicines are very expensive, they need to be stored in the refrigerator."

Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin from the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine (English), evaluated the effects and risks of using diabetes medications to lose weight.

Lifestyle changes must be made first to lose weight!

Pointing out that the use of Type 2 diabetes drugs, especially GLP-1 agonists (weight loss drugs) to lose weight has become increasingly common recently, Prof. Tekkeşin noted that various diabetes drugs not only help in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, but also help patients lose weight, and said that "The best approach to weight loss is always to make behavioral and lifestyle changes first."

7 hours of sleep is the key to successful weight loss...

Explaining that regular exercise, healthy nutrition and adequate sleep are among the principles necessary for long-term success, Prof. Tekkeşin stated that "Try to do moderate-intensity exercise such as walking for at least 30 minutes every day. Eat a high-protein breakfast. Limit sugary drinks. Take advantage of whole foods. Eat mindfully. Eat slowly by enjoying. Also, reduce your calorie intake and avoid high-fat, sugary, and ultra-processed foods. Aim for 7 hours of sleep each night. This is the key to successful weight loss."

These drugs may be preferred for some people with severe appetite problems

Stating that patients who use weight loss drugs with healthy lifestyle changes lose an average of 10 percent of their body weight, while this rate remains at 3-6 percent in patients who only use drugs, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin expressed that "In addition to lifestyle choices, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists, which are used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, may be preferred for some people with serious appetite problems. Patients usually need to meet one of 3 criteria to be eligible to receive GLP-1 agonists. These include if they have a Body Mass Index BMI of 30 or higher, have a BMI of 27 and other major medical conditions, and are overweight with a BMI of 25 and Type 2 diabetes..."

Can injectable weight loss drugs taken with a needle be used for a long time?

Stating that there are currently two products approved as GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, both of which are safe for long-term use, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin reminded that another drug approved for diabetes does not have full approval for weight loss purposes. Noting that diabetes drugs, especially GLP-1 receptor agonists, work through different mechanisms to promote weight loss, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin stated that "GLP-1 agonists do not directly cause weight loss, they cause weight loss by promoting the pancreas to release insulin, lowering blood sugar, reducing general appetite and slowing down the emptying of the stomach (making you feel full for a longer time). GLP-1 agonists approved for weight loss are injectable drugs that are taken with a needle."

It also helps prevent cardiovascular complications such as high blood pressure and heart attack

Stating that there are two different types of drugs taken daily and weekly, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that "GLP-1 agonists also help prevent cardiovascular complications such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and heart disease."

Do diabetes medications cause side effects?

Noting that these drugs are approved by the FDA as a treatment for those who want to lose weight, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin stated that "GLP-1 agonists are adjusted from time to time to reach the maintenance dose and minimize side effects. The benefits often outweigh the side effects. However, some patients may experience some side effects while using these drugs, but usually these do not require discontinuation of the drug."

Stating that the common side effects of these drugs are fatigue, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain and indigestion, and low blood sugar, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin continued her remarks as follows:

"Certain GLP-1 drugs may increase the risk of developing certain medical conditions. Gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (thyroid cancer), multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2 (MEN2), diabetic retinopathy (eye problems), high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, any digestive disorders, and pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy should avoid these medications."

Weight loss success rates

Stating that the findings obtained after about a year of treatment on how effective GLP-1s are in helping people lose weight are 10 kg in one drug and 15 kg in the other, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said that "Unfortunately, patients regain most of the weight they lost as with other weight loss drugs, especially when they stop taking drugs before a year.” Also, the drugs are very expensive, they need to be refrigerated, and 90 percent of people experience some side effects, usually mild to moderate."

Advice from the expert

Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin said to those who are considering weight loss treatment and want to use diabetes medications that "Diabetes drugs are not suitable for everyone. Understanding your options can help you and your doctor make the best decision for you. If you are curious about these treatment options but do not have Type 2 diabetes, consult your doctor about alternatives to diabetes medications. Talk to your doctor or a bariatric medicine professional about which approach is best for you. Keep in mind that you may experience potential side effects when using these medications, ranging from common nausea and indigestion to more serious stomach, gallbladder, and kidney problems. However, people with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer should not use injectable diabetes medications for weight loss."

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)