Same Problem, Different Solution
Close to 70% of all adult Americans, as well as an increasing number of children, are overweight or obese. The solution for society has been as elusive as it is simple: eat less. Eat better. Move more. But there’s one more part that’s the problem: for life. We could review the reasons why, but let’s look at alternative solutions.
I recently listened to a couple of podcasts that were completely unrelated but talked about the same subject: GLP-1 agonists. To review, GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that allow the manufacture of the hormone GLP-1. Without getting technical, GLP-1 helps the body release insulin which can lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in diabetics. It also functions to increase satiety so users don’t eat as much and thus lose weight. GLP-1 agonists aren’t a panacea. The come with side effects, but most are manageable. With that in mind, here is a recap of the conversations.
In the first discussion, a physician stated that he puts his overweight patients on a low dose of a GLP-1 agonist to help get their appetite under control. The objective is to help the individual reduce hunger while transitioning to a higher protein diet. It’s using the pharmaceutical the way it was designed. The result helps the patient lose weight with an exit strategy of adopting a new lifestyle of eating less and moving more. Of course, that depends on whether they can afford the medication.
I’ll talk about the second podcast on Saturday. It’s all about the money.
What are you prepared to do today?
