PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — GLP-1 agonist medications are becoming more popular. Serena Williams, who joined Charles Barkley as an ambassador for tele-health company Ro, is among the celebrities using it for weight loss.
Dr. Peminda Cabandugama, an endocrinologist with the Cleveland Clinic, said studies show patients’ weight loss with GLP-1 drugs often also includes lean muscle mass.
In some cases, Cabandugama said the loss is from 15% to 60%, so patients need to be proactive to make sure the medications’ benefits outweigh the side effects.
“The key to weight loss and especially weight loss maintenance is always going to be diet and exercise," Cabandugama said.
Cabandugama said it is important for patients to prioritize strength and resistance training to keep the weight off in the long term and stay healthy.
“Things like free weights, things like the weight machines help, and a lot of my patients who might be a little bit older, I recommend things like water exercises," Cabandugama said.
With a lack of appetite, some patients are not prioritizing protein intake. Cabandugama said patients need to be proactive about their nutrition and include about 35 grams of protein with every meal.
These medications have different side effects on different patients and there is still ongoing research, so be sure to discuss your case with a physician. If you are on this medication with the help of a physician, how are you being proactive? Share your tips in the comment section below.
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