A doctor has been raising awareness on the use of GLP-1 medications and how they can result in some users apparently putting weight on.
Doctor Tro is known for his videos and explainers on social media when it comes to a number of medical-related subjects, though the majority are focused on diet and nutrition.
The American health specialist opened up about the weight loss jabs, which were originally designed as treatment for those with type 2 diabetes, as they continue to skyrocket in popularity.
Celebrities have seemingly contributed to the likes of Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy becoming a common method to lose weight.
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These GLP-1 medications work by targeting the appetite receptors in the brain, making the user feel fuller for longer, meaning they'd eat less and theoretically lose weight.
Several side effects have come up around the use of the medications, from hair loss to digestion or skin sagging, but Doctor Tro took to YouTube to explain that while you may see weight being shed on the medication as blood sugar levels improve, they aren't long-term cures in any sense.
He explained: “People should know what’s the good, what’s the bad… most doctors don’t have the time to tell you what the drawbacks are.”
The doctor highlighted that gastrointestinal issues can be one of the major side effects, though he also opened up on the notion that users are reportedly gaining weight while on the medication.
This comes after a study suggested that GLP-1 drugs actually age your body by a decade, as the doctor highlighted that '50 percent' of patients stop taking the medication within a year due to its effects, though loss of lean mass will take place if the medication works properly.
Doctor Tro spoke about something called 'rebound weight gain', claiming that once you're off the medication, which is usually after about one to two years, you start to put all that weight back on rather quickly.
“50 percent of people will not stay on the drug more than a year because they just can’t tolerate it,” the expert claimed, adding: “People discontinue the medication and gain weight immediately - within a year they’ll gain most of it back.”
He pointed out that once the effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs fades, this is not only when weight starts to be put back on, but when appetite and cravings return - as some people continue to take the medication despite this, resulting in weight gain.
The doctor even noted that you're at risk of losing 'a lot of muscle mass' if you take the medication without changing your diet or regularly exercising.
He went on to claim that those who stop using the drug after losing muscle mass can experience a slower metabolism, which again can contribute to rebound weight gain.
“After a year their sweet cravings come back, their hunger comes back,” Doctor Tro stated, before adding: “They are not a cure - they’re a crutch, a tool, and a temporary tool.”
According to the expert, the way to stay healthy is down to muscle-preserving exercise, diet, and a long-term lifestyle which is focused on wellbeing.
A Novo Nordisk spokesperson said in a statement to LADbible: "Wegovy® (semaglutide injection) is indicated for weight management (including weight loss and weight maintenance) therefore some level of weight regain upon discontinuation of the medicine can be expected."
LADbible has also reached out to Eli Lilly for comment.
Joshua Nair