The Real Story Behind Weight Loss Shots

Let's talk about weight loss trends, with the hottest topic right now being weight loss injections.

If they sound to good to be true, they usually are. We, as women, are always ready to try anything to lose a few pounds right? But at what risk?

There's always a reason for concern when you see weight loss clinics popping up everywhere that promise bold results with minimal effort. Now, don't get me wrong, when used appropriately, with the right monitoring and support program they can change a persons life. But they are not meant to be long-term and they are not the miracle solution.

Is very important to understand the underlying causes of your weight struggles. Without addressing the underlying causes, you were setting yourself up for serious health risks.

Remember the Phen-Fen Era? These two medications were being given out in record numbers, only to find out they were causing cardiac complications in women. One was taken off of the market for the severe health risks that it was causing. Phentermine is still available, however is now a controlled substance to be monitored and used with extreme caution, with recommended cardiac clearance prior to use. 

Then came gastric bypass and banding surgery, which may have helped women to lose weight, but lead to more complications, malnourishment, chronic nausea, bone loss and fatigue.

I would like to mention that with both of these weight loss options, weight was regained rapidly when the medication was discontinued and after surgery, stomachs progressively reacclimated to increased portions again over time. 

Now we have GLP-1 medications as the hot new leader in the weight loss world. 

GLP-1 shots encourage insulin release from the pancreas to help lower blood sugar levels, increases the volume of pancreatic beta-cells, inhibit glucagon release, and increase satiety after meals by acting on the appetite regulation centers in the brain and slowing gastric emptying. Common gastrointestinal (GI) complaints that can arise when using GLP-1s include nausea, diarrhea/constipation, loss of appetite and vomiting. 

The use of these medications has also been associated with an increased risk of liver and gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, bowel obstruction and paralysis of the small intestine. GLP-1 medications interfere with the absorption and utilization of essential vitamins and minerals in the body, they can potentially lead to nutrient depletions over time. 

The top nutrient depletions include vitamin B12, folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin D, and zinc. In addition to fat loss, ongoing caloric restriction can also result in unhealthy loss of muscle mass; therefore, maintaining adequate protein intake and resistance training is key to helping maintain lean body mass. This changes fat distribution and can cause the skin to sag and appear older.

There is also a serious, potential correlation to an increase in pancreatic cancer still under investigation. 

There is already proof that just as in the past, when this is no longer available, there will be a price to pay. There will be rebound weight gain due to the way it blocks the body's normal production of hormones  like ghrelin and leptin as has occurred with every other weight loss fad before it. 

I tell you all of these things, because I want you to be informed. There is no miracle for weight loss. Obesity is COMPLICATED! There are a lot going on that needs looked at.  If you want true, safe, long-term weight loss, without extremes or restrictions, you have to understand what is happening. 

Is your weight related to inflammation?

Is it related to toxins that have accumulated in your body? Toxins that are released with rapid weight loss increasing your risk of cancer? 

Is your weight struggle related to poor gut health. We often see this in people who don't lose weight even using the extreme measures.

Is there a metabolism issue with your thyroid or liver? 

Functional medicine addresses all of these things. Safely! Effectively!

Blessings In Health!

Marcia Jones, NP

P.S. If you are interested in Functional Medicine for your women’s health, thyroid support, hormonal bliss, adrenal health and answers to lingering misery, you can schedule with me at marciajonesnp.com.

Marcia Jones, NP offers a Hormone Focused Functional Medicine Clinic, replacing fear, uncertainty and despair with answers, guidance and HOPE in breast cancer and hormonal health through functional medicine.