THE INTERVIEW: Life after weight-loss medication — what happens when the injections stop?
The arrival of drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro has transformed weight loss. But what happens when people stop taking them? In her new book, dietitian and public health researcher Dr Linia Patel examines the uncomfortable realities of weight regain, muscle loss and the importance of looking beyond the scale.
In Dr Linia Patel's new book, "Life After Weight-Loss Medication," she explores the consequences of discontinuing drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, which have revolutionized weight loss. The studies reveal that when participants stop taking semaglutide, they regain approximately two-thirds of the weight lost within a year. Moreover, 39% of the initial weight loss is attributed to the loss of lean mass, primarily muscle and organ tissue, which are crucial for daily bodily functions and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
The author emphasizes the detrimental effects of weight regain, especially in older individuals who already have less muscle mass to draw upon for recovery. She warns that a decline in lean mass can lead to sarcopenia, a condition characterized by progressive loss of strength, function, and independence. Older people, who start the process with less muscle reserve, are particularly vulnerable to this issue.
Dr Patel highlights the importance of maintaining muscle mass through proper nutrition, strength training, and stress management. She advocates for a comprehensive approach to weight management, which she refers to as NEAI: Nourish, Energise, Align, and Integrate. Nourish focuses on eating habits that support satiety, gut health, and muscle maintenance; Energise emphasizes the significance of consistent movement, sleep, and recovery; Align addresses the psychological aspects of weight management, including emotional eating and cravings.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
