Hunger, Fullness, and Weight Loss Injections
HOT TOPICS IN MEDICINE
Hunger, Fullness, and Weight Loss Injections
This is the first in an ongoing series exploring current medical topics that are receiving significant media attention. The longer I spend in medicine, the more I realise that the complexity of medical issues can often prevent people from truly understanding their own health, which may limit their ability to take control of it. When these issues make their way into the mainstream media, they are often presented with a particular narrative or agenda, which may not provide the unbiased explanation that people need to be fully informed.
Aside from media portrayals, many people turn to their favourite search engine for medical information. While it’s great to have so much information at our fingertips, this also comes with a challenge. Most people lack the knowledge to evaluate the quality, accuracy, and relevance of the information to their own circumstances.
Obesity is one such topic currently in the spotlight, and it remains a major public health issue worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 1 billion people are classified as obese. Obesity is the leading preventable cause of death and is linked to significantly increased risks of heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
This issue has gained more attention recently, with the emergence of weight loss injections like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, depending on the dosage and preparation) and liraglutide. Other medications are currently under development. While these drugs are primarily available privately, the NHS has started offering them to specific patient groups, and the government is considering expanding this programme, likely in recognition of the potential health benefits associated with significant weight loss.
Public opinion on these medications is divided. Some hail them as life-changing treatments for obesity, one of the most prevalent health conditions in the world. Others regard them as ‘cheating’.
While people are entitled to their own opinions, I strongly encourage a deeper understanding of the what, why, how, and who of these medications, in order to consider yourself fully informed.
What are these medications?
In broad terms, these medications influence your appetite, digestion, and/or metabolism, sometimes through a combination of effects. The active ingredients mimic the release of a protein that is naturally released when we eat. This protein helps suppress appetite by sending signals to the brain to indicate that you’ve already eaten. The medications also slow down the movement of food through the digestive system, helping you feel full for longer. Additionally, they improve how your body processes and responds to blood sugar, which can reduce food cravings.
Why would someone take them?
These medications are particularly useful for people with type 2 diabetes, a condition caused by insulin resistance (where type 1 is due to a reduced ability to produce insulin). Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with other metabolic conditions, including obesity. Many patients also report an improved relationship with food due to reduced cravings, which can be beneficial for anyone affected by obesity.
In addition, some people take these medications to improve their perceived physical appearance. There has been speculation that some high-profile celebrities have used these injections, sparking controversy. Critics argue that those who can afford the medications are depriving diabetics of much-needed treatment. However, there is currently no convincing evidence to support this claim.
How do they work?
These medications work by mimicking the action of chemical messengers in the body, most commonly GLP-1 and GIP. This leads to appetite suppression, slower food movement through the stomach and intestines (causing a feeling of fullness), and improved blood sugar management (the original benefit of these medications for treating type 2 diabetes).
Who should take them?
Specific guidelines govern who can be prescribed these medications for obesity, and these are constantly evolving. One factor considered is Body Mass Index (BMI), such as a BMI of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more with weight-related complications like type 2 diabetes. For type 2 diabetes, they may be prescribed when glucose control cannot be achieved with first-line oral medications. There is also an expanding list of other weight-related health conditions that may qualify someone for these medications.
Recently, there have been indications that the government may expand the use of weight loss injections to help people with health conditions return to work. Watch this space!
Some people seek medical help purely to lose weight, with or without other health conditions. In these cases, prescriptions are usually made privately, through a specific provider, after a consultation with an appropriately trained medical professional. This often includes scheduled reviews and adjustments to the dosage over time.
Are there any risks?
Like all medical treatments, these medications carry both risks and benefits. I’ve left this until near the end of this article, as I know that people often fixate on negative information. There have been reports of serious complications, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), kidney failure, and thyroid tumours. These complications are thought to be rare, affecting less than 1% of users. However, since these medications are still being used on a larger scale, it is important to remain aware that new information may emerge.
Less serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhoea), fatigue, and mental health symptoms, have also been reported. This is why it is essential for these medications to be prescribed and monitored by trained professionals. These are not drugs to buy from ‘a friend’ on the internet.
Final thoughts
If you’ve read this far, thank you! As with all my content, I encourage you to adapt, adopt, or disregard what fits your circumstances. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or feedback on this topic—or any other!
Disclaimer: This article is intended as generic educational material for non-medically qualified individuals. It does not serve as a substitute for personalised medical advice from a professional who can take an appropriate medical history, access medical records, conduct a physical examination, and arrange for regular follow-ups.