With obesity rates rising in this country So many of our patients, friends and even family members have turned to GLP-1 weight loss medications to combat weight gain, diabetes and even heart disease.\u00a0 But what do we really know about these medications and are they safe?<\/p>\n Over time, weight loss medications have evolved, with the latest options including semaglutides and tarazepides. \u00a0\u00a0These medications have been studied rigorously and do appear to show many great benefits when it comes to both weight loss and overall health.\u00a0 However, there does appear to be an exceptionally large piece that I found to be missing when it comes to these medications and their prescriptions.\u00a0 The doctors that are prescribing these medications do not have the time or resources to provide proper education and follow-up to effectively manage the weight loss.\u00a0 So many patients are suffering consequences they may not even realize. Plus, if people stop taking these medications, they often regain the weight and more and the health issues end up returning. \u00a0This shows that even though the research supports the efficacy of these medications, patients should be asking what the long-term implications are and can they be negated with proper follow-up, education and care?<\/p>\n When we dig into the actual research studies and conditions of participation for the research behind all of these medications, we see significant lifestyle modifications that were also included in the management of weight loss. Every study that showed positive benefits with weight loss, cardiovascular and metabolic effects had all participants complete not only aerobic and strength training but also nutrition education and instruction on proper and safe eating habits. If these lifestyle modifications used in the research that showed such great benefits while using these medications aren\u2019t followed, then are we really able to fully benefit from the weight loss and at what expense?<\/p>\n Physicians that are simply prescribing these medications and not providing their patients with the entire protocol that the researchers used to get their significant results are putting their patients at risk for sarcopenia along with the possibility of rebounding once the weight loss medications are stopped. The question lies in whose responsibility does it becomes to educate and guide patients in the proper lifestyle changes to allow the full and safe success of the GLP-1 medication use?<\/p>\n To answer this question, we must discuss the many benefits that have been shown in the research with patients taking these medications. First and foremost is the significant weight loss, often about 1 to 2 pounds per week. Mostly due to the mechanism of action of the GLP-1 that includes targeting the hormone or hormones that increase satiety and thus allow the person to have the feeling of fullness with much less amounts of food. Second is the metabolic improvements that the drug offers including decreased blood glucose levels and thus lowering type 2 diabetes. Finally, we have the cardiovascular benefits that come from decreasing weight and blood glucose levels thus decreasing risk of cardiovascular events and stroke.<\/p>\n All of these benefits can be at a loss if the person that is on these medications does not undergo lifestyle changes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n So, who is responsible for proper education and implementation of the lifestyle changes needed to make the GLP-1 most successful.\u00a0 The answer lies in the entire health care team and patient! The need for education and training and a multidisciplinary approach of the proper health care providers is essential not only to optimize weight loss and overall health but to be able to maintain these positive changes safely and effectively.\u00a0 Rehab professionals are an essential team member to allow the most success for the patient taking GLP-1 medications. Sarcopenia should be a very important concern to anyone taking these medications. The rapid weight loss that occurs is often accompanied by rapid muscle loss.\u00a0 \u00a0Rehab professionals, including both physical and occupational therapists, play an essential role in educating and establishing the proper program of both aerobic and strength training exercises to decrease sarcopenia.\u00a0 Exercise also helps to stimulate metabolism and allows further enhancement of the weight loss to encourage greater fat loss with less muscle sacrifice.<\/p>\n A dietitian or nutritionist is another essential team member responsible for teaching the importance of a nutrient dense eating program. Since the patient will be eating less, it\u2019s very important that what they are eating is both nutrient dense and calorie poor.\u00a0 Choosing foods that are also high in fiber is important as the GLP-1 medications slow down digestion and peristalsis in the intestines and can cause constipation. So along with their physician a multidisciplinary team is essential to any patient taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss or the treatment of any chronic condition.\u00a0 This team can safely guide them to full success to achieving their health and weight goals throughout the course of care to allow optimum results and future successes.<\/p>\n In my webinar on GLP-1 weight loss medications we will discuss this team approach and the specific role rehabilitation professionals have in working with this group of patients, including the current challenges patients may face when being on these medications and how to maximize the benefits of weight loss while taking these GLP-1 Drugs.\u00a0 We will also discuss specific exercise programs and parameters needed to be able to maintain muscle and minimize muscle loss associated with these drugs. I hope you can attend the discussion!<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n About Summit Professional Education<\/strong><\/p>\n Summit equips Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Mental Health Therapists and SLPs with better continuing education courses that provide CEUs while impacting patient outcomes. Find high-quality on-demand CE along with the largest offering of live options \u2014 including live webinars, live streams, and in-person courses. Want to deep dive on a topic? Summit offers hundreds of 6-hour courses for the most in-depth learning!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogcontent.summit-education.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/PGLPJD.1.2CREDIT-300x195.avif\")
<\/a><\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nCheck Out:<\/h4>\n
May 12th: Nutritional Considerations While Taking GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n