Pros, cons of weight loss drugs

CHICAGO (WLS) — We’ve made this January “Wellness Month” here on ABC7 and we’re tackling a hot topic: weight loss drugs. The pros, cons and who can benefit from it.

Dr. Catherine H. Toomer is founder of the TTotal Weight Care Institute.

ABC7 Chicago is now broadcast 24/7. Click here to watch

Toomer talked about the different types of weight loss medications, what people should know before starting, who is a good candidate for weight loss medications, and how one can get started.

Myths provided by Dr. Toomer

1. Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) are weight loss drugs. They actually treat and reverse the metabolic cause of weight gain, primarily in the brain.

2. Anyone who takes a GLP1 medication to control their weight is cheating and taking the “easy way out.” These medications only work for significant weight loss if a metabolic disease is treated.

3. GLP1 drugs cause muscle loss. Muscle loss is a nutritional problem, not a drug problem, and can be easily combated.

4. GLP1 causes thyroid cancer, stomach paralysis and pancreatitis. The most common complications were only seen in tests on rats (thyroid cancer) or are complications of diseases treated by the drug (type 2 diabetes).

Facts provided by Dr. Toomer

1. GLP1 medications benefit users for more than just weight management. They reduce: addictions, inflammation & pain, depression & anxiety, dementia risk, heart risk & kidney disease, infertility…we are just beginning to understand all the benefits.

2. GLP1 medications are designed to be used for life. We have been using GLP1 drugs for 20 years to treat chronic metabolic diseases that are well controlled but do not go away.

3. GLP1 greatly facilitates health-promoting lifestyle changes. They act on the brain to reduce: production of fat rather than fuel, food noise, cravings/addictions, mood instability, false hunger signals.

4. The most dangerous complications are extremely rare, especially when prescribed and monitored appropriately by a competent professional. In the 15 years I have been prescribing these medications, I have seen only mild side effects (common and expected) and no complications.

Real Dangers of Medications Described by Dr. Toomer

1. Misuse or abuse of the medication

A. May trigger disordered eating (food aversions) or disordered eating (anorexia)

b. Using medications prescribed for someone else

c. Taking doses not approved by the FDA

d. Taking medication without knowing the source

2. May Make Underlying Heart Rhythm Problems Worse

3. Gastroparesis (paralysis) in case of pre-existing intestinal motility problems

4. Dehydration leading to kidney failure

5. Blindness: non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) – very rare

6. Pancreatitis – still no known direct link, but an indirect link due to gallstones due to weight loss.